Jessica Herman

Until this week, I thought that the high glamour of painted ladies from my grandmother's era was trapped in "the olden days." I was wrong.

Vintage makeup is alive and thriving at Silver Moon (1755 West North, (773)235-5797), where storeowner and freelance wardrobe artist Liz Meyer offers airbrush-applied makeovers that replicate classic vintage looks.

Meyer began offering the technique because customers buying vintage ensembles wanted a complete, stylized look.

"Makeup today is so natural," she said. "[This] is all about glamour and color."

Vintage glamour and color comes in the form of stylized makeup, fake lashes and slick curvaceous locks that take a 1920s evening gown to the next level. Think starlets from the twenties and thirties.

Meyer begins the makeover by mixing a pigment to match the client's skin tone. She then uses an airbrush gun to spray on the foundation, creating a flawless matte effect that draws attention to the facial features she accentuates according to a client's era of choice. For instance, a fifties look calls for heavy eyeliner and strong red lips while the twenties aesthetic translates into smoky eyes, cupid's bow lips and deep shades like plum and orangey red.

If you'd like to try vintage makeup DIY-style, the old motion pictures are a great place to start for inspiration. Meyer also recommends checking out two books by Daniela Turudich entitled "Vintage Face" and "1940s Hairstyles."

(2005-08-02)

Also by Jessica Herman

Big Designs
Karolina Zmarlak got quite a graduation gift this year
(2005-07-26)

Runway Rundown
The fashion show is booming in Chicago--and the runways aren't hotdog lined
(2005-07-21)

Talking shop
Two years ago, a group of nine women eager to create a sense of community in and around the local fashion industry started getting together to swap advice on everything from finding pattern makers to fabric sources
(2005-07-19)

Antiquing 101
What's old is new in home décor
(2005-07-05)

Gardening 101
(2005-06-24)

Fresh aerobics
(2005-05-31)

Market Prowl
(2005-05-24)

Swimming in Sephora
(2005-05-17)

A Fair Bargain
(2005-05-03)

Open for Business
(2005-04-26)

Beyond Ikea
(2005-04-19)

Open for business
(2005-03-29)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment