Fashion as we know it goes in cycles. There are many times when we borrow looks from the past in the present. The twentieth century has given us wonderful images that are constantly reproduced (either as they are or in some variation) in fashion shows, everyday appearances and of course in films and theatre performances.
From classic makeup, to colorful and dramatic makeup that left a mark…
Let’s go take a look at some of the most iconic makeup of the 20th century.
1920 the early smokey
Hazy dark eyes, thin theatrical eyebrows and brightly painted lips, smaller than their natural size, heart-shaped. Clara Bow, a silent film actress, is a typical face of this make-up. The ancestor of the legendary smokey eyes is making an appearance and clearly here to stay.
1950s eyeliner, red lipstick and Merilyn Monroe
Perhaps the most feminine and elegant makeup look of all time. Fine eyeliner drawn on the lash line of the upper eyelid, soft blush, natural eyebrows, clear skin and lips accentuated in the colour of fire. Characteristic images of the era are the beloved pin-up girls and of course Marilyn Monroe.
1960s do it like Twiggy
It’s about a 60’s model, Twiggy, who is remembered, among many other things, for the very distinctive makeup she used to do. A mess of eyelashes, fake on top, fake or painted underneath, eyes accentuated in their exaggeration and pink soft lips, make up this work of art. To this day, many people still reproduce this look which was a cousin of the cut crease we all love today.
1970 dramatic eyes
The era of the explosion in the music scene, where disco, rock and punk rock experienced their greatest boom, also brought the explosion of intensity in makeup. The eyes are back in the foreground, but the aesthetics are changing. Opaque, intense shadows and dramatic eyeliner have the upper hand and no longer the eyelashes of the 60s.
1980 punks not dead
In the 80’s the punk scene culture is at its peak and makeup looks can’t help but follow suit. Bold linear blushes, playful colours and eye designs, luminous lipsticks. Here the makeup does not make distinctions and becomes a game, all the elements of the face are emphasized in their excess! Exaggeration that we generally encountered at that time, not only in make-up but also in clothes and hair.
