Red pout, perfect curls, curvy figureâyou know who she is. But hereâs something you might not have known: while we can all picture the classic pinups of the WWII years and the high-flying fifties, the history of our beloved pinup girl goes back much earlier. In fact, according to the Huffington Post, the pinup dates all the way back to the 1800sâwith the invention of the modern bicycle!
History lesson aside, itâs safe to say that the classic pinup girl look is still going strong today. Just take a look at Buzzfeedâs roundup of pinup Instagrammers for proof. One thing that makes the look so popular is the way it changes with the times. Yes, itâs those classic, vintage touches that give the pinup her powerâbut she updates her look to stay current.
So how do you create a modern pinup? Weâll take you through it, from makeup basics to expert styling.
The Pinup Hair
First things firstâitâs not a true pinup without those perfect rolls.
The Curls
Going for that 40s look? Patriotic victory rolls are perfectâand, as an added bonus, pretty simple to master. The sky-high bangs of the 50s are another easy bet. And youâre in luck, because we covered how to do both in our post on retro hairstyles.
Basically, the key to pinup hair is volume. You donât have to get complicated with your curlsâjust make them big. Classic pinup hair tends to be smooth-as-silk with no frizz in sight, though with summer coming we all know that wonât last long (thanks for nothing, humidity).
Perfect pinup hair is ideal for a vintage-themed styled shoot, but you can also make the look a little more modern. Try styling those victory rolls a little looser and messier. Colorfully died hair also brings a modern touch to a set of vintage curls.
The Details
Curls, volume, and a frizz-free âdo are pinup staples, but the fun doesnât end there! A bandana, a big bow, or even a vintage hat can be the perfect accessory to complete the look. If youâre struggling to get the volume or you canât quite master the curls you wanted, any of these accessories can save the day.
The Pinup Makeup
Now that youâve got your curls down, itâs time to move on to a vintage-inspired makeup look. Most of these techniques youâve already mastered. The red lip, the sharp cat-eye, and the thick lashes are classics that are just as big today as they were at the height of pinup.
The Skin
Classic pinup curls never have a hair out of place, and the skin should match. Primer, concealer, and a good foundation are all essentials in achieving a flawless base. Youâll also need a bright blush to get that signature rosy glow.
But remember, weâre channeling this style for a new era. For a modern pinup look that’s a little more laid back, you can always just stick with a few dabs of concealer and a bit of blush.
The Eyes
Start by neatening up your brows. After learning about classic pinup hair and skin, itâs probably no surprise to hear that this look favors bold brows with not a hair out of place!
Next up is a basic shadow application. Once youâve primed your lids, cover them with a white, beige, or champagne shadow to help widen your eyes. A dark brown shade blended in the crease completes the shadowâor, for a modern twist, try adding a little bit of color.
And of course, no pinup would be complete without the signature cat eye. Stop for an everyday touch of vintage style, or go all out by finishing the eyes off with a thick set of false lashes.
The Lips
Do we really need to say it? A sharp red pout practically defines the pinup look. Paired with those classic cat eyes, though, donât be afraid to switch it up for a bold berry- or brown-toned lipstick instead.
To give the color some staying power, blot the lipstick between layers, then dust on some translucent powder before adding another layer of color.
The Pinup Style
You donât need to go full vintage to pull off pinup hair and makeup, but a few era-appropriate pieces are always fun additions to the look. Instead of overhauling your entire closet (goodbye, groceries for the next month), take a look at what you have already. Prints, classic pieces, and vintage staples can help you complete your modern pinup style without making you look like youâre on your way to a costume party.
Look out forâŚ
- Vintage prints. Polka dots, stripes, cherries, and animal prints have a vintage vibe thatâs easy to translate into an everyday outfit.
- Classic pieces. A pencil skirt or simple blouse pairs well with anything. Bonus: if you need to dress up for a job interview, youâre set!
- Vintage staples. Donât splurge on a whole set of pinup-inspired tops. Instead, go for a knee-length skirt or high-waisted jeans. Theyâll keep that vintage vibe while pairing easily with anything else in your closet.
Whether youâre creating a special look for a client, creating the concept for a styled shoot, or practicing something new on yourself, you donât have to follow all of these rules to a T! Instead, pick and choose some pinup hair, makeup, and style essentials for a look that channels the pinup vibeâwith your own modern twist.
