Iconic Makeup Looks of the 20th Century & Recreate Them

The 20th century iconic makeup looks was not just a period of rapid technological and cultural change; it was also a golden era for beauty and makeup, leaving a lasting impression that continues to influence modern aesthetics. Each decade brought its own unique contributions to the art of makeup, with iconic looks that defined the era’s spirit and style. From the silent film stars of the 1920s to the bold supermodels of the 1990s, the evolution of makeup throughout the century reflects broader societal shifts, technological advancements, and changing perceptions of beauty.

These historic makeup looks serve as a vivid chronicle of creativity and self-expression, illustrating how makeup has been used not just as a tool for enhancement but as a powerful medium for personal and political expression. Today, the resurgence in popularity of these vintage styles, often seen gracing the runways and social media feeds, demonstrates their timeless appeal and the cyclical nature of fashion and beauty trends.

In exploring the iconic makeup looks of the 20th century and learning how to recreate them, we don’t just pay homage to the past; we bridge the gap between eras, integrating classic elegance with contemporary flair. These looks, with their distinctive features and stories, invite us into a world where makeup is an art form, a statement, and a celebration of individuality across the ages. Join us on this enchanting voyage through time, as we unveil the secrets to reviving the most mesmerizing makeup trends of the 20th century.

• 1920s: The Bold Flapper Look

The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, heralded a revolution in fashion and beauty, epitomized by the daring flapper look. This era was characterized by unprecedented economic prosperity, jazz music, and a significant shift towards more liberal lifestyles, especially for women. The makeup of the 1920s flappers was bold and dramatic, reflecting the spirited independence and rebelliousness of the time. It was a statement of liberation, a departure from the subdued styles of the past.

Key Features of the 1920s Makeup Look:

• Dark, Dramatic Eyes: The eyes were the focal point, with heavy use of kohl to line both the upper and lower lids, creating an almond shape. Eyeshadows in dark shades like black, grey, and turquoise were popular.
• Thin, Downward-Arched Eyebrows: Eyebrows were plucked into very thin lines and often drawn downward at the ends, giving a somewhat melancholic expression.
• Rouged Cheeks: Blush was applied generously in a circular fashion on the apples of the cheeks, giving a doll-like appearance.
• Cupid’s Bow Lips: Lips were colored to create a defined cupid’s bow, with the natural lip line often minimized to make the mouth appear smaller and more heart-shaped. Dark reds and plums were the preferred shades.
• Powdered, Pale Skin: A pale complexion was desirable, achieved through the liberal application of face powder, contrasting sharply with the dark makeup elements.

Tutorial on Recreating the 1920s Flapper Look:

1. Start with a Flawless Base: Apply a full-coverage foundation to achieve the pale, matte complexion characteristic of the 1920s. Set it with a translucent powder to eliminate any shine.

2. Define the Eyes: Use a black kohl pencil to line the upper and lower lash lines, extending slightly beyond the outer corners to create an almond shape. Smudge the lines softly. Apply a dark eyeshadow over the lid and blend into the crease for added drama.

3. Create Thin, Arched Eyebrows: If necessary, conceal your natural eyebrows with foundation and powder. Using an eyebrow pencil, draw thin, downward-arching brows, starting from your natural brow line.

4. Add Rosy Cheeks: Choose a rose or reddish blush and apply it generously in a circular pattern on the apples of your cheeks.

5. Craft the Cupid’s Bow Lips: Outline your lips with a deep red or plum lip pencil, focusing on defining the cupid’s bow sharply while slightly minimizing the width of your natural lip line. Fill in with a matching lipstick, and for authenticity, consider blotting the center of your lower lip slightly to accentuate the heart shape.

6. Finish with a Powder: Dust your face lightly with a setting powder to ensure a matte finish, paying special attention to areas that tend to get oily.

Accessorize this makeup look with a headband or cloche hat, and you’re all set to embody the spirit of the roaring twenties. The bold flapper look is not just about recreating a style; it’s about capturing the essence of an era that celebrated freedom, joy, and daring individualism. Whether for a themed party or as a bold fashion statement, stepping into the shoes of a 1920s flapper allows you to experience the allure and glamour of one of the most vibrant periods in history.

