Statistics

In 1954 the average woman was 157.5 cm (5' 2") high, weighed 57kg, and measured 94-71-99cm (37-28-39 inches)

Comparitively, the average woman in 2005 measured 162.5cm (5' 3") high, weighed 67kg and measured 99-86-104cm (39-33.8-41 inches)

If you buy vintage patterns or clothes online, go by the actual measurements of the garment, and not the sizing. As you can see there is a vast different between vintage and modern sizes

Beauty

* Well-groomed fingernails and make-up were seen to enhance a woman's aura of elegance.

*In the 1940s cosmetics companies began to promote matching lipsticks and nail varnish. Red, which had previously been a colour sported only by harlots and improper women became extremely popular, with everyone trying to capture the Rita Hayworth look

* 1950s fashion reflected either dark pointed nails or more natural-looking oval nails with light colors. Nail varnish was typically applied to leave the base of the nail up to the 'moon' line, and a small crescent of the nail tip white (natural)

1940

The 1940 makeup look was commonly a foundation one or two shades darker than the skin tone, with a powder that was one or two shades lighter. Apply medium-heavy cover foundation by dabbing (stippling) on with a sponge for good coverage.

Pluck eyebrows into a clean arch. Apply brown shadow or eyeliner to emphasise the arch, and brush to soften the look. Apply blusher high on the cheekbones in a pale pink or rose. Try using lipstick or cream eyeshadow if you don't have blusher.

Lips should be outlined with red liner. The top lip should be drawn slightly outside the natural line. It helps to apply foundation to your lips before you do this. Fill in with a matte red lipstick in a tone to suit your skin. Blot and apply another coat of lipstick. Loose powder can be dusted over the lips to eliminate any shine.

Use a black liquid liner to sweep a steady line across the lash line of your top eyelid. Accompany this with eyeshadow in natural shades such as grey or brown. Apply two coats of black mascara to the top lashes only, with emphasis on the outer corner

Use a loose powder over the face to soften your look if needed

1950

The emphasis was on the eyes - muted shades for day wear, and vibrant colours such as blue, green and gold for evening. shimmer powders on the face and eyes were also popular

Eyebrows were more heavily made up than the 40s look, and the arches had developed a noticeable point in the outer corner. Black eyeliner was still the order of the day, but now ended in a distinctive 'wing' at the outer edge.

Apply mascara as for the 40s look. Blue mascara was commonly used along with the standard black, and a few false lashes at the outer corner of the eyes provided a more sultry evening look

Marilyn Monroe beauty marks were popular, easily dotted on with a sharp eyeliner pencil

Lip shape had changed to a full, overdrawn look all over. Apply foundation to the lips. Use the lip liner to draw outside the natural line of the bottom lip. The top lip should also be overdrawn to emphasise the sharp peaks and bow in the middle. Vibrant reds and pinks were among the most popular shades of lipstick.