Beauty trends come and go, but some timeless vintage looks continue to inspire makeup artists, stylists and beauty enthusiasts. These iconic styles reflect elegance, confidence and individuality, making them just as relevant today as they were decades ago. From classic Hollywood glamour of the 1920s to the bold and colorful trends of the 1980s, vintage beauty looks draw attention and spark creativity.
In this blog, we explore some of the most memorable vintage beauty styles, their key features and how you can recreate these looks with a modern twist.
The Glamorous 1920s: The Flapper Era
The 1920s were all about rebellion and self-expression, and the flapper look defined the decade. Women wore bold makeup, short hairstyles and glittery accessories, breaking traditional beauty norms.
Key Features:
Dramatic Eyes: Smoky eye makeup with kohl and dark eyeshadow in black, gray or brown tones.
Thin Brows: Eyebrows were pencil thin and often pulled down for a dramatic effect.
Cupid’s Bow Lips: Lips were made up in deep red or plum tones and were shaped like a Cupid’s bow.
Short Haircuts: Bobbed hairstyles were all the rage, often styled with finger waves or adorned with hairbands and feathers.
Recreate the Look:
To achieve a modern take on the flapper style, use a soft smoky eye palette and lipstick in a dark berry shade. Style your hair in loose waves or a sleek bob and accessorize with a glittery headpiece for a touch of 1920s glamour.
The Sophisticated 1940s: Old Hollywood Glamour
The 1940s brought with it an air of sophistication, with women taking inspiration from Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall. The focus was on timeless elegance and polished beauty.
Key Features:
Classic Red Lips: Red lipstick was the ultimate statement of glamour and confidence.
Sweet Eyeliner: Subtle swept eyeliner accentuated the eyes without overdoing the look.
Flawless Skin: Women strove for a smooth, matte complexion, achieved with powder and light foundation.
Soft Curls: Hair was styled in soft, voluminous waves or pinned up in chic updos.
Recreate the look:
Opt for a matte red lipstick and black liquid eyeliner for a subtle cat-eye effect. Style your hair in loose curls or pin it up for a sleek finish. Pair the look with vintage-inspired jewelry to capture the essence of old Hollywood.
The Youthful 1950s: Pin-up Perfection
The 1950s were all about femininity and fun. Inspired by pin-up icons like Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page, this era celebrated bold, playful beauty.
Key Features:
Cat-eye liner: A bold eyeliner look accentuates the eyes.
Ruddy cheeks: Blush in soft pink tones adds a youthful glow.
Bright red lips: Lips were often done in bold red tones for a striking look.
Full curls: Hair was styled in big, sweeping curls or updos with victory rolls.
Recreate the look:
For a modern twist, perfect your eyeliner and pair it with bright red lipstick. Add a touch of pink blush for a fresh, youthful look. Style your hair in loose waves or experiment with retro-style updos for a true ’50s feel.
The fashionable '60s: Bold and playful
The ’60s ushered in a new era of beauty trends, inspired by icons like Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot. This decade was all about bold eyes, pale lips and playful hairstyles.
Key features:
Dramatic lashes: Thick mascara and false lashes created big, doll-like eyes.
Cut crease eyeshadow: Defined eyelid creases in bold colors like blue or white made a statement.
Nude lips: Lips were often kept nude or lightly glossed to make the eyes pop.
Beehive hair: Hair was teased into voluminous beehive hair or styled in sleek, fashionable cuts.
Recreate the look:
Focus on your eyes with thick lashes and a cut crease with neutral or pastel eyeshadow. Keep your lips nude with a touch of gloss and tease your hair for a touch of 1960s-style volume.
The free-spirited 1970s: Bohemian beauty
The 1970s celebrated, of course, Natural beauty and individuality, influenced by the hippie movement and disco culture. Women loved earthy tones, glowing skin and effortlessly chic hairstyles.
Key Features:
Natural makeup: Soft, earthy tones for eye shadows and lipsticks were popular.
Glowing skin: A healthy, sun-kissed complexion was the ultimate beauty goal.
Long, flowing hair: Hair was often worn loose with natural waves or braided into bohemian braids.
Disco glamour: For evenings, women wore metallic eye shadow and glossy lips for a touch of sparkle.
Recreate the look:
Opt for minimal makeup with tanned skin, nude lipstick and a hint of peach blush. Style your hair in loose waves or braided highlights and add metallic accents for a disco-inspired vibe.
The Bold 1980s: Colour and Drama
The 1980s were all about making a statement with bold colours, dramatic makeup and big hair. Influenced by pop stars like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, this era celebrated creativity and individuality.
Key Features:
Bright Eyeshadow: Neon and bold colored eyeshadow, often blended to the brows.
Blush overload: Cheeks were heavily contoured with light blush shades like pink or peach.
Glossy lips: High-gloss lips in pink, red, or even frosty tones.
Big hair: Hair was teased, curled, or styled in voluminous curls.
Recreate the look:
For a modern twist, use bold eyeshadow colors sparingly and balance them out with a neutral lipstick. Add a touch of highlighter for a radiant shine and style your hair with volume as a nod to the 1980s.
Why Vintage Beauty Looks Still Inspire Us
Vintage beauty looks remain timeless because they evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance while allowing for personal expression. These styles remind us of iconic moments in history and the strong women who made them famous. Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of the 1940s or the carefree vibe of the 1970s, these vintage trends have something for everyone.
By incorporating elements of these classic styles into your daily beauty routine, you can create a look that’s unique while paying tribute to the past.
Final Thoughts
Vintage beauty looks continue to inspire us because of their timeless appeal and versatility. They allow us to express ourselves while celebrating the elegance and creativity of eras past. Whether you’re recreating a bold 1980s look or embracing the sophistication of the 1940s, these styles prove that beauty really is timeless.
So why not try something new – use something from the past to create a stunning, modern look that’s all yours? The beauty of vintage is that it never goes out of style.
