3 Classic Book-Inspired Makeup Looks

We like to think of our clean beauty as classics—the products you'll go back to again and again to feel like your best self. This holiday season we're leaning into that classic feel and embracing seasonal favorites and classics of all varieties. Because why not tap into the nostalgia that lends itself to the feelings of the moment? And what better way to indulge in the classics than by creating classic makeup looks inspired by our favorite classic books, using classic, clean products. We got lost in our favorite classic reads—The Great Gatsby, The Secret Garden, and Emma—and put together looks inspired by each. Enjoy! 

The Great Gatsby

A look inspired by The Great Gatsby is all about channeling the glitz, glamour, and decadence of the Roaring Twenties. We're pairing a strong brow with a red lip to capture the opulent, jazz-infused world of Gatsby’s parties, Daisy’s charm, and the era’s bold style choices. Here’s how you could create a Great Gatsby-inspired look.

Eyes

• Dark, smoky eyes are a must to capture the mystery and allure of the 1920s. Use rich, dark eyeshadows like charcoal, deep browns, and blacks like Eye Polish in Magnetic to create a dramatic, smudged look. Finish with a touch of metallic gold or silver shimmer to the center of the eyelids with Eyelights in Blaze for a hint of Gatsby’s lavish parties. 

Brows

• In the 1920s, brows were thin and penciled, so consider using the Back2Brow Powder and the Back2Brow Brush to shape brows with a gentle arch for a classic feel, keeping them more defined to reflect the precise, bold beauty style of that time.

Lips

• A bold lip in deep red or berry was the signature of 1920s beauty. We love Legendary Srerum Lipstick in Ruby Moon to replicate the traditional look of the era and embrace Daisy’s combination of innocence and intrigue.

 The Secret Garden 

Skin 

• Inspired by the garden's new growth we're keeping the skin dewy and hydrated (An RMS MO) for a perfect palette for the rest of the makeup. Use a light, illuminating tinted moisturizer like SunCoverup SPF 50 to create a fresh, natural base, with a touch of dewy highlighter using Living Luminizer on the high points (cheekbones, brow bone, and nose) for a soft, healthy radiance.

Glow

• To reflect the time spent out under the sun in the garden, add a dusting of ReDimension Bronzer for the most subtle, natural dose of color—applied horizontally across your cheeks and nose and along your hairline for just a kiss of sun. 

Lips

• Finish with a sheer, soft pink or rose lip to keep the look light and natural. Liplights in Bare creates a flush of color tailor made for you and leaves a fresh, dewy finish, adding a natural, healthy touch to the face.

Emma

This look embodies the refined, classic beauty of the Regency era, with a touch of playfulness and warmth reflecting Emma’s spirited personality. We tried to capture the elegance of 19th-century England while adding a modern twist to echo the novel's romantic charm. Here’s how we envision it:

Skin 

• A soft, subtle highlighter like ReDimension Hydra Dew Luminizer on the high points of the face (cheekbones, nose bridge) adds a touch of glow that balances the classic elegance feel with a fresh twist.

Lips

• For lips, a rose lip stain like Lip2Cheek in Beloved gives a natural, Regency-inspired look while also being timeless and elegant. The hint of color adds life and sweetness, similar to Emma herself.

Eyes

• Use warm, neutral shades on the eyes, like soft taupes (Eyelights in Strobe) and light browns (Eyelights in Supernova), to add definition without overpowering the natural look. A slight wash of peachy pink on the lids reflects Emma’s vivacious energy and gentle sophistication.

 Find more classic looks and classic holiday gifts.