We might not be heading back in time to the roaring 20s but we’re sure excited to check out the classic beauty looks the film will be bringing to life. In case you decide to have your own little Gatsby party, we consulted some top makeup artists and hairstylists to get the skinny on how to rock that 20s style.
Gatsby-Inspired Hair
The flappers sure knew a thing or two about making a hair statement. All those sleek, slicked back bobs and bejeweled headbands certainly make us nostalgic for a time long past. We turned to Blowtique‘s creative director and celebrity stylist Rhona Kane, for some tips on achieving that unique 20s look.
- Accessories are a must! Finish your look off with a fun embellishment like a broach or necklace that can be pinned at the crown.
- Texture is key. Activate your hair’s natural texture with a dry shampoo or beach spray like Oribe’s Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray.
- Want a little more volume at the base of your hair? Wrap locks around a 1/2-inch curling iron to create fingerwave-type texture.
Get the look
CHI Creative Artist Anna Cantu offers her tips for recreating the film’s iconic faux bob.
- Start off by creating a side part.
- Next, smooth your hair with your favorite flatiron (Anna used CHI’s Hairstyling Iron). While straightening, direct hair ends inward with the iron.
- A sleek finish is key to this look, so make sure to smooth any flyways around your part and hairline. For this step, Anna likes Farouk Royal Treatment By CHI White Truffle Foundation.
- Now, it’s time to part your hair into 3 sections. Using your side part as a guide, separate hair into 1 part in the back, 2 on the side.
- Lifting the back section, spray hair underneath. After spraying, tease the bottom layer towards the scalp and cover your remaining hair on top.
- Now it’s time to create your faux bob! Roll the back section up and inward at the nape, and pin.
- Go ahead and repeat steps 5 and 6 on your side sections.
- You’re almost done! Shape your fringe into a smooth wave on the right side of your face. Hold it in place with a hair clip and spray. Let your look set for 10 minutes or so, and then remove the clip.
- Finish off the look with some fun accessories to give your look that 20s flair!
Gatsby-Inspired Makeup
Think your grandma could learn a few things about modern makeup? Well, darling, she could teach you a few tricks about how the ladies of Gatsby did beauty, too. We asked celebrity makeup artist Paola Orlando to give us her best tricks for achieving that 20s makeup.
- To get that authentic Gatsby era makeup, keep your eye makeup dark. Heavy layers of black eyeliner topped with dark gray eyeshadow, and the occasional pop of turquoise or green complete the look.
- Eyebrows back then were very high, thin and arched, usually drawn in with pencil. Want to steal the look? Cover your normal eyebrows using nose putty or soap, Orlando says. Use concealer or camouflage makeup to hide them by blending with your skin tone, then draw away.
- Red lips were red hot in the 20s! Want to intensify the look? Orlando suggests applying blush to your cheekbones.
Get the look
Celebrity makeup artist Rachel Wood shares her tips for creating a soft 20s smoky eye perfect for The Great Gatsby.
- Start by applying a soft satin grey shadow on the lid. Blend into the socket line and apply the shadow under the lashes as well, making sure you soften and blend the edges.
- Use a black or dark grey kohl pencil inside the waterline rim of the eye.
- Curl lashes and apply generous amounts of mascara.
- To give it a glam Gatsby twist, press a tiny amount of fine glitter (Make Up For Ever has a great one) on top with your finger.
- To finish the look off, consider what time of day you’re rocking the look. For a soft daytime garden party look, finish off with a pop of peachy pink cream blush on the apples of the cheeks and a soft peachy pink lipstick. For full-on evening glam, complete the look with a bright cream or matte finish red lipstick (Tom Ford has great ones!), making sure to accentuate the round fullness of the Cupid’s bow for that silent screen feel.
