Beauty Evolution: A Look at Makeup Trend in Each Decade

Discover how makeup trends have changed throughout the decades! Explore Beauty Evolution to find out which makeup looks were popular in each decade and what's trendy now!
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Summary

In the past century, women have changed their makeup styles to match their changing roles in society. Today, we use new techniques like 3D makeup to express our unique style. Makeup trends have varied a lot over the decades, from the natural look of the 1910s to the bold and colorful styles of recent years. Each decade had its own popular makeup trends, like the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s or the powerful pouts of the 1980s. In the 2020s, we are into natural and minimal makeup, focusing on skincare and creating a "no-makeup" look. The trendy 3D makeup technique uses special effects to add depth and dimension for a natural appearance. Makeup has evolved a lot over time, reflecting changes in beauty standards and societal norms.

Decade-by-Decade Makeup Trends

The past century has seen many changes in how women present themselves. Women have continuously changed and adapted their look to reflect their changing roles in society. 

 

Today, women are embracing new styles and techniques like Seint’s 3D makeup to help them create a unique look that expresses their individual style.

 

This article will take you on a trip down memory lane, exploring how women’s look has varied throughout the decades. As a bonus, be able to see how women from each decade look in the modern time.

 

Finally, we’ll introduce the trendy 3D makeup technique.

The Changing Makeup Trends

Makeup trends have seen a wide variety of styles over time. While some looks remain timeless and classic, others have become popular in different eras of history. 

 

From the Twenties flapper girl style to today’s modern beauty, makeup trends have changed dramatically in the last century. Throughout the decades, innovative products and technologies have allowed for creativity and experimentation with makeup looks. 

 

With these tools at our fingertips, we can take inspiration from past makeup trends and explore new possibilities for our own look. Here are a few examples of makeup trends that have been popular in each decade:

1910s: ‘Natural Look’

During this decade, makeup was not widely worn, and those who did wear it kept it very natural and subtle. The focus was on a clean and healthy complexion, with minimal use of eye and lip makeup.

Beautiful woman of Industrial Revolution time profile picture looking directly at the camera

1920s: ‘The Flapper Look’

The 1920s saw a rise in popularity of bold, dramatic makeup. Women began wearing heavy kohl eyeliner and dark lipstick, and the “flapper” look became popular, featuring dark eyebrows, short hair, and a bob cut.

Woman in 1920s fashion dramatic makeup feathered headband gatsby flair

1930s: ‘Hollywood Glamour’

The 1930s: Makeup during this decade was all about Hollywood glamour. Women wore red lipstick, thick mascara, and bold, dramatic eyeshadow. The “smokey eye” look was also popular.

dark red and dark amber beautiful women showing 1930s makeup

1940s: ‘ War & Rationing’

The 1940s: Makeup during the 40s was heavily influenced by the war effort, with a focus on natural, neutral colors. Red lipstick was still popular, but other colors were more subdued. Victory rolls and pin curls were also popular hairstyles.

woman with wavy brown hair in a 1940s style

1950s: ‘Fashionable Femininity’

The 1950s: The 1950s saw a return to more dramatic makeup, with a focus on bold, bright colors. The “cat eye” liner look became popular, as well as coral and pink shades of lipstick. This era also marked the rise of the “housewife” look, with a focus on a polished and put-together appearance.

1950s showing a smiling beautiful American woman

1960s: ‘The Mod Look’

The 1960s: Makeup during the 60s was all about experimentation and self-expression. The “Twiggy” look, featuring heavy mascara and false lashes, became popular, as well as bold and colorful eye makeup.

woman from 1960s with long flip hairstyle fly away black in color hair wearing headband green color

1970s: ‘Glam Rock Glamour’

The 1970s: The 70s marked a shift towards a more natural and “hippie” look, with minimal makeup and a focus on a healthy and natural complexion. Earth tones and natural colors were popular, as well as the “glossy lip” look.

1970s woman wearing hippie cool clothes and neutral makeup

1980s: ‘Powerful Pouts’

The 1980s: The 80s were all about bold and colorful makeup, with a focus on bright eyeshadows and lipsticks. The “power dressing” look was also popular, with strong, defined brows and bold, red lipstick.

beautiful blonde woman from 1980s with colorful and bold eye makeup

1990s: ‘Natural Beauty’

The 1990s: The 90s saw a return to a more natural look, with a focus on minimal makeup and a “no-makeup” makeup look. Brown and nude lipsticks and eyeshadows were popular, as well as the “grunge” look, featuring dark and smudgy eyeliner.

90s woman natural look minimal makeup brown and nude lipsticks eyeshadows

2000s: ‘Bold & Bright’

The 2000s: The 2000s saw a rise in popularity of shimmery and glittery eyeshadows, as well as bold and colorful lip glosses. The “glossy lip” look was also popular.

edgy mixed genz female with silver brown tone lids sheer blue shifty inner corner highlighter eyeshadow brown eyes healthy skin glow blush cheeks

2010s: ‘Maximalist Makeup’

The 2010s: The 2010s saw a rise in popularity of contouring and strobing techniques, as well as bold and colorful lipsticks and eyeshadows. The “Instagram makeup” look became popular, featuring heavy highlight and full coverage foundation.

woman form the 20th century with bold and colorful lipsticks and eyeshadows

2020s: ‘3D Makeup’

The 2020s: The 2020s saw a rise in popularity of natural and minimal makeup looks, with a focus on skincare and “no-makeup” makeup. 3D makeup is a technique that uses special effects and illusions to create the appearance of depth and dimension on a person’s face  to mimic a natural look! With the advent of TikTok and Instagram, makeup tutorials, and challenges became more popular. The “glowy” look and “glass skin” became popular, with a focus on highlighting and contouring.

latina woman in the year 2020 fully contoured facial feature with illuminator glossy lips winged eye

 

Thoughts on Evolution of Makeup

In conclusion, the evolution of makeup has been a long and fascinating journey. From ancient societies to modern times, makeup has come to signify a variety of things, from beauty and style to status and wealth. 

 

It has certainly played an important role in the lives of many cultures over the centuries, helping to define their identities and beliefs. 

 

While the history of makeup may be complex and varied, it is clear that it will continue to play an important role in society for years to come.

 

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