• 1950s: Classic Hollywood Glamour

The 1950s was an era that celebrated refined elegance and sophistication, marking a return to femininity and grace in the post-war period. Amidst this backdrop of renewed optimism and prosperity, makeup became an essential tool for women seeking to emulate the polished allure of Hollywood’s golden age. The iconic winged eyeliner paired with bold red lips became the hallmark of the 1950s classic Hollywood glamour, epitomizing the timeless beauty standards that stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn embodied. This look was not just about beauty; it was a symbol of empowerment and elegance, a nod to the strong, independent woman.

Key Features of the 1950s Makeup Look:

• Winged Eyeliner: The eyes were accentuated with thick, black eyeliner, meticulously drawn to extend beyond the outer corners in a ‘winged’ effect, adding drama and intensity.
• Bold Red Lips: Lipstick in shades of vibrant red became the centerpiece, heralding a woman’s confidence and femininity. The lips were carefully outlined to create a full, voluptuous appearance.
• Defined Brows: Eyebrows were well-groomed and filled in to create a natural, yet defined arch, framing the face.
• Rosy Cheeks: A subtle flush of color on the cheeks added warmth and vitality, complementing the dramatic eyes and lips.
• Flawless Skin: The complexion was kept matte and flawless, with foundation and powder creating the perfect canvas for the makeup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recreating the 1950s Classic Hollywood Glamour Look:

1. Prepare Your Base: Apply a matte foundation to achieve a smooth, even complexion. Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles, and set everything with a translucent powder for a velvety finish.

2. Define Your Brows: Shape your eyebrows into a natural arch using an eyebrow pencil or powder. Fill in any sparse areas, ensuring the brows look full yet refined.

3. Create the Winged Eyeliner: Start with a liquid or gel eyeliner. Draw a line starting from the inner corner of the eye, following the natural lash line. When you reach the outer corner, flick the liner upwards to create the wing. Adjust the thickness based on your preference, but keep in mind the dramatic effect characteristic of the 50s.

4. Add Mascara: Apply several coats of mascara to your upper lashes, focusing on building volume. False eyelashes can be added for extra glamour.

5. Apply Blush: Choose a soft pink or peach blush, and apply it lightly on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples for a subtle, healthy glow.

6. Perfect the Red Lips: Outline your lips with a red lip liner, defining the cupid’s bow sharply and ensuring the shape is symmetrical. Fill in with a red lipstick that complements your skin tone. For added precision and longevity, use a lip brush for application, and blot with tissue to set.

7. Set Your Look: Finish off with a light dusting of setting powder to ensure your makeup stays put.

The 1950s classic Hollywood glamour look exudes a timeless charm that continues to captivate and inspire. It’s a celebration of feminine strength, beauty, and sophistication. Whether you’re attending a glamorous event or simply wish to infuse some vintage allure into your everyday style, mastering the art of winged eyeliner and bold red lips will elevate your look to new heights of elegance.

• 1960s: The Mod Movement

The 1960s heralded a seismic shift in the fashion and beauty landscapes, fueled by the youthful energy and daring spirit of the Mod movement. This era was marked by a desire for change and experimentation, leading to some of the most iconic and enduring trends in makeup history. Central to the Mod aesthetic was the emphasis on dramatic, bold eyes. This look was a departure from the more natural, subdued styles of the previous decades, reflecting the rebellious, forward-thinking attitude of the ’60s youth.

The Hallmarks of the 1960s Dramatic Eye Look:

• Bold Eyeshadow: Eyeshadows in vibrant shades like blue, green, and purple were popular, applied heavily across the lid and often extending to the brow bone.
• Thick, Graphic Eyeliner: Black eyeliner was used to create exaggerated shapes, with thick lines and elongated wings, sometimes incorporating geometric patterns or the famous “cut crease” look.
• False Eyelashes: To further enhance the eyes, multiple sets of false eyelashes were applied to both the top and bottom lids, creating an incredibly wide-eyed, doll-like effect.
• Defined Lower Lash Line: The lower lash line was prominently defined with eyeliner and shadow, sometimes connected to the upper lash area to encircle the entire eye.
• White Eyeliner: A white or light-colored eyeliner applied to the waterline was a common trick to make the eyes appear larger and more striking.

