14 Makeup Pieces That Define Each Decade from the 1920s–1990s

Throughout the 20th century, makeup has continuously adapted to the changing styles and preferences of each decade. From the glamorous, bold looks of the 1920s to the more minimalist trends of the 1990s, makeup has always had a way of reflecting the times. Each era brought forward its own signature products that have stood the test of time. Makeup trends often mirror the cultural movements, making them fascinating to explore.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

1920s Red Lipstick

The 1920s saw the rise of dramatic makeup, and red lipstick became a symbol of boldness and rebellion. This era was marked by the flapper style, and a striking red lip was essential to complete the look. Women began to express their independence through fashion and beauty, and the red lip became a statement of empowerment. The bold shade also complemented the sharp, defined eye makeup popular during this time. Iconic brands like Elizabeth Arden made red lipstick widely available, and it remains a classic staple in modern beauty.

The red lipstick of the 1920s was different from earlier versions, offering a matte finish that gave a more modern, intense look. This style was paired with dark, smoky eyes to create a contrast and a more dramatic effect. The iconic red lip was often complemented with sleek, straight eyebrows that emphasized a more angular face. Women embraced these looks as a way to break away from traditional beauty standards. The red lip remains a timeless element of makeup, thanks to its association with this bold and empowering decade.

1930s Arched Eyebrows

In the 1930s, makeup focused on soft, refined beauty, with a key trend being the bold, arched eyebrow. This style featured eyebrows that were highly shaped and emphasized a delicate, more refined look. Unlike the fuller brows of the 1920s, the 1930s favored a more sculpted arch that gave the face a sleek, elongated appearance. This eyebrow style was seen on film stars like Greta Garbo, whose elegant look influenced women everywhere. To achieve the arch, women often used eyebrow pencils or powders to shape and define their brows more precisely.

The 1930s makeup style also embraced a softer, more natural appearance overall. The lips were often tinted with softer shades, and the eyes featured subtle shadows. The arched brow was the defining feature that elevated the 1930s look, contributing to an overall sense of grace and sophistication. The eyebrow shape helped define the face and create the illusion of higher cheekbones, which was a popular beauty ideal of the time. This trend still influences eyebrow shapes today, proving its lasting impact on makeup.

1940s Bold Eyeliner

The 1940s introduced a makeup look that emphasized femininity and glamour, with bold eyeliner becoming a key feature. This was the era of the cat eye, where eyeliner was applied in a dramatic flick at the outer corners of the eyes. The look was popularized by Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake, whose eye makeup became iconic in films. The bold eyeliner not only defined the eyes but also made them appear larger and more captivating, contributing to the sultry, glamorous aesthetic of the decade.

Eyeliner was typically applied with a pencil or liquid liner, often paired with curled lashes to create an enhanced eye shape. The rest of the makeup was kept relatively simple, with soft, natural lipstick shades and a subtle blush. This minimalist approach to makeup allowed the bold eyeliner to stand out as the star of the look. The cat-eye look remains a beloved makeup trend, continuously reinvented across generations.

1950s Full Lipstick

In the 1950s, the classic full lip became the defining feature of the decade’s makeup style. Women embraced bold, well-defined lips in shades of red, pink, and coral, with a focus on symmetry and fullness. This look was epitomized by stars like Marilyn Monroe, whose glamorous, pouty lips became iconic. The 1950s was all about femininity and sophistication, and the full lip played a key role in conveying this image. Lip liner was often used to enhance the shape of the lips, making them appear more defined and proportionate.

The rest of the makeup was also focused on softness and femininity, with soft eyeshadow and mascara to complement the lips. The combination of full lips and winged eyeliner became a hallmark of the ’50s look. This makeup style reflected the post-war optimism, where women embraced beauty standards that celebrated their womanhood. The full lipstick of the 1950s continues to influence makeup trends today, with bold lips still considered a powerful beauty statement.

