Ever wondered how Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle manage to look effortlessly sophisticated? It’s all about Old Money Makeup—a beauty trend that channels the classic elegance of Hollywood’s golden age and the subtle luxury of old money families. This trend is everywhere on social media—Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are brimming with tutorials and ideas for achieving this chic, sophisticated look.
Ready to achieve that flawless, understated look? Here’s everything you need to know!
Minimalistic Approach:
The heart of Old Money Makeup is simplicity. Think neutral colors and a barely-there touch of makeup that whispers elegance rather than shouts it. The goal is to achieve a refined appearance that highlights your natural beauty.
Flawless Skin:
Perfect skin is crucial to this aesthetic. Prioritize your skincare routine to ensure a glowing, even complexion. Opt for high-quality foundation and concealer that seamlessly blend into your skin tone. Remember, flawless skin is the canvas for timeless beauty.
Soft Eye Makeup:
Keep your eye makeup subtle with light, neutral eyeshadows. A touch of mascara will enhance your lashes, giving your eyes definition without overpowering your look. This approach adds just the right amount of refinement to your gaze.
Blush and Highlight:
To achieve that youthful glow, apply a subtle blush to your cheeks and a delicate highlighter to the high points of your face. This adds dimension and a healthy radiance that’s quintessentially elegant.
Classic Lipstick:
Finish off your Old Money Makeup look with a neutral or soft red lip color. It should blend harmoniously with your skin tone, adding a polished touch without being too bold.
The Classic Charm of Old Money Makeup
You might wonder what makes Old Money Makeup so special. Well, it’s all about timeless elegance and sophistication that has evolved over the decades. Let’s take a quick journey through its history to see how this classic look has changed over time.
Early 20th Century: The Flapper Look
Back in the 1920s, the Flapper Look was all the rage, characterized by dark, smoky eyes, cupid’s bow lips, and heavily powdered faces. While many women were embracing bold new trends, the old money aesthetic leaned towards a more subtle and refined approach, focusing on natural beauty rather than making a bold statement.
As we moved into the 1930s and 1940s, Hollywood’s Golden Age brought us icons like Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn, who epitomized grace and sophistication. Their makeup was all about flawless skin, soft eye makeup, and that classic red lip, perfectly capturing the old money vibe.
Mid 20th Century
The 1950s saw a return to a polished look with an emphasis on flawless skin, pink hues for lips and cheeks, and the iconic eyeliner flick. This era, influenced by stars like Marilyn Monroe, celebrated a refined beauty that looked effortlessly chic.
By the 1960s, the Mod Makeup trend emerged with bold eyeshadows and heavily mascaraed lower lashes, but the old money look remained understated. Think Jackie Kennedy’s natural makeup style that added a touch of elegance without being over the top.
Late 20th Century
The 1970s embraced a more natural approach with sun-kissed skin and minimalistic makeup. The bohemian spirit of the decade celebrated a laid-back, earthy beauty that felt both fresh and timeless.
In the 1980s, we saw a shift towards Power Makeup, characterized by vibrant colors and dramatic contouring. It was an era of bold self-expression, but the old money style still held onto its classic elegance.
The 1990s brought us Minimalist Chic, with dark matte lips and simple eye makeup. Influenced by the grunge movement, this decade favored a more understated, yet edgy approach to beauty.
Modern Influence
Now, from the 2000s to today, beauty trends are a mix of natural looks and bold styles. Social media and beauty influencers have reinvigorated past trends with fresh, innovative twists, keeping Old Money Makeup as stylish and relevant as ever.
Shows like “Succession” and the revival of vintage fashion have brought this timeless look back into the spotlight. Now, the focus is on achieving a natural, sophisticated appearance with high-quality products and minimalistic application.
10 Old Money Makeup looks You Can Recreate
These looks capture the essence of Old Money Makeup, blending classic elements with modern techniques to create a style that’s both timeless and contemporary. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to feel effortlessly elegant, these looks offer a touch of sophistication that never goes out of style.
Here are 10 Old Money Makeup looks to inspire your next elegant and timeless beauty routine:
1. Classic Red Lips
My personal favorite. This look features a bold red lip paired with minimal eye makeup and flawlessly smooth skin. It channels the iconic glamour of Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly, creating a striking yet sophisticated appearance.
2. Soft Glam
For those special occasions, soft glam is the way to go. This style combines neutral eyeshadows, subtle eyeliner, and a soft pink lip, offering a sophisticated touch without being overly dramatic.
3. No Makeup Makeup
If you prefer a natural look, the no-makeup makeup style is perfect. With barely-there foundation, light blush, and a touch of mascara, it enhances your natural beauty in a way that feels effortless and understated.
4. Vintage Hollywood
Channel the elegance of old Hollywood with winged eyeliner, matte red lips, and defined brows. This classic look, inspired by stars like Audrey Hepburn, exudes timeless glamour and sophistication.
5. Natural Glow
Embrace a radiant complexion with dewy skin, nude lips, and soft, neutral eyeshadows. This look emphasizes a healthy glow, perfect for those who want to highlight their natural beauty.
6. Soft Smokey Eye
An elegant smokey eye in neutral tones, paired with nude lips, adds a touch of drama while remaining refined. This timeless look is perfect for creating a sophisticated and eye-catching appearance.
7. Bold Brows
Well-defined, natural-looking brows combined with minimal eye makeup and red lips create a look inspired by the strong brow trends of the 1940s and 1950s. It’s a chic and polished style that enhances your features with confidence.
8. Peachy Keen
Add a pop of color with peach-toned blush and lipstick, complemented by light, shimmery eyeshadow. This fresh and youthful look brings a vibrant touch to your beauty routine.
9. Matte Perfection
For a polished and sophisticated appearance, go for matte foundation, matte eyeshadows, and a matte lip color. This look exudes confidence and elegance, ideal for those who prefer a more refined style.
10. Timeless Elegance
Neutral eyes, soft blush, and a classic nude lip define this everyday look. It’s all about subtlety and grace, making it a perfect choice for a simple yet sophisticated beauty routine.
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