About The Evolution of Makeup : From 1920s Glam to Today’s Minimalism

Makeup has come a long way, from the glamorous looks of the 1920s to today’s minimalist style. Through the years, makeup has evolved, from cultural shifts to beauty trends. 

Today, the beauty industry is huge. There are skincare and cosmetics taking center stage. Influencers, celebrities, and experts have all helped shape it into what it is today.

In this article, we’ll take a journey through the history of makeup. You’ll get a better understanding of how makeup has evolved all these years.

The 1920s: The Birth of Glamour

The 1920s was a decade of glamour, rebellion, and bold fashion statements. Makeup used to play a central role in defining the era’s iconic look. The flapper girls inspired the 1920s makeup.

1. Flawless Complexion

The 1920s makeup style focused on a flawless, porcelain-like complexion. Women used heavy foundations and face powders to create a smooth, uniform look, often with a matte finish. The goal was to achieve a pale, almost ethereal, with minimal visibility of imperfections. 

2. Dramatic Eyes

Eyes were the main focus of 1920s makeup. Women tend to do the bold, dramatic effects. Smoky eyes were achieved using dark eyeshadows in shades like black, brown, and charcoal. 

Eyeliner was heavily applied to the upper and lower lash lines. False eyelashes became popular, giving an exaggerated, dramatic effect around the eyes. 

3. Defined Eyebrows

Eyebrows in the 1920s were extremely thin and sharply defined. Women often tweezed their natural eyebrows to extreme thinness and used pencils to draw in any gaps. The sharp, defined brows balanced out the boldness of the eyes and lips.

4. Bold Lips

Lips in the 1920s were a focal point of makeup, with bold, dark colors like red, burgundy, and plum. The lips were often given with a pronounced Cupid’s bow at the top. This strong lip color, paired with pale skin and dramatic eye makeup, made the lips stand out. Lip liner became an essential tool for achieving a precise, full shape.

5. Rouge or Blush

Blush in the 1920s was not the subtle touch it is today; it was bold and noticeable. Women applied rouge to the apples of their cheeks to create a youthful and flushed look. The bright shades of pink, red, and rose were go to. The application was often heavy.

The 1950s: Feminine Elegance 

Flawless Complexion

Achieving a perfect complexion was a central focus of 1950s makeup. Women often used a heavy cream or liquid foundation to create a smooth, even canvas. The foundation was applied to even out the skin tone and hide imperfections. 

The powder was then used to set the makeup and reduce shine. A pale, porcelain-like complexion was ideal, and blush or bronzer was kept minimal. Women then focused on achieving a natural yet polished look.

Bold Brows

Brows were a major feature of the 1950s makeup look. Unlike the thin, arched eyebrows of the 1920s, the ’50s saw a fuller, more natural brow shape. The brows were often slightly arched. 

Women used eyebrow pencils or powders to define the brow shape.

Subtle Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow in the 1950s was more understated compared to today’s dramatic styles. Soft pastel shades dominated, with colors like light pinks, peach, lavender, and soft blues being popular. These hues were chosen to complement the natural eye color and create a delicate, feminine look.

Winged Eyeliner

Winged eyeliner became one of the most iconic makeup trends of the 1950s. A bold, defined line was drawn along the upper lash line, and the outer corners were extended into a wing shape. This dramatic flick accentuated the eyes, making them appear larger and more almond-shaped. 

Lush Lashes

Full, voluminous lashes were a hallmark of 1950s makeup. Women used mascara to lengthen and define their lashes. It made their eyes appear more expressive. Upper lashes were the primary focus, and lower lashes were typically left uncoated or given just a light coating. 

In some cases, women wore false eyelashes for the dramatic effect.

Rosy Cheeks

The 1950s makeup style was soft, rosy cheeks for a youthful, and healthy glow. Blush in shades like peach, coral, and soft rose was applied to the apples of the cheeks. It gives a natural flush. The blush was blended well to create a soft gradient youthful appearance.

Defined Lips

Full, defined lips were a signature part of 1950s makeup. Bold lip colors, and shades of red, were very popular. The lips were often overdrawn to create a fuller, more symmetrical look.

Classic red lipsticks were the go-to choice, but softer pinks and rose tones were also favored. 

The 1980s: Bold and Vibrant 

The ’80s bold, electric makeup trends are making a return today. Bright eyeshadows, bold blushes, and vibrant lips are showing up again in celebrity and influencer looks.

Bold Eyeshadow

Women used to wear vibrant and unexpected colors like electric blues, shocking pinks, and bold purples. It was common to apply eyeshadow in large blocks. 

Popular looks were brightly colored lids with contrasting eyeliner.

Dramatic Eyeliner

In the ’80s, eyeliner was thick, bold, and often extended into dramatic wings. Liquid or gel eyeliners were commonly used to achieve sharp lines. This was in stark contrast to the thinner, more subtle liners of the ’70s. A popular look was pairing thick eyeliner with brightly colored eyeshadows.

Exaggerated Blush

Blush was a key element of ’80s makeup, but it was applied in a more exaggerated way than ever before. Women would apply blush in bold, bright colors like hot pink, coral, and even deep reds. 

Instead of subtle contouring, blush was the focal point on the cheeks.

Full Brows

The 1980s saw the return of fuller, natural brows after the thin, arched brows of the ’70s. Women looked for a more untamed, bushy look. The brows were often kept in their natural shape with minimal grooming, with a slight arch adding definition. Many women used brow pencils or powders for the natural fullness of their brows.

