To get the Betty Page style look is not particularly complicated. The defining features are a smooth even tan, raven black hair past shoulder length with that trademark cut and simple natural looking makeup with strong lips. As for the clothing just look at it the way she did...wear what suits you and best enhances your figure, but one key part to stick to is to emphasize the waist, creating a distinct curve though the hips. And don't forget the heels. For a full guide to Bettie Page clothing, shoes and lingerie carry on to Part 2 of the Betty style guide or read on for beauty.
Ok so,to the Betty Page style specifics, lets start from the top down then. That famous hair cut is an easy one to wear and any hairdresser will be able to do it. But what if you don't have bangs (a fringe) and don't want to commit to having the cut?. Well for those who do not have any bangs at all, or if like me you have a sideswept fringe, there is a way to get the look when you want it without facing the shears.
All you have to do is curl your bang up and pin the loop so it looks like one solid fringe that shines and bounces in that classic vintage way. So exactly how does one do this?... 1- Section off the front of your hair using either your fingers or better, a rat tail comb. The section should be no wider than the outside your eyebrows and no deeper into the hairline than one inch. The longer your locks the less hair you need to get the effect, as the farther you have to roll it the fuller the end effect will be, so if you section long hair too far back you could end up with a really puffy loop at the front that does not work for the Betty page style look. 2- Take hold of the very end of your hair and twist the tips together then grip the twisted ends between your fingers. Do not let go of this part of your hair through the whole process or it will all go wrong. Note- if your hair is layered or your bangs are cut to the side, then you will have different lengths of hair in your section. To deal with this is easy, just put a bobbie pin (kirby grip) at the point(s) that the different lengths meet to keep them together as you roll. You still take it from the longest end point and you can remove the extra pins at the end if they are visible. 3- Wrap the hair around its self working towards your face, turning it with one hand and gripping it with the other alternately. Make sure you never let go of the ends. The hole in the middle of the roll should be just over the size of one finger, or two of you want it more puffy. 4- once you reach your scalp hold with one hand and with the other slip in at least two bobbie pins, one in each side, but really just use as many as you need to secure it. It is now that you can tweak it. It will not look Betty Page perfect when you first roll it, that's fine, just play with it until it looks right and then spray with firm hold finishing spray. And there you go instant Betty Page style hair without scissors. That or you could just buy the wig shown in the side column -->
Hair dye is pretty easy too, but if you are going from blonde to black you might want to go red first then black, or you risk it turning out green instead. For any dramatic colour change I would always suggest having it done professionally. There has been research to suggest that the chemicals in permanent dark hair dyes are very harmful to your health with frequent use. If this worries you try using a semi permanent colour, or an all natural one. Henna is one option, For this you can try the henna from LUSH here ...Caca Noir Mama Hair Henna LUSH says "It conditions, adds shine and enriches the colour of dark brown and black hair, adding a bit of bluish tint from the red henna that's infused. Cover it with clingfilm and keep it damp for a redder colour or let it air dry for a black/blue tint. " I say "its a good option if you want a natural looking semi perm colour, have afew hours to kill and don't mind making a mess". Another natural option is the herbal colorants from Daniel Field. I love those colours because not only are they gentle but they are also really convenient to use. They come in a powder form that you just mix with water and apply to dry hair for a permanent result or wet hair for a semi permanent effect. They cannot dramatically change your hair colour though so a natural option is only good for you if you are within 2 shades of the colour you want to be.
Makeup is next. This is easy all you need to remember for the Betty page style is too keep it natural looking, and aim for a radiant glow. So use a light fake tan for the face or a tinted moisturizer like the ones I love from Stila, shown in the side column --> . Then gently work in a Mineral powder foundation, then some bronzing powder. This is going to give you that radiant healthy glow she had. Use big soft powder brushes for this and keep the bulk of the colour to the apples of your cheeks and the centre of your forehead. My favorite mineral makeup brand is Afterglow because they are all natural and organic with a mostly vegan collection and most importantly their stuff really works!.
For the eyes we want a warm, sparkling and very open appearance. Use natural warm tones with highlights at the brow line and the inner edges of the eyes. This will give you that sparkling wide eyed look that betty page was famous for. If your skintone is quite dark you can use gold tones on the eyes and it will look great, otherwise keep it neutral. False eyelashes are not really needed for this look as we want to look natural. Just curl your lashes and go for a good black mascara. All mascaras are pretty much the same, so don't fall for all this marketing nonsense. The quality difference between the standard priced brands and high end ones is negligible, its just not worth it.
The lips are the most dramatic feature being ofcourse red (are there other colours?). Red is a colour that has a shade to suit everyone so find yours and love it. A good and authentic looking option is to try the lip colours from Besame, see the side column for more info-->. Betty didn't have excessively full lips, so again just keep it natural and don't go too far outside your own lip line. See my page dedicated to red lippy for full instructions if you need it.
Miss Betty had quite strong eyebrows, so don't over pluck and remember to define them with either an eyebrow pencil or just a little brown eyeshadow. I prefer using eyeshadow to define my brows, it looks more natural, and you can put a little clear mascara over them for extra definition and control if you like.
For further study of vintage makeup styles and to perfect your look this book is the last word.
Click for more info and to buy from Amazon.uk.
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Get Bettie's look the easy way
What's the easy way? letting me do the searching for you obviously!
In both beauty and fashion Bettie Page style is one of the easiest to get with just modern items, i.e. you don't have to find real vintage for this look.So here is what you need from top to toe...
Betty was known for her healthy natural glow, make the best of your complexion with the illuminating tinted moisturizer or bronzers from stila .Available from Ricky's NYC
If you don't have the hair, or don't want to commit to the cut there is always this great wig From CostumeDiscounters.com
Besame specialize in authentic vintage lipstick colours. For Bettie Page you want either a strong red like besame red, or cherry red, or one of the more subtle pinks.
Besame at What Katie Did
A pencil skirt is a must, this one is from Dorothy Perkins who always have loads of different styles.
Also from DP this cute structured blouse is perfect for this look.
Cardigans are so easy to find these days and this one is so cute. DP have loads of them and the range is always growing.
Seamed fishnet hold-up stockings really work well with the Irving Klaw look, and at this low price from costume discounters.com who can resist.
Bettie Page made allot of her own clothes.Go to for everything you need to get started from sewing machines and tools to thread and patterns.
Betty Page paper dress me dolls..I love these so much!! they would make the perfect gift for any Betty fan.
Irving Klaw classics vol.1 DVD...a must own, thats all I can say Kittens.
1- Section off the front of your hair using either your fingers or better, a rat tail comb. The section should be no wider than the outside your eyebrows and no deeper into the hairline than one inch. The longer your locks the less hair you need to get the effect, as the farther you have to roll it the fuller the end effect will be, so if you section long hair too far back you could end up with a really puffy loop at the front that does not work for the Betty page style look.
Click for more info and to buy from Amazon.uk.
