Beauty Through the Decades: Iconic Looks and How to Recreate Them
When it comes to beauty, things have changed quite a bit over the years, a mirror of the social changes, cultural influences and technological advances.
From glamorous to avant-garde, signature looks from each era leave room for personal expression. In this guide, we look back at iconic beauty looks across the decades with tips and tricks on how to re-create them and look like you won the lottery.
The 1920s: The Roaring Twenties and the Flapper Effect
The 1920s were a pivotal time in beauty standards as the flapper generation began to shape the images reflected back through fashion and media. Women were more liberated and this shows in the makeup and hair styles. The twenties' iconic look had smoky eyes, ruby red lips and finger waves. To recreate this look:
· Eyes: Use dark eyeshadows (black or deep gray) to create a smoky effect, paired with heavy mascara.
· Lips: Opt for bold red lipstick; classic shades like crimson or cherry work best.
· Hair: Style your hair into finger waves or a sleek bob for an authentic 1920s vibe.
The 1930s: Elegance and Sophistication
The 1930s brought back glamour inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Makeup was more subtle, with pencil-thin eyebrows, pale chestnut eyeshadow, and dark pink lips. To achieve this look:
· Brows: Carefully shape your eyebrows into a thin arch.
· Eyes: Apply soft pastel eyeshadows (think light pinks or blues) and use kohl eyeliner for definition.
· Lips: Choose a dark pink lipstick to complete the sophisticated appearance.
The 1940s: Practicality Meets Glamour
Practicality dictated beauty trends during World War II. The 1940s embraced natural eyeshadow, defined thick eyebrows, and a signature red lipstick called "Victory Red." To recreate this look:
· Eyes: Use neutral tones like beige or light brown for eyeshadow.
· Brows: Maintain fuller brows for a more natural look.
· Lips: A classic red lipstick is essential; try Bésame's Victory Red for authenticity.
The 1950s: Bold and Glamorous
The post-war period celebrated a brash glamour modeled heavily on stars like Marilyn Monroe. Winged eyeliner, lipbright lips, and flawless skin were focal points. To achieve this glamorous look:
· Eyes: Apply liquid eyeliner to create a dramatic wing.
· Skin: Use a creamy foundation for a flawless base.
· Lips: Bright red or pink lipsticks are perfect for this bold statement.
The 1960s: Mod and Dramatic
The '60s turned the fashion gaze to the eyes, with trends emphasizing bold lashes, pale lips, and bright white eyeshadow. The epitome of this look was represented by models such as Twiggy. To achieve this:
· Eyes: Layer on mascara and consider false lashes for drama; use white or pastel shades on the eyelids.
· Lips: Stick to pale pink or nude lip colors.
The 1970s: Natural Beauty
The 1970s embraced unfettered beauty with little makeup and loose hair. The era embraced natural makeup, earth tones, and an "I woke up like this" spirit. To embody this style:
· Eyes: Use shimmery pastel eyeshadows with light mascara.
· Skin: Go for a dewy finish with bronzer for warmth.
· Hair: Embrace natural waves or long hairstyles.
The 1980s: Colors and More Colors
The 1980s, known for its exuberance, ushered in a new wave of vibrant colors and heavy makeup. Iconic looks included bright blue eyeshadow and big hair. to recreate this bold look:
· Eyes: Use bright eyeshadows in neon colors; layer them for intensity.
· Cheeks: Apply heavy blush for that quintessential '80s glow.
The 1990s: Minimalism Meets Grunge
In the 1990s, we had a combination of minimalism and grunge influences. Among the important trends were over-lined lips, neutral tones, and glittery eyes. To nail this look:
· Lips: Opt for brown or nude lipsticks; overline slightly for fullness.
· Eyes: Use shimmery shadows with hints of glitter.
Which one of these looks are you going to try first? Tell us in the comments.
