Lesson Plan: Makeup as a Time Machine

Materials Needed

• The student's personal makeup collection (foundation, concealer, powders, eyeshadows, liners, mascara, blush, lipstick, etc.)
• Makeup brushes and application tools (sponges, etc.)
• Makeup remover and cotton pads
• A mirror (preferably with good lighting)
• A phone or camera for taking photos/videos
• A notebook and pen or a digital device for research and notes
• Access to the internet for research (Pinterest, YouTube, Google, digital museum archives)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Research and identify the key makeup trends, techniques, and social influences of a specific historical decade.
• Apply makeup techniques to accurately recreate a signature look from your chosen decade.
• Analyze the core elements of the historical look and creatively reinterpret them into a modern, wearable look.
• Articulate the connection between your historical research and your creative choices in a short reflection.

Lesson Activities

This project is all about exploring how makeup isn't just about products; it's about history, culture, and self-expression. You're going to become a makeup historian and artist, traveling back in time and bringing a look into the future!

1. Phase 1: Choose Your Destination & Conduct Your Research (Approx. 60 minutes)

   Your first step is to pick a decade to travel to! Choose one that sparks your interest. Here are some ideas:

   • The 1920s: The Flapper era with its dark, kohl-rimmed eyes, cupid's bow lips, and rebellious spirit.
   • The 1950s: The Golden Age of Hollywood, featuring winged eyeliner, bold red lips, and flawless skin.
   • The 1960s: The Mod revolution with graphic eyeliner, cut creases, pale lips, and Twiggy-inspired lashes.
   • The 1970s: The era of natural, sun-kissed skin, glossy lips, and shimmering eyeshadows for the disco nights.
   • The 1980s: Big, bold, and colorful! Think bright blush draped up to the temples, vibrant eyeshadow, and strong lips.

   Once you've chosen your decade, it's time to research. Go beyond just looking at pictures. Use your notebook to answer these questions:

   • What were the key features of this look? (e.g., thin eyebrows, matte skin, glossy lips)
   • What specific products or techniques were used? (e.g., kohl liner, cake mascara, pan-stick foundation)
   • Who were the beauty icons of the time? (e.g., Clara Bow, Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross)
   • WHY did people wear makeup this way? What was happening in society? (e.g., Post-war optimism, women entering the workforce, a youth rebellion). This is the most important question!

2. Phase 2: The Historical Recreation (Approx. 45-60 minutes)

   Now, you'll use your research and your own makeup to become a living portrait from the past. Your goal is accuracy!

   • Set up your makeup station with your research images visible.
   • Using the products you have, do your best to replicate the iconic look of your chosen decade. Pay close attention to details like eyebrow shape, lip shape, and blush placement.
   • Don't worry about perfection. The goal is to understand the techniques. For example, trying to create a 1920s cupid's bow lip feels very different from a modern over-lined lip!
   • When you are finished, take several clear photos of your look from different angles.

3. Phase 3: The Modern Reinvention (Approx. 45-60 minutes)

   Time to bring the past into the present! Cleanse your face and get ready for the creative part. Your task is to create a new, modern look that is inspired by your chosen decade, but not a copy of it.

   • Look back at your research notes. What was the "feeling" or "essence" of that decade's makeup? Was it rebellious? Glamorous? Natural? Bold?
   • Choose 1-2 key elements from the historical look to be the star of your new look.
     • Example: If you chose the 1960s, maybe you'll do a modern, colorful version of the cut-crease, but pair it with a glossy nude lip instead of a pale matte one.
     • Example: If you chose the 1980s, maybe you'll use the "blush draping" technique, but with a soft, modern cream blush for a sheerer, more wearable effect.
   • Create your new, inspired look. Feel free to use modern techniques and textures (like glitter, shimmer, and dewy finishes) that weren't common in your chosen decade.
   • When you are finished, take photos of this reinvented look as well.

Assessment & Reflection

Your work will be assessed on your creativity and the thoughtfulness of your reflection. To complete the lesson, create a small presentation. This can be a simple document, a social media-style post (like a "carousel" on Instagram), or a short video.

Your presentation must include:

1. A photo of your historical recreation.
2. A photo of your modern reinvention.
3. A brief written reflection (3-5 sentences) that answers the following:
   • What decade did you choose and why?
   • What key elements from the historical look did you choose to carry into your modern look?
   • Explain one creative choice you made in your reinvention and why you felt it successfully updated the original inspiration.

Extension Activities (Optional)

• Hair & Wardrobe: Take the project a step further by styling your hair and choosing an outfit to match both your historical and modern looks.
• Product Deep Dive: Research a specific makeup product that was invented or became popular during your chosen decade (like Maybelline's Great Lash mascara in 1971). Try to find a modern equivalent and compare them.
• Create a Tutorial: Film a short video teaching others how to create your modern, reinvented look. Explain the historical inspiration as you go.