Do you believe in the art of makeup? Over the years, makeup has become an art form, allowing us to express ourselves in various ways. From the bold and bright looks of the 80s to today’s subtle and natural looks, makeup has evolved alongside our culture.
Makeup has been an essential part of women’s beauty routine for centuries. From the bold looks of the 1920s to the minimalist style of the 1990s, makeup has evolved over the decades, reflecting the trends and attitudes of each era.
As we dive into the world of makeup looks over the decades, you’ll discover how each era’s style was influenced by its unique trends and pop culture icons.
Get ready to take a journey through time and see how makeup has changed and adapted to fit the needs of each generation.
The Flapper Look
The flapper style was so pervasive that it even made its way into cartoons. The comic strip “Flapper Fanny Says” chronicled the adventures of Fanny, who was perpetually youthful and slightly androgynously fashionable.
The 1920s were all about rebellion and freedom, and the makeup of the era reflected that spirit. Flappers were known for their bold and daring style, featuring dramatic smokey eyes, bold red lips, and heavily powdered skin. The look was all about drama and
sophistication, with a touch of rebellion thrown in for good measure.
The Hollywood Glamour Look
Remember the silky, figure-hugging gowns?
Many consider the 1930s the “golden age of glamour” because of the prevalence of sleek, form-fitting dresses, fur capes, and trendy bob haircuts. The ready-to-wear industry boomed during the 1930s because designers responded to the needs of the working class by creating fashionable clothes that were still cheap.
As Hollywood became the epicenter of glamour and fame, makeup became more refined and polished. The 1930s were all about soft and subtle looks, with perfectly groomed eyebrows, winged eyeliner, and delicate pink lips. The look was all about elegance and grace, with a touch of old Hollywood glamour thrown in for good measure.
The Pin-Up Look
Did you know the term “pin-up girl” was first used in the early 1940s?
The 1940s were about patriotism and glamour, with makeup reflecting the era’s ideals. The pin-up look was about bold and vibrant shades, featuring bright red lips, defined eyebrows, and smokey eyes. The look was about confidence and sex appeal, with a touch of femininity thrown in for good measure.
They were so well-liked that pin-up girl posters, like the one featuring Betty Grable, were mass-produced! Can you believe that the print of Betty Grable, taken by photographer Frank Powolny in 1943, was so popular that 5 million copies were distributed to GIs during WWII? That’s a lot of pin-up girl love!
The Classic Beauty Look
Yes, the 50’s all about natural and understated beauty!
After the tough times of WWII, the end of rationing meant that people had more money to spend on new and exciting products. And yes, they made the most of it! This era was when the luxury cosmetics market took off, with the latest makeup products and colors appearing left, right, and center.
Regarding makeup, the classic 1950s look was all about red lipstick and elegantly made-up eyes. It was essential to emphasize your peepers while still looking naturally glamorous. To achieve this, eyeliner and mascara were critical players in creating definitions and making those eyes pop.
Eyeshadow was kept simple, with only one color worn, and the eyebrows were expertly arched and penciled in to define the eyes further.
While blush was used sparingly, a hint of rouge added a soft warmth to the face and was not the main feature of 1950s makeup.
Overall, the look emphasized the eyes and looked classy and put-together. So, why not try the 1950s makeup style to rock a retro look?
The Mod Look
At the start of the 1960s in Britain, there was an entirely novel generation of youth called “Mods.” The mod culture was a broad group of fashion-obsessed working-class teens. It was a straight descendant of Britain’s Teddy Boys and the 1950s Beatniks.
The word “Mod,” which comes from the word “modern,” was used to describe Baby Boomers whose families had become wealthy in Britain after World War II. The primary concepts of Mod culture were style, freedom, and speed.
The 1960s were about revolution and change, with makeup reflecting the era’s spirit. The mod look was about bold and vibrant colors, featuring dramatic eyeliner, bright eyeshadows, and pale pink lips. The look was about rebellion and individuality, with a touch of sophistication and glamour thrown in for good measure.
The Disco Look
The disco mania of the 1970s in the United States exemplified the radical ideas that marked that era. In case you missed it, makeup reminiscent of the 1970s is returning. What goes around comes back around, right? Makeup trends are cyclical!
The 1970s were all about disco and fun, with makeup reflecting the era’s ideals. The disco look was about bold and vibrant shades, featuring dramatic eyeliner, glittery eyeshadows, and bright lips. The look was all about fun and adventure, with a touch of sex appeal and confidence thrown in for good measure.
The Power Look
The look is bold and over-the-top, with winged makeup, thin eyebrows, and a blush put high on the cheeks. It goes well with a Farrah flick or other hairstyles with many volumes.
Want to make a striking and bold eye? You can start using shimmering shades of green, blue, and purple. If you want a subtler look, go for a single shade of cream eyeshadow.
The 1980s were about power and confidence, with makeup reflecting the era’s ideals. The power look was about bold and dramatic shades, featuring bright red lips, thick eyeliner, and defined eyebrows. The look was about confidence and strength, with a touch of glamour and sophistication thrown in for good measure.
The Minimalist Look
We love the ’90s, and that’s not a secret. After all, they gave us great workout videos, slip skirts, and many hair items. And when it comes to makeup looks that have become famous, the 1990s do SERVE.
The 1990s were about minimalism and simplicity, with makeup reflecting the era’s ideals. The minimalist look was about natural and understated beauty, featuring nude lips, neutral eyeshadows, and natural-looking eyebrows. The watch was all about simplicity and purity, with a touch of elegance and sophistication thrown in for good measure.
Changing Times and Attitudes
Makeup has been a reflection of the times and trends of each era. From bold and daring looks to natural and understated beauty, makeup has evolved over the decades, reflecting each generation’s changing attitudes and ideals.
Whether you prefer a bold and daring look or a natural and understated beauty, there is a makeup style that is perfect for you.