Luscious Lashes

Mascara was applied liberally to both top and bottom lashes to create the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes. Women also often used false lashes to add extra drama and volume. Some even went as far as to use mascara on their lower lashes to create a more dramatic, doll-like effect.

Bold Lips

Lipstick in the ’80s was anything but subtle. Bold reds, fuchsias, and hot pinks were the go-to shades. Lips were often outlined with lip liner to create a defined shape.

Shimmer and Glitter

The ’80s was the era of all things shiny. Shimmer and glitter were added to eyeshadow, lips, and even cheeks. Glittery eyeshadows were applied for evening looks, and some even incorporated glitter into their blush or body makeup. 

Shimmering highlighters weren’t as common as they are today. But shiny and glittery finishes were key.

Contoured Faces

While contouring wasn’t as refined or popular as it is today, the idea of sculpting the face with makeup took hold in the ’80s. The women used to create a sharp jawline and high cheekbones using bronzers and blush. Instead of subtle contouring techniques, blush was often applied accordion to the face’s natural structure.

The 2010s: Contour Craze and Instagram Makeup

1. Heavy Contouring

In the early part of the 2010s, contouring became famous because of Kim Kardashian and her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic. The trend was achieving high, defined cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more chiseled jawline. 

Makeup artists and beauty influencers demonstrated complex routines for creating the perfect contoured look, with multiple products and blending techniques. 

2. Bold Eyebrows

Thin, over-plucked brows from the ’90s were replaced by fuller, thicker brows. Celebrities like Cara Delevingne made the bushy, natural brow look famous.

Additionally, the rise of microblading became a go-to for those looking for long-lasting results.

3. Overlined Lips

Overlined lips started Kylie Jenner, whose plump pout became iconic. Lip liners, in shades from nude to deep brown, were used to increase the natural lip shape. 

Women (and even men) began drawing outside their natural lip lines to create a more pronounced look. Additionally, neutral and brown-toned matte lipsticks dominated the scene.

4. Smokey Eyes

Smokey eyes have always been a classic look, but in the 2010s, the trend took a turn toward bolder. Celebrities and makeup artists pushed the boundaries by creating dark, smoldering eyes using deep shades of black, gray, and brown. The smokey eye became a staple for day-to-day makeup.

5. Matte, Full-Face Makeup

The 2010s shifted toward the “flawless” face. The full-coverage foundations, setting powders, and “baking” techniques. People wanted their makeup to last all day, and baking provided a long-lasting, perfect finish. This trend was influenced by beauty gurus and makeup artists on YouTube.

6. No-Makeup Makeup

Celebrities like Alicia Keys went makeup-free. So everyone was inspired to embrace their natural features. The no-makeup makeup look was all about glowy skin, light coverage foundations or tinted moisturizers, subtle blush, and soft, neutral eyeshadows.

7. Highlighter and Strobing

As the desire for glowing skin grew, highlighter products took center stage in the 2010s. Makeup artists started using highlighters in various forms. Strobing became popular to create a healthy, lit-from-within glow without the need for heavy contouring.

8. Colorful Eyeshadows and Graphic Liner

The 2010s saw a resurgence of color in makeup, with bright, bold eyeshadows making a statement. Neon shades, metallic finishes, and bold graphic liners took the beauty world by storm. Influencers and makeup artists began experimenting with colorful eyeshadows.

Today: Embracing Minimalism

The 2024 has shifted towards minimalism. The goal is to do makeup styles with luxurious yet subtle touches. 

Smokey Eyes and Perfect Lashes

Smokey eyes have taken on a fresh look. The eyeshadow is applied only up to the crease, creating a thick eyeliner effect. To make your lashes stand out, using the right eyelash curler is key. Plastic curlers are portable, while metal curlers last longer and work better when lightly heated.

Red Lips and Radiant Skin

Matte red lips are dominating, creating a sophisticated yet minimalist vibe. To make the red color pop, focus on healthy, blemish-free skin. A simple lip balm or mask will keep your lips smooth and ready for color. 

Smoked-Out Winged Eyes and Jello Skin

The winged eyeliner is taking a minimal approach this year. Black eyeliner is used to focus on sharpness and clean lines. For flawless skin, “Jello skin” is all the rage.

Hair Accessories and Classic Styling

Hair accessories are perfect to style without changing your hair drastically. This season, scarves are used to wrap hair into sleek styles.

Final Words

Makeup has always been a way to increase beauty. Over the years, it’s transformed significantly. Today, we know more about safe and effective beauty treatments than ever before. Makeup has always been a way to express ourselves and how we see the world. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come.

FAQs

1. What is the history of makeup?

Makeup dates back to 6000 BCE, starting with the Egyptians. They believed makeup pleased the Gods. Both men and women from all social classes wore makeup.

2. What is the theory behind makeup?

The first step in makeup is identifying your skin undertones. Undertones are the subtle colors under the skin. They affect how makeup colors look on different people. There are three types of undertones: cool, warm, and neutral.

3. What is the first makeup?

The first makeup colors used were black and green. Black and green eyeshadows came from lead and copper ores. The Egyptians used a makeup called “kohl” for outlining eyes. Kohl was a powder applied with a small stick. It gave the eyes an almond shape.

4. What is HD makeup theory?

HD makeup is different from other makeup. It uses tiny particles for a smooth finish. It has light-reflecting ingredients that make your skin glow. These ingredients blur imperfections like fine lines and pores. This gives you a natural, flawless look in person and on camera.

5. When was makeup unpopular?

In the early 1900s, makeup wasn’t very popular. Women rarely wore makeup.