Vintage Beauty in the Modern Age: Downton Abbey Inspired Look

I am a fan of the TV series Downton Abbey. For those of you who have not seen the show, it is about a very rich family and their servants living in a massive estate in Yorkshire, England in 1912. I've always been interested in period dramas and Downton Abbey is one of the best. Especially when it comes down to the fashion and beauty of the early 1900's which are so different than the makeup looks we see today. After doing some research, I decided to do a makeup look based on the characters in Downton Abbey and historically accurate makeup techniques of that period.

Facts about 1910's Makeup:

• It was frowned upon to have any tan or color to your skin- as it was an indication of class. The rich did not work and protected their skin from the sun while the working class were more tanned from working outside. Pale skin was very sought after to show the public that you were upper class. 
• To look very "made up" was frowned upon and women wore very minimal makeup at that time. Mascara had just come on the scene but was not yet popular making eye makeup practically non-existent.
• Little pots of rouge would be utilized to create a rosy flush on the cheeks and a bitten stain on the lips.

For today's look I kept things very minimal. Eye makeup consisted of a very light brown blended into the crease and along the bottom lashline. I added a very light coat of mascara as my eyelashes are blonde and practically invisible without it. The face was kept clean with foundation and a rosy blush just on the apples of the cheeks. For lips I applied a few swipes of a deep plum lipstick and dabbed it in with my fingers until only a slight stain was left on the lips. 

And that sums it up! The look is simple and minimal but comes across as feminine and fresh. Would you wear the pared-down rosy Downton Abbey look? Are you a fan of the show? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Products Used:

Face: Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation mixed with Bourjois Health Mix Serum Foundation, Bobbi Brown Correction in Porcelain (to highlight), Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser (undereyes and blemishes) and NARS Translucent Crystal Setting Powder. 

Cheeks: NARS Amour blush

Eyes: Naked and Darkhorse (Urban Decay Naked Palette), Wet n Wild Brulee and Covergirl Clump Crusher.

Lips: Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 108

Thanks for reading!