Vintage Russian Beauty

Whilst in Russia, one of my favourite activities is to raid my grandmother’s old photographs, magazines and records. I found this incredible book from 1971 for women in Russia packed full of tips on how to wear makeup and hair in modern fashion. LOVE IT.

Now that we are having a 70s revival in fashion and makeup, it is all the more relevant.

For hair, there are pages of tips for styles to suit different face shapes. The basic rules are:

-          Square faces should wear fringes – either soft, blunt or side-swept

-          Triangular faces should try soft styles that will balance their face shape. Side-swept fringes work well too

-          Longer faces should try short styles as this will also balance the shape and soft curls work well too

-          And anyone with a heavier jaw should try a bob – with layers around the neck and jawline

For makeup – the classic 70s look of pale green or baby blue eyeshadow, eyeliner and peachy lipstick. Just add fringing, suede and floppy hat. You are a dancing queen!

Russian Wonders

On my beauty adventures to local markets in Russia, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the lotions and potions from Communist days gone by. To my surprise, a lot of the classic brands were still on sale! The creams for feet, hands, face and ointments are sold in metal tubes, like old-fashioned toothpaste and are actually surprisingly good. I used to swear by a greasy cream that smelt like flowers, but was the only thing that soothed my dry skin.

But, rather interestingly, apart from the Garniers and the Loreals that dominate the beauty market no matter where you are in the world, Russia has some of its own beauty brands on the rise. I noticed Natura Siberica, which is an organic beauty brand made with Russian plants from Siberia. Natural and not expensive (£2 for a face-wash), I decided to try it. And love it I did. The only thing that stopped me from buying and trying the entire collection was luggage restriction. 

http://www.naturasiberica.ru/