November 08, 2024
Makeup has always been more than just a way to enhance our features—it’s a reflection of the times we live in, a form of self-expression, and a window into the cultural shifts of each era. From the bold, graphic lashes of the 1960s to the glossy lips and frosted eyeshadows of the early 2000s, beauty trends have constantly evolved, influenced by everything from fashion icons to global movements.
In this blog, we’ll take a journey through the decades, exploring how makeup trends have changed, what made each era’s look iconic, and how you can bring a little vintage glam into your routine today. Whether you're into the mod chic of Twiggy’s 60s, the grunge vibe of the 90s, or the ultra-glossy finishes of the 2000s, there’s something about these makeup moments that continue to inspire us. So, grab your favourite MODELROCK products, and let’s dive into the beauty trends that have shaped our past—and still influence our present!
The 1960s was a decade of bold changes, and that spirit was reflected in the makeup of the time. Perhaps no one captured the essence of '60s beauty quite like Twiggy, the British model who became the face of the mod movement. Her iconic look was all about dramatic eyes - think thick, bold lashes, exaggerated winged eyeliner, and a fresh, dewy complexion. Twiggy’s wide-eyed, doe-like gaze became a symbol of the era, and her makeup was a game-changer for how women approached beauty.
Instead of the heavy lipstick and contoured cheeks that had been popular in earlier decades, the '60s favoured soft, neutral lips and a minimalist approach to skin. The focus was on the eyes, with long, fluttery lashes (often fake), heavily lined lids, and an almost sculptural quality to the shape of the eyes. This mod-inspired makeup was sharp, graphic, and, above all, fun—an instant departure from the more traditional beauty standards of the 1950s. It was all about creating a striking, memorable look that felt fresh, modern, and completely new.
Even today, Twiggy’s influence can be seen in makeup trends, especially with the resurgence of bold lashes and heavy eyeliner. Her mod look continues to inspire makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, proving that some trends—like those mesmerising lashes—never really go out of style.
The 1970s was all about embracing a more natural, earthy vibe, both in fashion and makeup. The era saw a shift away from the heavy glamour of the previous decades, favouring a more laid-back, bohemian look that celebrated individuality and freedom. Think soft, glowing skin, sun-kissed bronzers, and muted, warm tones—reflecting the influence of the counterculture and the rise of the hippie movement. The focus was on enhancing your natural beauty rather than masking it with layers of product.
One of the biggest beauty icons of the '70s was Farrah Fawcett, whose signature look was as iconic as her role on Charlie’s Angels. Her makeup was all about soft, effortless beauty—think radiant skin, defined but not overdone brows, and eyes framed with a blend of earthy tones like browns, golds, and oranges. Farrah’s eyes were a key part of her look, with a slight cat-eye flick of eyeliner and full, fluttery lashes. The emphasis on eyes was paired with soft lips in nude or peachy tones, giving the entire look a fresh and natural feeling.
What made '70s makeup stand out was its versatility—it was glam, but it wasn’t over-the-top. The eyes had a bold statement, but everything else was balanced with a more “barely-there” approach. This look was easy to wear during the day and perfect for evening glam with just a few tweaks. Farrah’s effortlessly chic style remains a major inspiration for today’s natural beauty looks, with a touch of '70s drama that we still love.
The 1990s brought a drastic shift in beauty, as the polished glamour of previous decades gave way to a raw, more rebellious style. Enter the grunge movement—a cultural and fashion revolution influenced by the music scene and icons like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love. This was an era of minimalism and “anti-beauty,” where makeup took on an edgier, more undone vibe. The bold, dramatic looks of the past were replaced by a grittier aesthetic that embraced dark, moody tones, and a "lived-in" look.
One of the biggest beauty icons of the '90s was supermodel Kate Moss, whose effortlessly cool vibe became synonymous with the decade. Kate’s makeup was iconic for its smokey, smudged eyeliner, paired with pale, matte skin and neutral lips in shades of brown and mauve. The thin, arched brow was a signature feature of this time, and while contouring wasn't quite the trend yet, her cheekbones still managed to pop with a minimal, sun-kissed flush. Kate's look was all about embracing imperfections - smudged mascara, undone hair, and lips that looked slightly worn-in - conveying a sense of rebellion and nonchalance.
