How To Get The Period Drama Makeup Look

Maybe this sounds like you: You enjoy skimming that Jane Austen novel that you can’t seem to get rid of no matter how tattered it is, you recognize Keira Knightley as the queen of the period drama genre, and you’re patiently awaiting the return of Bridgerton. You probably adore the idea of having an expensive tea set, and when cottagecore emerged onto the scene, you knew it was your time to blossom.

What makes the period-drama makeup look attractive is how timeless it is. The style is heavily based on your natural beauty and is very minimal. The previous iteration of this look was the no-makeup look, which, unlike our period-drama look, does not have nearly as much charm, color, or personality. 

If any of the above sounds like you, this makeup look will be your new go-to. Here’s how to achieve the period drama makeup look.

Foundation

The base for this look is very light. You want to allow your natural skin tone and texture to come through. A skin tint or tinted moisturizer is the best base for this no-fuss look. You’ll want to use just enough to even out any dark spots on your face but not enough to cover your natural shade variation.

I love the Glossier Skin Tint; however, the Kosas Tinted Face Oil and Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint have a larger range of skin tones and are very hydrating.

For any large blemishes or stubborn discoloration that skin tint cannot cover, like under-eye darkness or rosacea, spot concealing is still your friend. Take extra care to build it up. Since skin tint is sheerer than your usual foundation, you don’t want concealer sitting too heavily on top.

Try using cream-based concealers for this look, such as the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

Blush

Another great benefit about this period drama look is that you don’t do any contouring to achieve it. Just dab on some blush and you’re good to go. If you have any rosacea or sensitive skin prone to redness, you’ll want to stick with very lightweight blushes.

We are partial to creams and tints for this style, and you’ll want to stick with the dewy look, so give Benefit Rose Lip & Cheek Tint or Glossier Cloud Paint a try. They are buildable, which is the name of the game for this classic Victorian image. 

Eyebrows

Natural brows are essential for this style. However, “natural” in this case does not necessarily mean thick, so don’t worry if the early 2000s took a toll on your natural brow shape and hair growth patterns (we feel you). For a classic Lizzie Bennet look, you’ll want to accentuate the brows without making them the main event. 

If you have any sparse areas, some minimal filling can help to hold the shape of your natural brow. Anastasia Brow Wiz reigns supreme for this; however, if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, e.l.f.’s Ultra Precise Brow Pencil does a wonderful job.

From there, adding a brow gel can help set the look and further define your brows and frame your face. Unless your brows are super light, a clear gel will be best for this look, especially if you have thick or dark brows. It’s all about that balance. Benefit Gimme Brow + Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel and Anastasia Clear Brow Gel are beautiful products.

Eyes

Good news: There is no complicated eyeshadow tutorial to follow for this look. Bring attention to your natural eye color by keeping the area around your eyes bright and even. If you have any uneven tone or discoloration on your eyelids, patting down some concealer or using a nude shade to lightly even everything out is the way to go.

The Tarte In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette has many beautiful, natural nudes, or the Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow singles are a great solution. 

To finish off the eyes, a few swipes of your favorite mascara will do. I recommend using one that has a comb-like wand, like the Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara or Lancome Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara. Apply just enough to show the full length of your lashes but not too much where it looks overly caked or like you’re wearing falsies.

Lips

In period drama makeup, the lips are the focal point. Stick to pinker/berry shades for this. Choose lighter pink shades if you have fair skin and berry shades if you have a deeper skin tone.

Great products to achieve this look are the Glossier Generation G (check out shades Like, Crush and Jam) and Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss (Happilove, Happiberry, and Pillow Talk are perfect). Or, if you used the Benefit Lip + Cheek Tint for your cheeks, then you are in luck because it is a beautiful lip stain that gives a perfect I-just-stole-a-kiss-with-my-suitor look.

Now you are ready to attend a ball, read a novel in a public garden, or browse your local farmer's market as passersby wonder if you have just stepped off the set of The Nevers.

Do you have a favorite period drama makeup look? Tell us what it is in the comments!

*Spec piece for Into The Gloss 2021