Forgotten beauty trends of the 20th century
The 20th century was a cornucopia of fascinating beauty trends, each decade offering something unique. Many of these trends have become nostalgic relics, yet they continue to inspire modern beauty enthusiasts. From iconic hairstyles to bold makeup choices, these trends tell a story of evolving societal norms and personal expression. As we take a stroll down memory lane, let’s rediscover the forgotten beauty trends that once defined the looks of their time.
The Glamour of Finger Waves in the 1920s
The 1920s brought us the elegant sophistication of finger waves. This hairstyle, characterized by its sleek, S-shaped waves, became synonymous with the flapper era. It was a symbol of the new, liberated woman, celebrating a break from traditional Victorian styles. Celebrities like Josephine Baker and Clara Bow popularized the look, which was achieved by pinching and shaping damp hair with fingers and a comb. Even today, finger waves occasionally resurface on red carpets as a nod to vintage glamour.
Thin Eyebrows: A 1930s Beauty Staple
In the 1930s, thin eyebrows reigned supreme, with Hollywood icons like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo leading the charge. This trend was all about precision, often requiring the complete removal of the natural brow and drawing in fine, high arches. It was a stark contrast to the fuller brows of the previous decade, reflecting the era’s emphasis on a more dramatic, angular face. While today’s beauty standards favor fuller brows, the 1930s taught us the power of a defined arch.
Victory Rolls: The 1940s Hair Trend with Staying Power
The 1940s were defined by the iconic victory rolls, a hairstyle that both celebrated and supported the wartime effort. Named after the fighter plane maneuver, these rolls became a symbol of patriotism and femininity. Women used them to keep their hair neat while working in factories, and they were often adorned with scarves or flowers for a touch of glamour. Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake were among the era’s style icons who brought victory rolls into the limelight.
The Allure of Red Lipstick During Wartime
Red lipstick became a beauty staple during wartime, symbolizing resilience and femininity. Despite the scarcity of resources, women turned to this bold hue as a way to maintain morale and express confidence. The cosmetic industry even produced special shades like “Victory Red” to boost patriotism. Icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe immortalized the classic red lip, a trend that remains a timeless choice in the beauty world today.
Pin-Up Makeup and Its Timeless Appeal
The pin-up look of the mid-20th century is an enduring symbol of femininity and allure. Characterized by winged eyeliner, lush lashes, and bold red lips, this makeup style was popularized by stars like Bettie Page and Rita Hayworth. Pin-up makeup emphasized a flawless complexion and perfectly arched brows, creating a polished and captivating look. Its timeless appeal continues to influence contemporary beauty trends, proving that a classic never truly goes out of style.
The 1950s Obsession with Cat-Eye Glasses
The 1950s saw a surge in the popularity of cat-eye glasses, a trend that combined fashion with function. These eyeglasses featured flared, upswept frames that added a playful yet sophisticated touch to any outfit. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn helped cat-eye glasses become a must-have accessory. Today, they continue to be a retro-chic statement piece, often seen on fashion-forward individuals who appreciate their vintage charm.
Beehive Hairstyles: The Higher the Hair, the Closer to Heaven
The 1960s brought us the towering beehive hairstyle, a look that epitomized volume and drama. Popularized by figures like Dusty Springfield and The Ronettes, the beehive was achieved by backcombing the hair and setting it in place with copious amounts of hairspray. This bold style represented the decade’s spirit of rebellion and experimentation. While not as common today, the beehive occasionally makes a comeback, reminding us of its larger-than-life allure.
The Bold Pastel Eyeshadows of the 1960s
Pastel eyeshadows were all the rage in the 1960s, reflecting the era’s love for color and experimentation. Bright blues, greens, and pinks adorned the eyelids of fashion-forward women, creating a vivid pop of color. Twiggy, the quintessential 60s model, often sported these bold shades, enhancing her iconic look. This trend encouraged self-expression and creativity, setting the stage for future makeup innovations.