Achieving the 1960s Dramatic Eye Look:

1. Prime Your Lids: Begin with an eyeshadow primer to ensure your bold colors stay put without creasing.

2. Apply Vibrant Eyeshadow: Choose a bright eyeshadow color as the base and apply it over your entire eyelid, blending slightly above the crease. For a more authentic ’60s look, you can extend the shadow towards the brow bone.

3. Create the Cut Crease: Use a darker shade to define the crease, drawing a line above your natural crease (when your eye is open) to create the “cut crease” effect. Blend the edge upwards towards the brow bone.

4. Draw Thick Eyeliner: With a black liquid liner, draw a thick line along your upper lash line, extending it outwards and upwards in a wing. You can experiment with different shapes, including geometric lines or a double wing, to capture the Mod era’s experimental vibe.

5. Enhance with False Eyelashes: Apply a set of voluminous false lashes to your upper lash line. For added drama, cut a strip of falsies in half and apply them to the lower lash line as well.

6. Define the Lower Lash Line: Use the same eyeshadow color as your base to softly line the lower lash line. Then, take a black pencil liner to tightly line the waterline, connecting it to the upper eyeliner at the outer corners.

7. Brighten with White Liner: Apply a white or nude eyeliner to the lower waterline to open up the eyes further, creating that distinctive wide-eyed 60s look.

8. Finish with Mascara: Apply mascara to both the top and bottom lashes to blend the false lashes with your natural ones and add even more volume.

The dramatic eyes of the 1960s Mod movement not only defined the beauty standards of the era but also encapsulated the essence of a generation eager to push boundaries and challenge norms. Recreating this look today pays homage to the innovative spirit of the ’60s, bringing a touch of retro flair and boldness to modern makeup artistry.

• 1970s: Disco Fever Shine

The 1970s were a time of dynamic social change, musical innovation, and distinctive fashion choices, all of which were vividly reflected in the era’s makeup trends. With the rise of disco culture, beauty standards shifted towards more vibrant, shimmering looks that could capture and reflect the exuberant spirit of dance floors and disco balls. The quintessential ’70s makeup featured glowing skin and bold, vibrant eyeshadows, embodying the decade’s ethos of freedom, self-expression, and flamboyance.

Tips for Achieving the Glowing Skin and Vibrant Eyeshadows of the ’70s:

Glowing, Dewy Skin:

1. Hydrate and Prime: Begin with a well-moisturized face to ensure a smooth base. Use a hydrating primer to enhance the dewy effect and prolong the wear of your foundation.

2. Use a Luminous Foundation: Choose a foundation with a luminous finish to achieve that sought-after ’70s glow. Apply sparingly and blend thoroughly for a natural look, letting your skin’s natural radiance shine through.

3. Highlight Strategically: To mimic the ’70s radiant complexion, apply a liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bones, the bridge of your nose, and cupid’s bow. This will create the illusion of naturally glowing skin under disco lights.

4. Opt for Cream Blush: A cream blush in peach or soft pink can add a healthy flush of color while maintaining the dewy effect. Blend it on the apples of your cheeks for a subtle glow.

Vibrant, Bold Eyeshadows:

1. Prime Your Lids: An eyeshadow primer is essential to ensure your vibrant shades stay vibrant and crease-free all night long.

2. Go Bold with Color: The ’70s were not shy about color. Experiment with bold shades like electric blue, hot pink, or sunny yellow. Apply the eyeshadow across the lid and blend upwards towards the crease. Don’t be afraid to extend the color slightly beyond the natural boundaries of your eyes for a dramatic effect.

3. Incorporate Shimmer: To truly capture the disco fever shine, incorporate shimmer or glitter into your eyeshadow look. A touch of gold or silver can add a sparkling highlight to the center of the lid or the inner corners of the eyes.

