Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal profile picture

Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal

You should be a super hero with hair like that! (Thanks Mary!)

About Me


I'm a 1950s girl trapped in a modern world.
I'm obsessed with old Hollywood starlets, vintage hairstyles, burlesque, old movies, hot rods, pin-up girls, Heywood-Wakefield and old school Sailor Jerry tattoo flash. I collect teal vintage Pyrex (to match my kitchen), vintage clothing, mid-century furniture and all things tiki and kitschy. I love to lindy hop and rollerskate. And i make one mean chocolate malt!
I am a freelance hair and make-up artist based in Richmond, Va. I specialize in vintage hair and make-up, primarily 1920s through 1960s, though i am open to other eras and genres.
I am interested in working with other pin-up/burlesque models and photographers and i am willing to travel. If you are a model or a photographer and are interested in working with me, please check my blog for my rates.
I am also available for special occasions or private events, please contact me via myspace for my rates and availability.
Here's a preview of some of my work:
Please check out some of the wonderful photographers i have had the privilege of working with.

My Interests

Lindy hopping, swing dancing, hot rods, retro furniture, soap making, jewelry making, sewing, being crafty, roller derby, rollergirls, Bettie Page, Marilyn Monroe, go-go dancing, vintage hairstyles, Vargas girls, pin-up girls, burlesque, cheesecake photography, going to shows, Egyptology, video games, playing piano, playing with the D'Arcy (my people hating Scottie).

I'd like to meet:

You! Other make-up artists. Photographers. Models. Pin-up girls. Burlesque performers. Fellow vintage/retro lovers. Anyone who likes to have a good time.

Music:

I'm really into rockabilly, swing, big band, standards, psychobilly, chickabilly, surf rock, 1950s rock n' roll, anything i can dance to, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Brian Setzer, Social Distortion, Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Morrissey, Bobby Darin, HorrorPops, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chris Isaak, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, Indigo Swing, Johnny Mercury, Benny Goodman, Kings of Nuthin, Royal Crown Revue, Stray Cats, The Smiths, The Cure, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Ella Fitzgerald, Mike Ness, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Dashboard Prophets, Billy Idol, Bjork, Tori Amos, Colin James and his Little Big Band, Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys, Cibo Mato, Depeche Mode, Imogen Heap, Colin Hay, Remy Zero

Movies:

Labyrinth, Drop Dead Fred, Legend, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Some Like it Hot (or any Marilyn Monroe film), Swing Kids, The Worst Witch, Garden State, all the Marx brothers films, King Arthur, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Breakfast Club, Sleepy Hollow, The Craft, Welcome Home Roxy Charmichael, Pretty in Pink, Beetlejuice

Television:

No time for TV these days!

Heroes:

Frankie Manning, Ann Calvello, Gil Elvgren, Charles and Ray Eames, Alberto Vargas, George Masters

My Blog

Sign up now for these great upcoming sessions!

July 12 - 422 Studio's Portsmouth, VA pin-up shootThere's only one spot left! Grab it while you can! The cost for this session is $175 and includes hair and makeup styling. You supply the wardrobe! ...
Posted by Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:09:00 PST

Help me bring Burlesque University to Richmond!!

I am working with Washington, DC's First Lady of Burlesque, Kitty Victorian, to bring her acclaimed Burlesque University to the Richmond area. Like the name implies, Burlesque University is a school (...
Posted by Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:20:00 PST

My Rates

THE FOLLOWING RATES ARE FOR PHOTO SHOOTS ONLY. If you are interested in booking me for a wedding or event, please e-mail me for rates. ALL RATES INCLUDE HAIR AND MAKE-UP. Clients are responsible for a...
Posted by Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal on Mon, 12 May 2008 04:03:00 PST

Thank you Hamaganza 2007....

For giving me the courage to live out my little burlesque fantasy! I can't remember the last time i had this much fun. There were no pasties, feather fans or giant martini glasses. It was just a humbl...
Posted by Retro Hair & Makeup Artist Liv Lethal on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:49:00 PST