13 Vintage Makeup Trends That Influenced Today’s Beauty World

The influence of vintage makeup trends on modern beauty cannot be overstated. Classic styles such as the bold red lip and the winged eyeliner are still go-to choices for many today. While makeup has changed over the years, certain trends remain as relevant as ever. The way vintage looks are reimagined shows how beauty constantly evolves. These iconic trends continue to inspire makeup artists and everyday enthusiasts alike.

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Matte Skin Look

The matte skin look became a defining feature of beauty trends in the 1980s and 1990s. Models and actresses were often seen with flawless, shine-free faces, achieving a smooth, porcelain-like finish. This look was achieved using powders, foundations, and setting sprays to create a matte canvas, which contrasted with the dewy finishes of previous decades. Matte skin remains a staple in the beauty industry today, especially with the popularity of full-coverage foundations and long-lasting matte products.

Although the trend started as a way to control oil and shine, it also gave off a sophisticated, polished appearance. Matte skin was associated with high fashion and professional makeup, often seen in runway shows and magazine covers. Modern beauty has expanded the matte look by incorporating matte highlighters and blushes, while still celebrating the original clean finish. It continues to inspire makeup enthusiasts looking for a flawless, camera-ready complexion.

The Grunge Makeup

The grunge makeup look became iconic in the early 1990s, emerging alongside the grunge music movement. This trend embraced a rebellious, edgy style, often featuring dark, smoky eyes, pale skin, and muted lips. The aesthetic was influenced by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, with the look often incorporating heavy eyeliner and messy, smudged makeup. Today, elements of grunge makeup, such as dark eyeliner and a more relaxed, undone look, continue to inspire beauty trends, especially with a more polished finish.

Grunge makeup was about embracing imperfections, reflecting the anti-establishment attitude of the time. It contrasted with the polished looks of the ’80s, embracing a raw, natural approach to beauty. While it may have started as a subculture style, grunge makeup has been adopted by mainstream beauty brands, proving its lasting impact. The bold use of dark tones and the edgy, careless vibe remains influential in makeup artistry.

Glossy Lips, Frosted Eyes, and Bold Glam Looks

In the 1960s and 1970s, glossy lips and frosted eyeshadow were all the rage, popularized by models and movie stars. These looks brought a fresh, glamorous feel to makeup, often paired with bold eye-catching designs. The glossy finish on lips gave a shiny, youthful look, while frosted eyeshadow offered a cool, ethereal vibe. Today, these vintage trends have made a comeback, with modern takes on glossy lips and iridescent eyeshadows becoming part of mainstream beauty routines.

This combination of glossy lips and frosted eyes was a striking departure from the matte looks of the past. It reflected the carefree, experimental spirit of the ’60s and ’70s, which pushed boundaries in fashion and makeup. Celebrities like Farrah Fawcett and Jean Shrimpton helped define these styles, which are now resurfacing in beauty trends. The bold glam look continues to influence makeup choices, with a modern twist on classic vintage elements.

Overdrawn Lips

Overdrawn lips became a popular trend in the 1990s, making lips appear fuller and more defined. This technique involved using lip liners to outline lips slightly outside their natural shape, creating a dramatic and plump look. Celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Drew Barrymore helped popularize this style, which became synonymous with glamorous, bold beauty. Overdrawn lips have returned in recent years, with modern techniques offering a more subtle, refined version of the original style.

Overdrawn lips are no longer just about creating volume; they also help enhance the shape of the lips. While the ’90s version was often sharp and pronounced, today’s version focuses on smooth, blended lines with a softer finish. This trend is now commonly seen in lip glosses and lipsticks designed to accentuate lip shape and size. Overdrawn lips continue to inspire beauty trends, providing a timeless way to enhance the lips.

Red Lips

Red lips have long been considered a timeless symbol of beauty, with their roots going back to the early 20th century. This bold, attention-grabbing look became associated with Hollywood glamour in the 1930s and 1940s, worn by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. The red lip was often seen as a statement of confidence, power, and sensuality. Today, red lips remain an enduring trend, with countless shades and formulas to suit every style and occasion.

The red lip has evolved over the years, from classic matte finishes to glossy and satin textures. It transcends trends and remains a symbol of sophistication and allure. Modern beauty often pairs red lips with more minimalist makeup for a balanced look, but the power of red lips has never faded. The classic appeal of red lips ensures their place as a beauty staple across generations.

Heavy Blush

Heavy blush became popular in the 1980s, with bright, bold hues applied to the apples of the cheeks for a dramatic, flushed look. This trend emphasized the youthful, healthy glow, with blush shades ranging from deep pinks to coral tones. The bold application of blush was often paired with big hairstyles and bright eyeshadows, contributing to the vibrant, over-the-top fashion of the time. While the heavy blush trend was toned down in later years, it has seen a resurgence in modern makeup, where it is applied with more subtlety and precision.

Heavy blush added a fun, playful element to makeup, making it an essential part of 1980s beauty routines. The trend was about making a statement with vibrant color, often contrasting with more neutral tones used in the rest of the makeup. Today’s version of bold blush embraces the youthful, fresh look, with makeup artists applying it in a way that enhances natural features. The heavy blush trend remains a popular choice for those looking to add a burst of color to their makeup.

