Great gatsby-inspired 1920s make-up

The Great Gatsby hits the big screen this week, bringing with it all the glitz, glamour and rebellion of the 1920s flapper look. Cutting their hair short, embracing new fashions and adopting an original approach to make-up, the flappers are one of our favourite beauty inspirations.

There might be a beauty rule that says 'emphasize the eyes or the lips' but it certainly wasn't around in the 1920s. As Carey Mulligan in her role as Daisy Buchanan demonstrates above, darkly-lined eyes and striking red lips were key to the 1920s make-up trend...

LIPS

Deep reds and plums were the lip colours of choice for 1920s flappers, painted on in a perfect Cupid's bow. Recreate this look by using lipliner to define the shape, before filling in with a classic yet intense colour.

EYES

In her own turn as Daisy Buchanan back in 1974, Mia Farrow illustrates the smoky-eyed look favoured by flappers. Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered in the 1920s, leading to frenzy of interest over all things Egyptian. This included the famously kohled eyes of Cleopatra, which flappers recreated with dramatic eyeshadow and liner.

EYEBROWS

Drawing on thick, dark brows was another trait of the 20s look, adopted by leading ladies of the era such as Clara Bow, above. While the 1920s look might be slightly overboard for clients today, a strong and defined brow is still very much on trend, and easily achievable with a good eyebrow pencil.

SKIN

Louise Brooks, another darling of the decade, showed that you don't have to bronzed to be a goddess. In fact, 1920s make-up was all about beautiful, creamy complexions, with pale pink blush to define the cheeks. It's a look that definitely suits us given that summer seems to have disappeared this year!