A Brief History of Makeup
Cosmetic practices have developed independently across various cultures throughout human history, reflecting societal values, technological advancements, and shifting beauty paradigms.
Cosmetic practices have developed independently across various cultures throughout human history, reflecting societal values, technological advancements, and shifting beauty paradigms.
Early cosmetic practices varied significantly between regions and societies, utilising naturally derived elements.
Throughout ancient history, cultures utilised naturally derived colourants, powders, oils, and decorative cosmetics. From the kohl-rimmed eyes of Ancient Egypt to the facial powders of Ancient China, beauty practices varied significantly between regions and societies, often carrying social, protective, or spiritual significance alongside aesthetic purposes.
A decade of bold makeup, defined eyes, and a new emphasis on expressive beauty.
Makeup in the 1920s became closely associated with the dramatic beauty styles of the decade. Darker eye makeup, defined brows, strong lip colours, and carefully shaped lips were popular elements of the period. Compact cosmetics also became increasingly practical for personal use, helping makeup become more accessible as part of everyday beauty routines.
A polished beauty aesthetic defined by absolute precision and classic glamour.
The 1950s brought a polished beauty aesthetic associated with classic glamour. The decade was defined by absolute precision, featuring perfectly defined red lips, carefully styled and arched brows, flawless complexion makeup, and classic eye makeup that remains iconic today.
A diverse era ranging from natural aesthetics to vibrant, colourful expression.
The 1970s embraced a wide range of beauty styles, reflecting a culture of change. The decade saw everything from fresh, natural looks and bronzed complexions to vibrant, colourful eye makeup and bold experimentation influenced by the disco scene, punk subculture, and various fashion movements.
An expressive approach to beauty featuring strong colours and bold statements.
Characterised by an expressive and unapologetic approach to beauty, the 1980s celebrated maximalism. This era is remembered for its stronger use of colour, highly noticeable blush, heavily defined eyes, and bold lips that perfectly matched the decade's vibrant fashion silhouettes.
A shift toward understated, minimalist beauty and grunge-inspired looks.
Rejecting the excess of the previous decade, the 1990s saw a shift toward more understated complexion makeup and the rise of grunge aesthetics. Key trends included slim, defined brows, matte neutral or brown-toned lips, and distinctive minimalist beauty routines.
The rise of glossy textures, frosted shimmer, and early digital-era trends.
The dawn of a new millennium brought the popularisation of ultra-glossy lips, frosted shimmer, and heavily bronzed complexions. Defined eye makeup paired with lighter lip colours became a staple, alongside an increasingly diverse range of makeup styles driven by early digital-era trends.
A fusion of historical techniques with unprecedented freedom and diversity.
Contemporary makeup combines techniques and influences from many different historical periods. Driven by social media and advanced product formulations, it gives people greater freedom to seamlessly transition between minimal natural aesthetics, highly detailed artistic expressions, editorial trends, and full-glamour applications.