That nude lip you’ve been rocking? Nana did it first. The same goes for that graphic eyeliner.
Sure enough, most of the 21st Century’s makeup trends – spiky hair, gothic-grunge vibes, false lashes, you name them– started back in your grandma’s heydays.
So, if you’ve been looking to join the trending Y2K frenzy, or want to conjure up some of your Nana’s favorite 70s looks, here are some of our favorite vintage makeup looks to get your inspiration juices flowing.
Overdrawn Lips – 30s
Before lip fillers gained popularity, legendary Hollywood bombshells and rock-and-roll queens drew outside their lip lines to give the illusion of fuller, plumper pout for years.
And because we look up to them for inspiration, today, the trend is taking a life of its own, thanks to TikTok beauties and makeup moguls alike.
Red Lips – 40s
Nothing quite spells 1940s glamor like a statement-making red lip. From candy apple red glosses to deep burgundy mattes and cranberry tints, the options are limitless – and it ultimately depends on your skin tone and personal preferences.
So, if you’ve been looking to channel your inner Betty Boop or Marilyn Monroe, give red lipstick a try, and we’re sure you’ll never look back!
Long, False Eyelashes – 60s
Sixties supermodel Twiggy was known for her ‘chills giving’ gaze and trademark long, spidery lashes, which were a huge makeup trend thanks to her powerful influence.
And today, beauty enthusiasts are still going to great lengths to achieve that look. It has actually become one of the most popular looks at every movie premiere and red carpet event, thanks to A-listers like Cardi B, Justine Skye, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and Regina King.
Cut Crease Eye Looks – 60s
Want to know the inspiration behind those popular cut-crease looks you’ve been seeing on your favorite influencers and every girl in your English Lit class? Twiggy. Yap! The queen owned almost every 60s beauty trend, and it’s evident why.
The cut-crease look, for instance, creates a sexy, futuristic, and dramatic contrast that gives your eyes that sultry, Bambi-huge definition. And, if you’ve been trying to make flashy, doe eyes your signature look, cut-crease eyes are the perfect pick.
Graphic Liner – 70s
Ah, the 70s. These were the years of major experimentation, especially with the punk-rock movement. And the decade’s most jaw-dropping trend? Graphic eyeliner.
Yap! Doja’s favorite artistic look was all the rage then, and it’s taking its rightful seat in the new-age makeup zeitgeist. White eyeliner, anyone?
Face Gems – 70s
If you’re a disco trends fan, you know sparkles on your face was the ultimate disco-decade beauty trend. And while Gwen Stefani and other cool kids brought it back to life in the 90s ( hello, bindis and rhinestones), thanks to the 2020 pandemic, face gems are becoming one of the most statement-making beauty trends of the 21st Century.
Psstt… if you want to make the most out of your gems, use them as part of your eye makeup to get that glamorous, show-stopping look.
Deep Matte Lips – 90s
Bold, deep matte lips rocked with barely-there makeup gave us ‘It Girl!’ vibes in the 90s. Today, the look is more vivacious, and channels that ‘don’t mess with me’ energy.
Blue Eyeshadow – 90s
The disco decade loved its frosted makeup trends, and blue eyeshadow was a fan favorite (‘ssup Christina!). The trend is now back in business, and let’s say, those azure eyelids are giving us major rebel years flashbacks!
So, if you’re looking to bring back a sprinkle of that retro drama, get your favorite blue eye pencil or eyeliner and give your eyelids that 90s touch.
BTW…you don’t have to restrict yourself to just blue because, hey, even Cher-channeling metallics and neons are just as vintage as that pop of blue.
Nude Lips – 90s
The 90s were marked by beauty moguls and supermodels like Naomi Campbell, ushering in the luscious, nude lip look that quickly became a universal stunner.
And the beauty of it? You can choose to rock a glossy or matte nude lip and still get that sultry, low-maintenance look you want.
Pencil Thin Eyebrows – 00s
Rocked by practically everyone who was anyone decades ago, pencil-thin brows are back in style. And who else better than Queen Riri to give some much-needed inspiration to give full brushed brows a break and embrace skinny brows again? Literally, no one!
But, if you want to participate in wish to participate in this trend, you need to call your stylist and have them work their magic. DIYing it can be disastrous, so keep the tweezers away, boo!