In addition to the grunge vibe, the '90s also saw the rise of the supermodel aesthetic, with women like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford showcasing glossy, full lips and defined eyes. But even in this more glamorous side of the decade, the theme was still a bit rebellious, favouring darker lip shades like deep plums, browns, and even black. The ‘90s were the perfect blend of grunge and glam, making it one of the most memorable decades in makeup history.
The 2000s was a time of bold experimentation, especially when it came to makeup. This era was marked by shiny, glossy finishes and a love for all things sparkly. The makeup trends of the time were heavily influenced by pop stars, TV shows, and the rise of reality TV. It was the era of frosted eyeshadows, ultra-glossy lips, and a much more polished, glamorous look compared to the previous decades. Think metallics, shimmers, and an overall high-gloss finish that gave the face a youthful, almost surreal glow.
One of the defining beauty icons of the 2000s was Jennifer Lopez, whose makeup looks became synonymous with the era's glamorous, sun-kissed vibe. Her flawless skin, bronzed glow, and nude, glossy lips set the bar for beauty in the early 2000s. J.Lo’s signature "glow" was all about luminous skin, and her makeup artists often used highlighter and shimmering bronzers to create that radiant effect. Her bold, cat-eye eyeliner and defined brows were also on-trend, making her the ultimate glam icon of the decade.
The 2000s also saw the rise of the infamous “thin brow” trend—remember those barely-there, plucked-to-perfection arches? Paired with pale, frosted eyeshadows in shades of blue, pink, or silver, and glossy lip gloss that seemed to be permanently applied, this look was all about high-shine and a sense of youthful extravagance. While some trends from this era might feel a little nostalgic (or cringeworthy) today, there’s no denying that the 2000s gave us an unforgettable beauty moment, combining high glam with a playful sense of fun.
The 2010s marked a dramatic shift in makeup trends, with bold, statement-making looks taking centre stage. This was the decade of contouring, where highlighting and sculpting the face became a must-do for anyone looking to achieve a chiselled, camera-ready look. Influencers and makeup artists transformed beauty standards with the help of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where tutorials and product recommendations became a huge part of the makeup conversation. This era was all about precision—defined cheekbones, perfectly arched brows, and lips that popped with bold colours.
One of the most influential beauty icons of the 2010s was Kim Kardashian, whose makeup looks became synonymous with the rise of contouring. Kim’s flawless, sculpted face, glowing skin, and perfectly applied makeup set a new standard for beauty that combined glam with a highly curated, almost artistic approach. Her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, helped popularise the contouring technique, making it a beauty essential for many. Along with bold brows and overlined lips (often with a nude or deep pink lipstick), Kim's signature look of full glam became the template for beauty in the 2010s.
But it wasn’t just about sculpting and flawless foundation. The 2010s also saw the rise of the “no-makeup” makeup look, with celebrities like Emma Watson and Taylor Swift showing that soft, natural beauty could still make a strong impact. At the same time, glittery eyeshadows and bold, colourful eyeliners came into play, making beauty more experimental and fun. As the decade went on, makeup became a way for people to express themselves, with trends ranging from dramatic, Instagram-inspired glam to fresh, natural looks that celebrated individuality.
From the bold, dramatic eyes of the '60s to the sculpted cheekbones and high-gloss finishes of the 2000s, makeup trends have evolved in fascinating ways, reflecting the cultural and social shifts of each era. What’s clear is that beauty is always in motion—what’s popular today might inspire tomorrow’s trends, and what was once considered old-fashioned can make a comeback in fresh, exciting ways. Each decade has left its mark on the beauty world, and we’ve seen how trends evolve, adapt, and sometimes even recycle with a modern twist.
Whether you’re channelling Twiggy’s mod chic, experimenting with the rebellious grunge look of the '90s, or perfecting your own Instagram-worthy contour, there’s no denying the power of makeup as a tool for self-expression. It’s all about embracing the looks that make you feel your best, no matter the era.
So, which makeup trend from the past is your favourite? Are you inspired to try a vintage look from another decade, or are you already loving the current beauty moments? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and share your favourite beauty trends or looks you've experimented with. And don't forget to tag us on social media and #GetYourModelRockOn—we can’t wait to see how you bring the past into the present!
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