4. Blend a Transition Shade: Use a neutral or slightly warmer shade in the crease as a transition color. This will help to blend the vibrant lid color seamlessly into the rest of your makeup, creating a cohesive and eye-catching look.

5. Finish with Mascara: Apply multiple coats of volumizing mascara to both the top and bottom lashes to open up the eyes and complete the look.

Recreating the makeup style of the 1970s allows you to channel the era’s essence of liberation and vibrant energy. Whether you’re heading to a themed party or just looking to add some retro flair to your makeup routine, these tips for achieving glowing skin and vibrant eyeshadows will have you ready to strut your stuff under the disco ball.

• Modern Adaptations

While the makeup trends of the 20th century each have their distinct flair and characteristics, the art of makeup is cyclical, with many of these iconic elements making a comeback in contemporary beauty routines. The key to incorporating vintage styles into modern makeup lies in adaptation and interpretation, blending timeless features with today’s techniques and products for a look that pays homage to the past while firmly remaining in the present. Here’s how to seamlessly weave elements of these iconic looks into your daily makeup routine.

From 1920s Bold Flapper to Today:

• Cupid’s Bow Lips: The sharply defined cupid’s bow of the 1920s can be softened for a modern twist. Use a lip liner to subtly accentuate the peaks of your lips before applying a matte lipstick. Choose bold reds for a classic look or venture into darker, more contemporary shades like deep berry for an update.
• Smokey Eyes: Instead of the heavy kohl-rimmed eyes, opt for a softer, smoky eye using eyeshadow. Blend grays or browns around the edges for a diffused look that still captures the dramatic essence of the flapper era but feels fresh and wearable today.

From 1950s Hollywood Glamour to Now:

• Winged Eyeliner: The winged eyeliner is already a staple in modern beauty routines. Make it your own by playing with the thickness and length of the wing, or experiment with colored liners for a fun twist on the classic black.
• Red Lips: A bold red lip never goes out of style. For a contemporary approach, choose a red that complements your undertone and opt for long-wearing formulas that allow for a more comfortable, all-day wear.

From 1960s Mod Movement to Now:

• Graphic Eyeliner: The 1960s loved experimental eyeliner looks, a trend that’s seen a resurgence. To modernize, try double wings, negative space designs, or floating crease lines with liquid eyeliner. These make for striking looks that echo the past but feel entirely new.
• Pastel Eyeshadows: While the ’60s embraced vibrant eyeshadows, you can incorporate pastels for a softer, more ethereal effect. Use matte shades for everyday wear or shimmer finishes for a night out, blending them well to avoid harsh lines.

From 1970s Disco Fever Shine to Now:

• Highlighter for Glowing Skin: The dewy, glowing skin of the ’70s fits perfectly with today’s emphasis on healthy, radiant complexions. Use a liquid highlighter mixed with your foundation for an all-over luminosity or apply a powder highlighter to the high points of your face for targeted shine.
• Color Pop Eyeshadows: The ’70s weren’t afraid of color, and neither are we. Incorporate vibrant eyeshadows into your look by using them as accent colors. Apply a bright shade along the lower lash line or in the inner corner of the eye for a pop of color that’s subtle yet impactful.

Incorporating vintage makeup elements into modern routines allows for creative expression and a nod to the rich history of beauty trends. By adapting these classic styles with contemporary techniques and preferences, you can create a look that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

• Product Recommendations

Crafting these timeless looks from different eras requires not only skill but also the right products. Here’s a curated list of modern makeup essentials that can help you recreate each iconic style with a contemporary twist, ensuring both authenticity and wearability in today’s context.

For the 1920s Bold Flapper Look:

• Lipstick: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo. This classic red lipstick has a matte finish that perfectly mimics the cupid’s bow lips popular in the 1920s.
• Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. Its gel formula allows for the precise application necessary to achieve the dramatic, kohl-rimmed eyes iconic to the flapper look.
• Eyebrow Pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. The fine tip of this pencil makes creating thin, arched eyebrows easier, allowing for detailed work that reflects the eyebrow style of the era.

