Darlings, just a quick post today on this lovely vintage vamp makeup tutorial. This look from the silent film era began emerging in the mid-1910′s and continued to play strongly into the post-WWI emphasis for heavier makeup and more sexualized beauty. The dark eyes, evoking the sinister sexuality of the female vampire (or “vamp”), are also a nod to the vogue for Orientalism and all things exotic at the time, deliciously embodied by the striking Theda Bara in the banner pic above. Hope this gets your creative juices flowing for Halloween, my dears…we have just 68 days to go!
UPDATE: Ah well, what can I say but that I’m a sucker for this look? Here’s a whole gallery of lovely vamps of the silent film era, notably Nita Naldi, Pola Negri, Louise Glaum, Musidora (aka Irma Vep) and, of course, more Theda Bara. If you let these dark ladies inspire your Halloween look, think draping fabrics, exotic jewelry and headresses, and flowing dresses or scarves to complete your attire.
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Those eyes are great! We’ll all be wanting the 1920′s Gatsby Glam before the year is out…….Now for a stunning 20′s beaded frock for New Years Eve ….hhhmmm -Deb
Thanks, Deb! I’m disappointed that Gatsby’s not releasing until Christmas, but what a perfect time of the year for gorgeous, sparkly dresses. It will be an Art Deco New Year for certain!
By the way, thank you so much for being my 1,000 comment on the site – I love to know that people read and enjoy the posts here. Cheers to you, darling!
Very cool. You know, I just did a photo shoot yesterday with a “crazy & beautiful” concept with some great eye makeup – I think you might like.
Ooooh, how fantastic. I hope you share them – I’d love to see!
Absolutely! Not sure when I’ll be getting them, hopefully within the next month but will let you know!
I love that look. I wish I could bob my hair to look like the woman in the photo but my hair just won’t behave that way. I love that Theda Bara vamp look. I would wear it every day if I could but I think it’s probably a little too much for most work venues. Sadly.
I don’t believe anyone’s hair actually behaves that way without some kind of industrial fixative. I call shenanigans on that hair and just wear wigs instead!
Very cool! Theda Bara is my favorite silent screen actress…
Thanks! I had to make myself stop at 30 photos – they were so gorgeous.
Yeah, she is mesmerising to look at! Lovely post!
Great post! I love this! I am seriously considering going with a 1920s look for next year’s zombie walk.
Thanks, Goregirl! That would be an amazing look for a zombie walk. Take pictures if you do!
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That was amazing watching that !! Loving the 1920′s look !!
Thanks, Sharon! I think it would definitely be fun for Halloween!
I really like the silent movie vamps! Well done.
Thank you, Vampyrefangs! I just find this look so striking.
So do I, Eva. The silent film actresses had eyes that don’t seem to have made the transfer to modern times. What a loss for the cinema… and us.
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Heh, I like too! You should watch Bollywood sometime, esp some of the movies from the 70s (and google Helen – she is an absolute rockstar). Make-up, esp how the girls’ eyes are kohl-ed, is still the “moral” anchor in some mainstream Indian films, telling you if she is a good virtuous girl or ‘vamp’!
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