Twiggy’s Iconic Lashes: Defining an Era
Twiggy, the British supermodel of the 1960s, became famous for her exaggerated lashes that defined the mod era. Her signature look involved heavily mascaraed upper lashes and drawn-on lower lashes, creating a doll-like appearance. This trend emphasized the eyes as the focal point of the face and sparked a fascination with false lashes and mascara. Twiggy’s lashes remain an inspiration for beauty enthusiasts seeking to channel the bold and youthful spirit of the 60s.
Bouffant Hair: Big Hair, Don’t Care
The bouffant hairstyle of the 1960s was all about volume, making a bold statement that said, “big hair, don’t care.” This style involved backcombing the hair to create height and setting it with hairspray for a polished finish. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and singer Aretha Franklin were among the notable figures who popularized the bouffant. While it may seem over-the-top today, the bouffant’s influence is evident in modern hair trends that embrace volume and drama.
The Natural Glow of the 1970s
The 1970s embraced a more natural beauty aesthetic, with a focus on achieving a healthy, sun-kissed glow. This decade saw the rise of bronzers and peachy blushes, enhancing the skin’s natural radiance. Icons like Farrah Fawcett and Ali MacGraw embodied this effortless beauty trend, which celebrated individuality and minimalism. The natural glow of the 70s has made a resurgence in recent years, with many opting for dewy, fresh-faced looks over heavy makeup.
Disco Fever: Glitter and Glam in Makeup
The disco era of the late 1970s was all about glitter and glam, with makeup that shimmered under the dance floor lights. Bold, metallic eyeshadows and glossy lips were essential for a night out at the disco. Stars like Donna Summer and Diana Ross dazzled with their sparkling looks, embodying the era’s exuberant spirit. Glitter makeup continues to be a fun and festive choice for those looking to add a touch of sparkle to their appearance.
The Perm Craze of the 1980s
The 1980s were marked by the perm craze, a trend that added volume and curl to hair in a big way. Perms involved chemically altering the hair to create lasting waves or curls, and they were a staple for both men and women. Celebrities like Cher and Olivia Newton-John sported luscious, curly locks that epitomized the decade’s bold style. While perms have lost some popularity, their influence is still seen in the embrace of natural curls and texture.
Blue Eyeshadow: An Unforgettable 80s Trend
Blue eyeshadow was a defining makeup trend of the 1980s, adding a splash of color to eyelids everywhere. This bold hue was worn by pop icons like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, becoming synonymous with the era’s fun and fearless style. Often paired with equally vivid blush and lipstick, blue eyeshadow was about making a statement. Although it fell out of favor for a time, it occasionally reappears in modern beauty looks as a nod to 80s nostalgia.
The Grunge Influence on 1990s Beauty
The 1990s grunge movement brought a more laid-back, edgy approach to beauty. Inspired by music icons like Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain, this trend embraced smudged eyeliner, matte complexions, and unkempt hair. Dark, moody lipstick shades were also a staple, reflecting the decade’s anti-establishment ethos. The grunge look continues to influence contemporary fashion and beauty, with its emphasis on individuality and effortless cool.
Frosted Lips and Their Icy Comeback
Frosted lips, a shimmering staple of 1990s beauty, made a notable comeback in recent years. This trend involves lipsticks with a hint of metallic sheen, creating an icy, reflective finish. Stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera popularized the frosty look, which complemented the era’s playful fashion. Today, frosted lips are appreciated for their nostalgic charm, offering a fun way to add some shimmer to any makeup routine.
Hair Crimping: A 90s Nostalgia Trip
Hair crimping was a beloved trend of the 1990s, turning straight locks into zigzagged waves. Using a special crimping iron, this style added texture and volume, making it a favorite for both casual and party looks. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Melissa Joan Hart were often seen sporting crimped hair. Though it faded from mainstream fashion, crimping occasionally resurfaces, embraced by those who enjoy its quirky and nostalgic appeal.