White Eyeliner

White eyeliner became a standout beauty trend in the 1960s, used to create a wide-eyed, doe-like appearance. This look was popularized by models like Twiggy, who used white eyeliner to define the inner corners of the eyes and the waterline. White eyeliner was often paired with bold, dramatic lashes and was seen as a way to make the eyes appear larger and more awake. The trend has resurfaced in modern makeup, with white eyeliner being used to create bright, clean lines for a fresh, youthful look.

The white eyeliner trend was a departure from the darker eyeliner shades commonly used at the time. It added a light, airy quality to makeup that was in stark contrast to the heavy, smoky eyes of the ’70s and ’80s. Today, white eyeliner is still used to make eyes pop, especially in makeup looks that emphasize brightness and clarity. It remains a versatile tool for makeup artists, offering a playful and clean approach to eye makeup.

Cut Crease Eyeshadow

Cut crease eyeshadow became a defining look in the 1960s, offering a dramatic contrast between the eyelid and the crease of the eye. This technique involved applying a light eyeshadow on the lid, while the crease was defined with a darker shade, often creating a sharp, defined line. The cut crease look was revived in the 2010s, as makeup artists began experimenting with bold, artistic eyeshadow designs. Today, the cut crease remains popular for its ability to define and shape the eyes with precision.

The cut crease trend allows for a highly defined, sculpted look, which was especially popular in the glamorous 1960s makeup scene. It gained popularity in the digital age, with makeup tutorials showing creative ways to use this technique. The sharp contrast between light and dark shades allows for bold statements and makes the eyes appear more prominent. Today, the cut crease is often used for more elaborate eye looks, continuing to influence modern makeup artistry.

Long Lashes

Long lashes have always been associated with femininity and allure, making them a staple in beauty routines. The trend of long, voluminous lashes became particularly popular in the 1960s, with stars like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren embracing full, lush lashes. The look was achieved using mascara and false lashes, helping to make the eyes appear larger and more expressive. Today, the trend for long lashes continues, with advancements in mascaras and lash extensions making the look easier to achieve.

Long lashes have remained a symbol of glamour, drawing attention to the eyes and enhancing any makeup look. Whether using mascara, lash lifts, or extensions, the goal has always been to create fuller, more voluminous lashes. This trend has become more accessible, with different options available for achieving long lashes without the need for falsies. Long lashes continue to be an essential part of modern beauty, contributing to both everyday and high-fashion looks.

Fake Beauty Marks

Fake beauty marks gained popularity in the 1920s, becoming a symbol of sophistication and glamour. Stars like Marilyn Monroe made the beauty mark a signature part of their look, adding allure and individuality to their features. This trend continued through the decades, with women using makeup to add faux moles or beauty spots to their faces. Today, beauty marks remain a popular choice for enhancing facial features, with makeup artists using them as a fun way to add character to a look.

The trend of fake beauty marks was about creating a unique, personalized look that set the wearer apart. It added an element of playfulness to makeup, with beauty marks often placed strategically on the face. In modern beauty, fake beauty marks are still used to enhance the face, with some opting for more permanent options like tattoos. They continue to add a classic, timeless touch to any makeup look.

The Natural Brow Look in Modern Beauty

In the 1960s and 1970s, natural brows were all the rage, with many beauty icons embracing their full, thick brows. This look was seen as youthful and fresh, contrasting with the thinner brows that became popular in later decades. Over the years, natural brows have made a comeback, with a focus on grooming and enhancing the natural shape rather than over-plucking or over-shaping. The natural brow trend has become a staple in beauty routines, with products like brow gels and pencils making it easier to achieve a polished yet natural look.

The natural brow trend emphasizes embracing one’s natural features, with a focus on creating a fuller, more defined brow shape. It has evolved from the overdone, pencil-thin brows of the ’90s to a more authentic, soft appearance. Today, this trend is about enhancing the natural arch of the brows while maintaining their shape and texture. The natural brow look continues to be a favorite in both everyday and runway makeup.

Contouring and Bold Makeup Statements

Contouring became a defining makeup trend in the early 2000s, popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. The technique involved using darker and lighter shades of makeup to sculpt and define the face, creating the illusion of more prominent cheekbones and a slimmer face. Contouring was initially seen as a complex technique, but with the rise of beauty tutorials, it became widely accessible. Today, contouring remains a popular part of many beauty routines, with newer techniques offering softer, more natural results.

The trend for contouring marked a shift toward more sculpted, structured makeup looks. It allowed for more defined facial features and became synonymous with modern glam beauty. While contouring was once seen as a dramatic step in makeup, today it is often paired with other techniques like highlighting to create a balanced, radiant look. The rise of contouring and bold makeup statements has led to a more creative, artistic approach to beauty.

Nude Lips

Nude lips became a popular trend in the 1990s, as celebrities like Kate Moss and Cindy Crawford embraced the minimalist look. This subtle lip color offered a natural, understated appearance, complementing a wide range of makeup styles. The nude lip trend has remained popular, evolving from matte formulas to glosses and lip balms for a more modern finish. Today, nude lips are a staple for many, offering a clean and sophisticated look that works with any makeup style.

Nude lips are versatile, enhancing the natural lip color without overpowering the rest of the makeup. The trend has evolved to include various shades, from peachy nudes to deeper browns, making it suitable for all skin tones. Nude lips provide a balanced contrast to bold eye makeup, making it a favorite choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. The nude lip trend continues to thrive, remaining a go-to option for those seeking a simple yet powerful beauty look.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.