For the 1950s Hollywood Glamour:

• Winged Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. Its marker-like tip gives you control for creating sharp, winged eyeliner looks with staying power.
• Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate. This luxurious lipstick provides a vibrant red color with a luminous finish, perfect for achieving the bold lips of the ’50s.
• Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. For the flawless, matte skin that 1950s Hollywood glamour is known for, this foundation offers buildable coverage with a silky finish.

For the 1960s Mod Movement:

• Vibrant Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Wired Pressed Pigment Palette. This palette offers a range of vibrant colors that can be used to create the bold eyeshadow looks characteristic of the ’60s mod era.
• Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara. To mimic the dramatic eyelashes favored in the 1960s, this mascara lengthens and volumizes for a wide-eyed, doll-like effect.
• Graphic Eyeliner: NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner. The precision tip of this liner is ideal for creating the graphic liner looks that were all the rage during the ’60s.

For the 1970s Disco Fever Shine:

• Shimmer Eyeshadow: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter. While technically a highlighter, the metallic and shimmer finishes are perfect for recreating the vibrant, shiny eyeshadows of the disco era.
• Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter. Achieve the glowing, dewy skin of the ’70s with this iconic highlighter known for its buttery texture and high-shine finish.
• Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint. These cream blushes in soft, buildable shades allow for the natural, flushed cheeks that complement the overall shine and color of ’70s inspired makeup.

With these product recommendations, you have the tools needed to bring the magic of past decades into your modern makeup repertoire. Each item has been chosen for its ability to replicate the distinctive features of these iconic looks while offering the ease of use and longevity expected from contemporary cosmetics.

• Final Thoughts on Personalizing Each Look to Fit Individual Style

While drawing inspiration from iconic makeup looks of the past can add a fascinating layer of creativity to your beauty routine, personalization is key to ensuring that these looks not only pay homage to their origins but also resonate with your unique style and identity. Here are some closing tips on how to adapt and personalize these timeless looks to make them authentically yours.

Adapt Colors to Your Skin Tone:

Choosing the right shades for your skin tone can transform a vintage look into one that feels modern and suited to you. For instance, the bold red lips of the 1950s can be adapted using a red that complements your undertone—be it a cool blue-red or a warm orange-red. Similarly, the vibrant eyeshadows of the 1960s and 1970s should be selected based on colors that highlight your eyes and skin.

Play with Textures:

Mixing textures is a great way to update vintage looks. If the original era favored matte finishes (like the 1920s), consider incorporating satin or glossy textures for a contemporary twist. A glossy red lip can offer a modern take on the classic matte red lipstick, while adding a metallic eyeshadow to a primarily matte 1960s eye look can create depth and interest.

Balance is Key:

When incorporating bold elements from past decades, balance them with more subdued aspects to maintain a look that’s wearable for everyday. For example, if you’re going for the dramatic winged eyeliner of the 1950s, keep the rest of your makeup minimal to allow the eyes to be the focal point. This approach ensures the look remains sophisticated and not costume-y.

Personalize with Accessories:

Accessories can also help bridge the gap between vintage inspiration and contemporary style. A 1920s flapper-inspired look can be subtly hinted at with art deco jewelry, whereas a headband or scarf can nod to the 1970s without fully committing to a disco aesthetic.

Reflect Your Personality:

Ultimately, the most important aspect of personalizing these looks is to ensure they reflect your personality. Makeup is a form of self-expression, so feel free to mix elements from different eras, experiment with color, and adjust the intensity to suit your comfort level and personal taste. Your version of these iconic looks should make you feel confident, authentic, and ready to take on the world in your unique way.

Remember, the beauty of makeup lies in its flexibility and the boundless creativity it affords. By taking inspiration from the past and adapting it to fit your own style, you honor the original beauty icons while contributing your voice to the ongoing, evolving story of makeup.

Thank you for joining us on this stylish journey through time! We hope you’ve found inspiration in blending the bold and beautiful makeup trends of the past with your unique contemporary flair. But don’t stop here—our treasure trove of beauty insights, tips, and tricks is vast and varied, designed to inspire and empower you at every turn.

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