1960s False Lashes

The 1960s was the decade of dramatic eyes, and false lashes were a key part of this bold look. Inspired by models like Twiggy, women embraced the oversized, doll-like eyes that were made possible by heavy layers of mascara and long false lashes. These lashes were often applied to the top and bottom lashes to create a striking, wide-eyed look. The trend became synonymous with the mod fashion movement, which emphasized futuristic, youthful beauty.

False lashes were used in combination with dramatic eyeliner and thick, winged eyeshadow, creating a bold contrast with the lighter, more natural face makeup. The look was striking and playful, designed to draw attention to the eyes. It was also a time when makeup started to embrace a more playful, experimental approach. False lashes remain an iconic symbol of the ’60s and are still widely used today to add drama and glamour to makeup looks.

1970s Natural Look Foundation

The 1970s marked a shift toward a more natural, effortless makeup look, with the foundation becoming lighter and more sheer. Women began to embrace their natural skin tone, and foundation was used more to even out the complexion rather than to create a heavy base. This was the era of the no-makeup makeup look, where women focused on healthy, glowing skin. Key makeup products of the 1970s included tinted moisturizers and lightweight foundations that allowed skin to shine through.

The natural look was complemented by simple, understated eye makeup, often using earth tones like browns and greens. Blush was subtle, enhancing the natural flush of the skin. This era also saw the popularity of more natural hair, which contributed to the relaxed, free-spirited vibe. The focus was on enhancing one’s features without heavy layers of makeup. The 1970s natural look continues to influence modern makeup trends, promoting a fresh, clean aesthetic.

1980s Bright Blush

The 1980s were characterized by bold and colorful makeup, with bright blush being a defining feature. Women applied blush liberally to create a vibrant, flushed look that complemented the high-energy fashion of the time. Bright pinks, corals, and even red blush were used to create dramatic color on the cheeks. The bold blush look was paired with strong, defined eyebrows and vibrant eyeshadows, contributing to the overall dynamic makeup style of the decade.

This makeup trend was inspired by the flashy, exaggerated fashion seen in music videos and on the runway, particularly by pop stars like Madonna. The 1980s makeup was all about fun and expression, and the bright blush became a symbol of the boldness and creativity of the era. Blush was used as a way to add warmth and a youthful appearance to the face. It was a departure from the more subtle looks of the past and remains an iconic element of ’80s makeup.

1990s Brown Lip Liner

In the 1990s, the brown lip liner trend became synonymous with the decade’s grunge and minimalist beauty style. Women lined their lips with a dark brown pencil and filled in the rest with a nude or brown lipstick, creating a defined yet soft lip look. This makeup style was embraced by stars like Kylie Jenner, whose fuller lips became iconic. The combination of dark liner and nude lips gave a natural yet edgy feel, aligning perfectly with the overall 1990s vibe.

The brown lip liner trend was paired with simple eye makeup, often focusing on neutral eyeshadows and minimal mascara. This style reflected the relaxed, laid-back attitude of the ’90s, which favored low-maintenance beauty. Lip gloss also made a comeback during this time, often layered over the brown liner for a glossy finish. The brown lip liner look remains popular today, with many modern makeup artists using it as a way to define the lips while maintaining a natural look.

1920s Matte Foundation

Matte foundation became a key product for the 1920s makeup look, which aimed for a smooth, porcelain-like finish. This style was often paired with dark eyeshadow and red lipstick, contributing to the dramatic, bold beauty of the time. The matte finish provided a stark contrast to the dewy, natural look that came before, and it reflected the growing interest in sleek, modern aesthetics. Women wanted flawless, smooth skin that gave them a refined, elegant appearance, and matte foundation helped achieve this.

Unlike the glowing, radiant look of later decades, the matte foundation of the 1920s was about creating a perfect canvas. The look was further accentuated by using powders to set the foundation and keep the face shine-free. Matte foundation was also used to sculpt the face, with women often using darker shades to contour their features. This style remains influential in makeup today, with matte foundations continuing to be popular for those seeking a smooth, even finish.

