13 Badass Vintage Eyeliner Moments

Nothing makes an ordinary day feel a little glamorous better than a touch of eyeliner. While it can be challenging (but oh-so-satisfying) to get your winged eyeliner just right, there are a slew of tutorials, eye makeup hacks, and even vintage eyeliner looks out there to help you perfect your technique. From tape to business cards, pencil to gel, there are countless tools, products, and approaches to keep your look on point.

One of the great things about eyeliner is that it's been around a long time, so it's an easy way to lend a classic, vintage femme vibe to any look. Women have spent decades developing different iterations of eyeliner trends, so much so that certain styles are almost synonymous with specific fashion movements (for example, bold cat-eye liner and 1960s mod).

So, if you're looking for a little beauty education, here are 13 gorgeous vintage images from classic cinema to inspire your next makeup adventure. Lighting up the silver screen during the decades from the 1930s to the 1960s, these film divas were refining the art of eyeliner before so many of us were even born. Whether you prefer a subtle, classic look, a sexy, smoky eye, or a bold, winged-out application, there’s an eyeliner look from classic films to spark your interest.

1. Marilyn Monroe In The Seven Year Itch, 1955

Marilyn Monroe's iconic flick of eyeliner and bright red lip have become a classic beauty look, so why not give it a try? For this particular style, use a pale eyeshadow as a base to provide contrast.

2. Brigitte Bardot, 1962

Brigitte Bardot made thick, kohl-rimmed eyes a thing in the early '60s. Get her look with a soft, dark eye pencil and smudge brush.

3. Elizabeth Taylor In Cleopatra, 1963

No one, I repeat no one ever, did eyeliner quite like Elizabeth Taylor. This intense look is for those moments when too much is not enough.

4. Jane Fonda In Barbarella, 1968

You know you have a good look going on when you upstage the gilded angel standing behind you. For maximum impact, be sure to accessorize your eyeliner with a chainmail bodice.

5. Joan Crawford In Rain, 1932

Obviously Joan Crawford knew a thing or two about how to get a perfect smoky eye. Extra points for the fabulous pin curls.

6. Vera-Ellen In White Christmas, 1954

As Vera-Ellen demonstrated, winged eyeliner is a great complement to a monochromatic outfit. Whether or not you choose to accessorize with a giant marabou fan is a personal choice.

7. Raquel Welch, 1968

Raquel Welch shows that a well-groomed brow is an important accent for a sexy smolder. Balance all that drama with a clean, nude lip.

8. Audrey Hepburn In How To Steal A Million, 1966

Is there any more iconic poster child for '60s gamine than Audrey Hepburn? Try out this classic cat-eye look for days when you need an extra dose of chic.

9. Elana Eden In The Story Of Ruth, 1960

While the bedazzled veil might be too much for everyday (or not, depending on what you prefer), a strong brow and subtle liner will always look good. No need to limit yourself to black; try brightening up a simple look with fun colors.

10. Carmen Miranda, 1944

As if singing, dancing, and wearing truly epic head-wear weren't enough, Carmen Miranda also had excellent winged eyeliner skills. If you want to go all out, add false lashes for the full '40s film star effect.

11. Catherine Deneuve & Françoise Dorléac In The Young Girls Of Rochefort, 1967

So much killer '60s glam in one photo! From the bangs to the blue eyeshadow to the pastel sweaters, this candy-colored fantasy is pure magic.

12. Lena Horne In Till The Clouds Roll By, 1946

Lena Horne looked amazing with soft, romantic eyeshadow and jewel-toned floral accessories, and you will too. Flawless lighting not included.

13. Eleanor Bron In Bedazzled, 1967

The only thing better than those kitschy braids are Eleanor Bron's gorgeous eyebrows! Her bold shadow/liner combo doesn't hurt either.

Take inspiration from these fabulous looks of the past and use them to create your own. You'll be serving face in no time.

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Images: 20th Century Fox; Paramount Pictures; United Artists; Warner Bros.; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer