Mad Men: Working Girl Glam

     Demure, gamine, restrained, provocative...there are endless adjectives that spring to mind to describe the characters depicted on AMC's Mad Men. What I am drawn to (naturally) is the elegant but always suggestive demeanor of the women on the show.

Whether you're a "Betty" or a "Joan" there is no denying the sophisticated yet sultry appeal of the ladies of Mad Men. Women were fighting for equality, but sadly, much like today, they used sex appeal to get ahead. I have to admit, there is something about the resolve about women like Joan that I admire. Joan wants to feel sexy and not give that up to do her job, and do it well. That being said, let's talk makeup!  Here are some real-life tips to help you achieve the classic Mad Men look:

- Brows- fuller brows were all the rage in the fifties, and even more so in the sixties. For a more modern approach, brows do not have to be exactly the same colour as your hair. This looks good on TV, but not so much in real life.

- Lashes- with a professional makeup artist on set, false lashes are not far behind. Not very realistic for day time. If you like the look, but just don't have the time, try a mascara that imitates the false lash, like Benefit's They're Real Mascara. For that fifties flick, try adding extra mascara to the outer corner lashes. And remember to curl those puppies before mascara!

 

- Cheeks- A dusty rose on the apples of the cheeks blended gently upwards was a staple back then, and still is. When in doubt, a subtle neutral pink is always flattering.
- Eyes- Liquid liner is another time sucker- so fake it. Colour your water line with a black kohl pencil for definition. If you are coveting that look, draw your line with a soft gray or brown shadow and then retrace with liquid liner.

Drawing your flick is also sometimes easier with eyes open, looking directly ahead. Practice makes perfect!