Over the years, beauty trends have mirrored the societal and cultural shifts of each epoch, evolving from the discreet charm of the 1920s’ smoky eyes and bob cuts to the bold and dynamic expressions of recent times. Makeup has consistently served as a medium for personal and societal expression. As we advance, the beauty sector adapts, ushering in new icons while rejuvenating timeless styles with a modern flair.
Each decade has left its mark, contributing iconic styles that are often reimagined in a contemporary context. As we progress, the beauty landscape is anticipated to keep evolving, with fresh innovations defining the creation of makeup looks. The forthcoming decade brings with it new anticipations for potentially iconic trends that will embody the 2020s’ aesthetic and artistic expression in cosmetics.
The 1920s: Smoky Eyes, Red Lips & Finger Waves
The 1920s were characterized by bold, dramatic makeup that symbolized the era’s liberated ethos. The flappers, icons of the time, embraced a striking look characterized by:
- Eyes: Heavy use of kohl to create the iconic smoky eye effect.
- Lips: Deep red shades were the fashion statement of the time.
- Hairstyle: Finger waves added a soft touch to the era’s popular bob cut, enhancing the overall beauty trend.
The 1930s: Sleek Brows and Subdued Eye Colours
The 1930s beauty scene was marked by:
- Eyebrows: The thin, arched brows were a nod to the era’s silent film starlets, often achieved by shaving and redrawing.
- Eyeshadow: Muted tones contrasted with the previous decade’s bold choices.
- Lips: Dark pink shades complemented the softer eye makeup.
- Hair: Short styles echoed the streamlined aesthetic of the time, with meticulous plucking employed to perfect the brow arch, and cosmetics used to accentuate their shape.
The 1940s: Natural Eyeshadow, Red Lips & Victory Rolls
The 1940s embraced a more pragmatic approach to beauty, with women opting for:
- Eyeshadow: Light brown or beige for a subtle effect.
- Eyebrows: Enhanced with pencils to be fuller and more defined.
- Mascara: Light application to bring out the lashes.
- Lips: The era’s signature was bold red lips, epitomized by the iconic Victory Red lipstick.
- Complexion: A matte finish was achieved with generous face powder application.
- The signature Victory Rolls hairstyle, with voluminous curls, encapsulated the spirited era.
The 1950s: Winged Eyeliner, Bright Lips & Glamour
The 1950s saw the influence of Hollywood glamour on beauty trends, with:
- Lip colours vibrant and often outlined for a cheerful look.
- Eyeliner drawn in a dramatic winged style, popularized by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe.
- Foundations provided a creamy base for these prominent features, embodying the era’s liberation and fun.
The 1960s: Bold Lashes, Subdued Lips & Stark Eyeshadow
The 1960s highlighted the eyes with:
- Upper and Lower Lashes: Adorned with thick, false lashes for a dramatic effect.
- Mascara: Applied generously to emphasize these artificial enhancements.
- Eyeshadow: Stark white covered the lids, making the eyes pop.
- Lip Colours: Kept subtle with soft pink and peach tones.
- Eyebrows: Defined with a slender, arched tail end, capturing the era’s aesthetic.
The 1970s: Natural Makeup, Bright Clothes & Wild Hair
The ’70s blended bold fashion with minimalistic beauty, featuring:
- Hair Trends: Long, afro, or gently waved styles.
- Makeup Choices: Soft, shimmery eyeshadows, minimal mascara, sheer lip gloss, and a touch of blush, focusing on a glowing complexion and subtly styled eyebrows.
The 1980s: Bright Eye Makeup, Bold Blush & Big Hair
The 1980s beauty trends were all about excess, with:
- Eye Shadows: Neon blues, pinks, and purples, often extended up to the brow bone.
- Eyebrows: Kept natural, thick, and bushy.
- Blush: Applied audaciously to match the eye makeup’s intensity.
- Lip Gloss: Provided a glossy finish to the vivid makeup palette.
The 1990s: Light Mascara, Neutral Eyeshadow & Deep Lips
The ’90s embraced a more subdued elegance in makeup, with:
- Mascara: Used sparingly to accentuate the lashes.
- Eyeshadow: Favouring soft, neutral tones.
- Lips: Defined with liners in brown or pink, with a palette ranging from nudes to bold burgundies.
The 2000s: Frosted Looks and Refined Brows
The early 2000s were marked by:
- Slim, meticulously plucked eyebrows.
- A frosty aesthetic with shimmering eyeshadows and glistening lip glosses, later transitioning to defined brows and smoky eyeshadows.
The 2010s: Perfect Brows, Contoured Faces & Plump Lips
The last decade has seen:
- A focus on defining facial features, with contouring and bold brows taking the spotlight.
- Fuller lips becoming a beauty staple.
The 2020s: Sustainable Beauty and Minimalist Trends
This decade is witnessing:
- A shift towards sustainability in beauty products.
- A minimalist approach to makeup, driven by skincare-first beauty routines and the prevalence of face masks.
What’s Next in Beauty Trends?
As beauty trends continue to evolve between minimalism and bold statements, they offer a platform for individual expression and exploration. The coming years may see a focus on inner beauty, self-acceptance, and innovative, transparent beauty solutions that celebrate individuality and environmental responsibility.
