Abigail Tobis ’20, Managing Editor
Like do many things often do, makeup too has evolved greatly in its use, style, and composition over the years. A while ago, makeup was something that you would put on in order to get that natural, flawless look without looking like you have too much called on. Now, makeup can be caked on and used for you to look the least similar to your original face as possible. Makeup is produced and used in a very different way than how it used to be. The first types of makeup date back to Egypt where they would use resources such as like copper, caster oil, beeswax and more in order to achieve certain pigments and add character to the individual person, but now there are so many different chemicals and ingredients used.
1910
Makeup first became popular in the 1910s. It is when women wearing it started to become morally acceptable. Many women, including actresses, began to wear makeup like blush, mascara and lipstick. Some of the biggest companies, such as L’Oreal which was founded in 1909 and Maybelline in 1915.
Photo courtesy of Vintage Makeup Guides
1920
The 1920s was where a lot changed for women. Women began to do duties outside of the house and started to break away from the social norm that women were held to. A big example of this were women known as flappers; women who went against the typical standards for women at this time. They wore shorter dresses, danced all night to jazz music, while drinking whisky during prohibition. Flapper wore bold makeup with bold lipsticks and eyeshadow and was used as a celebration of the aftermath of World War I. This was also the era that movies called ‘talkies’ were produced, so movies and actresses became very popular.
Photo courtesy of youqueen.com
1930
The Great Depression occurred during this time and ended in 1939. Red lipstick became very popular, which was represented by famous actresses. The look that many women replicated was; bold, red lipstick, and jet black mascara paired with jet black eyeliner. Even though makeup was still in use, due to The Great Depression, it was not anyone’s top priority, because money was very scarce.
Photo courtesy of Vintage Dancer
1940
One of the major historical events, World War II, occurred during this time and because of the war, there was a lack of materials available for the public. The same went for makeup. Many women and specifically actresses had to make due with what they had. This was when the ‘natural look’ became popular, meaning that less makeup in a sense was more. The less products of makeup available made it the less products used.
Photo courtesy of Vintage Dancer
1950
The war is over! During this time was when color television and productions were popular. Many actresses stepped up their game when it came to makeup because the pigments were being fully shown on screen. Red lipstick was very popular again from the ’30s, along with a smokey (black) eyeshadow. Something that many women did was create a ‘beauty mark’ simply with their eyeliner just above their lips. This trend was sparked by none other than the famous actress, Marilyn Monroe.
Photo courtesy of Pintrest
1960
Beatle concerts and cinema; this was a big time in the entertainment industry. Eye makeup became more of the focal point of the face, instead of the lips with a larger variety of colors being used. Other colors were introduced other than black, one of the most popular being blue. This eyeshadow paired with eyeliner stole the look for many. Many women used a lot of eyeliner made a thick line to make it really bold.
Photo courtesy of lablogbeaute.com
1970
Grab your dancing shoes and your disco ball and get ready because is was the Disco Era. Big hair with perms and glitter; this was definitely the era of self expression. Bold eyeshadows were utilized and more colors like blue and pink were worn paired with a neutral lip. Skin care also became a major concern at the time. Many women were now using skin tans and moisturizers.
Photo courtesy of Pintrest
1980
Fishnets and extraordinarily large, volumized hair were not the only major part about the ’80s. Eyeshadow colors such as purple, yellow and pink were used all the way up to the brow bone. The makeup during this time was very pigmented and bold. Blush became very popular as well and instead of blending it into the skin, women made sure to add as much pink color to their cheeks as they could. Unlike the ’40s, the ’80s was not a time where natural look was considered a ‘fad.’
Photo courtesy of Tiny Touch-ups
1990
The natural look definitely made its way back. Simple colors such as black, brown and beige were being used as eyeshadows, and natural and light pinks were being used for a lip color. A dewy and natural look was the goal for most women during this time. This was also when eyebrows became popular. The eyebrow ‘trend’ that was going around was to make them stand out. This was a bold statement then because it had not been done before.
Photo courtesy of Pintrest
2000
This was the era of glossy lipstick and bronzer. Many women applied fake tan to themselves along with bronzer and other, powered products to achieve a summer glow or sun kissed looks. Today, the amount of bronzer used could be construed as too much, but then it was not. Glitter was also very glorified in the makeup industry in the 2000s. If you were not wearing glitter, then nobody knew what you were doing. It was a must.
Photo courtesy of Cosmopolitan
Now
Makeup today is produced and used very differently then how it was in the past. The government now has a lot more say in what is produced and there are a lot more regulations on the ingredients that can be used. There are a lot more techniques utilized such as contouring and highlighting. Eyebrows are one of the biggest makeup trends right now. Brows now are very bold and defined as opposed to any other time. There is also a lot more freedom. “I have learned all my techniques from watching YouTube videos,” sophomore Sierra Steckle said. Now, there are so many different techniques and things to learn such as contouring, and other things that an individual could do with their makeup. It is also the time where makeup is not just for women but for men as well which allows everyone to show their talents and look amazing while doing it.
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Photo courtesy of Cosmopolitan
Makeup has changed so much and has progressed in so many ways. Makeup, now, is extremely versatile and is fun to use. Now there is a lot more freedom and expression that is allowed with makeup and it truly is wonderful. Grab your brush, highlight your cheeks and show off your talent with makeup.
Feature photo courtesy of Financial Diet
Lyon Life 