1930s Lip Gloss

The 1930s marked the rise of lip gloss, a product that added shine and a soft, dewy finish to the lips. Unlike the more matte looks of previous decades, lip gloss provided a natural sheen that was perfect for the elegant, refined beauty of the time. This product was often used in combination with subtle lip colors, creating a fresh, youthful look. Lip gloss also became a symbol of glamour and sophistication, making it a favorite among Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford.

The glossy finish was also paired with light, neutral eyeshadow and a delicate blush, contributing to the soft, polished appearance that defined the 1930s makeup style. Lip gloss was easy to apply and provided a touch of shine without being overly bold. This simple yet elegant beauty trend was a departure from the heavier looks of the past, offering a more subtle, feminine alternative. Lip gloss remains a classic makeup product today, thanks to its timeless appeal.

1970s Shimmering Eyeshadow

Shimmering eyeshadow became a defining feature of 1970s makeup, adding a touch of glamour and shine to the eyelids. Popular colors included gold, bronze, and copper, which were applied to create a glowing, radiant effect. The shimmering eyeshadow was often paired with soft, natural brows and neutral lips, creating a balanced, fresh look. This style reflected the free-spirited, bohemian vibe of the 1970s, where makeup was all about enhancing natural beauty with a touch of shine.

The shimmering eyeshadow trend was easy to wear and could be applied for both casual day looks and more glamorous evening styles. The shine gave the eyes a soft, bright appearance, making them appear larger and more awake. This trend also embraced the use of light, glowing skin, often achieved with minimal foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Shimmering eyeshadow continues to be popular, often seen in modern makeup collections that highlight radiant, dewy finishes.

1980s Neon Eyeshadow

Neon eyeshadow was one of the boldest makeup trends of the 1980s, bringing bright, electric colors to the forefront. Shades of neon pink, green, and blue were applied liberally across the eyelids to create a bold, playful look. The vibrant eyeshadow was paired with strong blush and dramatic lip colors, creating an overall energetic and fun appearance. This trend was popularized by music videos and pop stars like Cyndi Lauper, whose colorful style defined the decade.

Neon eyeshadow was often worn with heavy mascara and eyeliner to balance the intensity of the colors. The bright shades added excitement and creativity to makeup, making the eyes the focal point of the face. This trend was all about expressing individuality and embracing bold, unconventional beauty. The neon eyeshadow of the 1980s remains iconic, representing a time of cultural experimentation and vibrant energy.

1990s Nude Lipstick

In the 1990s, nude lipstick became the go-to makeup trend, favored for its understated, natural look. This was part of the grunge aesthetic, where makeup was used to create a more laid-back, minimalist vibe. Nude lipstick shades ranged from beige to brown, and they were often paired with a darker lip liner for definition. This style was made iconic by models like Kate Moss and popularized by the heroin chic trend, which favored a more undone, effortless appearance.

The nude lipstick of the 1990s was versatile, allowing it to be worn with both casual and evening looks. It was paired with subtle eye makeup, including neutral shadows and a light touch of mascara. The trend was all about embracing natural beauty and creating a soft, understated appearance. The nude lip has remained a timeless classic, with modern makeup collections continually reinventing it in various finishes and shades.

1990s Brown Mascara

Brown mascara was a key product for the natural, minimal makeup trend of the 1990s. This mascara offered a softer, more subtle alternative to the traditional black mascara, creating a more natural, less dramatic look. It was particularly popular during the grunge movement, where the focus was on simplicity and low-maintenance beauty. Brown mascara was used to define the lashes without drawing too much attention, making it perfect for those looking for a more understated makeup routine.

This mascara paired well with the nude lipstick trend, contributing to an overall soft, balanced look. It worked especially well for those with lighter hair and fair skin, as it enhanced the lashes without being overpowering. The 1990s brown mascara was perfect for creating a natural, everyday look. Even today, brown mascara continues to be a popular choice for those who prefer a gentler, more natural appearance for their lashes.

Each decade has introduced makeup pieces that defined the look and feel of the time. These trends show how makeup has shifted from dramatic and bold to natural and understated styles. Learning about these iconic pieces can guide personal style and experimentation with new looks. Observing the evolution of makeup provides a deeper appreciation for beauty trends and their cultural significance.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.