3 min read
Makeup trends are never really gone for good. In the 1920s, dark, vampy lips and thin pencil brows were almost everywhere. In the ‘60s, graphic liners and a heavy focus on eye makeup defined the trend. In the early 2000s, we loved over-glossed lips and smoky shadow eyes. Trends change as years pass, but one thing is for certain: We’re all more attuned to finding makeup that works for our skin tone and face structure, rather than blindly following the next biggest trend.
Currently, vintage makeup trends, especially from the ’90s and early 2000s, are making a comeback, but in a fresh way. “Trends are always cyclical,” says Frankie Byrd, an NYC-based makeup artist and founder of Byrd Artistry. Though glossy lips and structured brows may be making a comeback, they’ve still got their own zing to them. We spoke to makeup artists to learn about which vintage beauty trends are making a comeback, and what’s “cool” again — there’s a strong possibility you’re already using most of these trends, but had no idea they were from a different era.
Glossy Lips
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The 2000s glossy lips are back, but with a twist. “When I think of a 2000s glossy lip, I imagine a candy pink-toned lip that stands out from the rest of the face,” says Byrd. “Today’s glossy lip depends on their skin tone, and there will almost always be a lip liner underneath, adding a more refined and custom look,” she adds
Bold Blush
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“Bold blush is back, but it’s lifted higher on the cheekbones for a sculpted, youthful effect rather than placed low on the apples,” says Catrina Breitweiser, makeup artist and founder of MBC Cosmetics. Bold blush was first popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but today’s version is slightly less dramatic and blends more evenly with your skin tone.
Structured Brows
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The ‘90s loved overplucked brows, while the 2010s had high arches and heavy sculpting. In the 2020s, we started to see laminated brows, and now we’re seeing what Breitweiser calls “refined” brows. “Brows shape the face and can completely change a look,” adds Byrd. She says that while some people love structured brows, the goal is that they look neat and natural.
Statement Lips
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Lip liner is officially having a moment. Brown-lined lips, in particular, are making a bold comeback, with deep brown and chocolate-toned pencils dominating social media feeds. The look is often finished with a swipe of gloss—pairing a defined liner with shine for a modern update on a classic trend. “Inspired by the popular ’90s lip combo, many people now opt for a darker lip liner with a lighter lip color in the center, finished with a touch of gloss to create a plump, juicy effect,” Byrd says.
False Lashes
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“People are having more fun with lashes again,” says Johnson. “Especially the ones that attach under the natural lash line … These tend to be a bit more dramatic.” Lashes are extremely personal, though, says Byrd. While some influencers and artists opt for a heavier, fuller-lash look, others may prefer false lashes that enhance their face without making it look dramatic. That said, it seems like more people are in the market for semi-permanent lashes rather than opting for the simple over-the-counter ones.
Metallic Eye Makeup
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“80s metallics are having a moment — nostalgic, but polished,” says Breitweiser. Metallic eyeshadow in particular is trending again as more pigmented shades are now available, so you can get a more defined look using less product. Eyeshadow pens also come in a variety of metallic shades, and the ones most popular now are gold and rose gold variants. It’s much more subtle than the 1980s, when frosty eyes dominated.
Bombshell Blowouts
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“My favorite trend is the big, voluminous ‘90s supermodel bombshell hair,” says Johnson. “You can get this look the best by using rollers instead of a curling iron; the curls will last for days.” Big hair is everywhere right now, from awards shows to popular TV shows, and even reality TV. While some opt for big, beautiful curls, big hair involving wavy blowouts, and even updos and heavy, voluminous ponies are also gaining traction.
