Hair pomade: Pomades made from petroleum jelly or lanolin were used to add shine and control frizz, especially for sleek hairstyles.

Hair dye: Hair colorants were popular for achieving shades of blonde, brunette, or red, with henna being a common natural dye option.

Hairspray (later in the decade): Towards the end of the 1940s, aerosol hairspray became available, providing stronger hold for hairstyles.

Teasing comb: A comb with fine teeth and a pointed end was used for backcombing or teasing hair to create volume and texture.

Hairbrush: Brushes with natural bristles were used for smoothing and shaping the hair, with boar bristle brushes being popular for adding shine.

Hair dryer (later in the decade): Electric hair dryers became more common towards the end of the 1940s, speeding up the drying process for wet-set hairstyles.

Application Techniques:

Wet setting: Hair would be dampened with water or setting lotion, then sectioned and rolled into curls or waves using rollers and pins. The hair would then be left to air dry or set under a hooded dryer.

Victory rolls: Victory rolls were a signature hairstyle of the 1940s, involving rolling sections of hair away from the face and pinning them into place to create a retro, glamorous look.

Slicked-back styles: Slicked-back hairstyles, often achieved with the help of pomade, were popular for both men and women, reflecting a sense of sophistication and neatness.

Natural waves: Many 1940s hairstyles embraced the natural texture of the hair, with soft waves and curls left loose or partially restrained with pins or scarves.

Foundation: Cream or liquid foundations were common for creating a smooth, flawless base, often with a matte finish to combat shine.

Powder: Loose or pressed powders were used to set the foundation and control oiliness, with translucent powders being popular for a natural look.

Red lipstick: Bold red lipstick shades, often in hues of cherry or deep red, were iconic of the 1940s and commonly worn by women to add a touch of glamour.

Eyeliner and mascara: Black eyeliner pencils and mascara were used to define the eyes, with winged eyeliner and voluminous lashes being popular for achieving a dramatic look.

Blush: Cream or powder blushes in shades of pink or peach were applied to the apples of the cheeks for a youthful, rosy glow.

Tools:

Foundation brush or sponge: Used for applying and blending foundation evenly across the face.

Powder puff or brush: Used for applying setting powder to the skin, with puffs providing a softer, more diffused application.

Lip brush: Used for precise application of lipstick, especially for achieving sharp edges and defined contours.

Eyeliner brush: Used for precise application of eyeliner along the lash line, with angled brushes being popular for creating winged looks.

Application Techniques:

Foundation: Applied evenly to the face and blended into the skin using a foundation brush or sponge for a seamless finish.

Red lipstick: Applied straight from the bullet or with a lip brush, starting at the center of the lips and working outwards for precision and intensity.

Eyeliner: Applied along the upper lash line using short, smooth strokes, with the line gradually thickening towards the outer corner of the eye for a winged effect.

Mascara: Applied to the upper lashes, starting at the base and wiggling the wand upwards to separate and define the lashes, with multiple coats applied for added volume and length.

Blush: Applied to the apples of the cheeks using a blush brush or fingertips, with circular motions blending the color upwards towards the temples for a natural flush.