What is it about the 21st century? Far from inventing our own beauty trends, we seem to be forever wishing we were living in another era. But this might just be because the best beauty fads have been done already. Whether it’s the red lipstick of post-WW2 wives, the iconic doll-eyed Twiggy in the 1960s or the garish bright colours of the 80s, each decade had its own distinctive look. We’ll show you how to best recreate them!
(Products available from Boots. Make up: Isabella Bruce)
1950s:
The 40s and 50s was all about the red lippy and dynamic eyebrows. The base should be completely flawless – it’s best to choose a quality, natural looking foundation. Apply with a foundation brush to cover any blemishes and finish with a pressed powder. When choosing your eyebrow pencil go for a shade darker than you normally would for that bold look, a lá Marilyn Monroe. This Maybelline lip colour is fantastic as it stays put for HOURS – but any red lippy would do!
We loved: Maybelline Superstay24 Dual Ended Lip Color (£8.99) Red Passion, Max Factor Eyebrow Pencil (4.99), Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder Oil-Free (£21.00)
1960s:
Use Twiggy as inspiration! Cover the eyelid with a white eyeshadow, then along the crease of the eyelid draw a thin grey line with eyeshadow, extending outwards slightly. Draw along the waterline of the eye with a white kohl, then use a liquid or gel eyeliner on the top lash line and extend a flick parallel to the grey eyeshadow line. The distinctive part of this look is the bottom eye line; mark about eight dots of liquid eyeliner at intervals and draw them out to imitate eyelashes. Finish with a pink blush and lip.
We loved: Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Pencil (£4.99) or Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Pencil in white (£2.99), Barry M Blink Waterproof Precison Eyeliner (£4.59), Bourjois Little Round Pot Eyeshadow Light (£6.99) in Blanc Dore
1970s:
This era is synonymous with the hippy look. Sea salt spray is perfect for achieving tousled beach-babe hair – this Lee Stafford one is brilliant! The make-up should be light, with blush for a rosy-cheeked look. For a natural looking eye, use brown kohl on the bottom lash line and the top eyelid. A dab of light skin-coloured eye shadow in the inner corner opens up the eye.
We loved: Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray (£7.49), Collection Blush & Highlight (£3.99), Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal Eye Pencil (£2.99) in Sable Brown
[pagebreak]
1980s:
The 80s was all about the colour! One secret tip is to use a foundation a shade or two lighter than your skin tone to make the colours really stand out. Any brightly coloured eyeshadow is good for this look – to really impress, choose two or three contrasting shades. Start at the inner corner of the eye using the lightest shade and getting darker as you move towards the outer corner. A bright coral or fuschia lip shade completes the look; don’t worry about clashing colours as they were all the rage in the 80s!
We loved: No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Duo (£8.00) Iridescent purple, Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer (£5.99) – Bright Pink, Elnett Satin Extra Strength Hairspray (£6.60 for 400ml)
1990s:
The early 90s saw the tail-end of 80s punk in ‘grunge’ style. The really unique thing about this look is the lip colours – dark purples, plums and deep reds were popular. The eye make-up is heavy: dark greys or black eyeshadow with thick lashings of mascara. Use black kohl to line the eye. Bring the line halfway across on the bottom and all the way along the top lash line. For a more dramatic look, also line underneath the top lash line on the waterline.
We loved: Revlon ColorBurst™ Lipstick (£7.99) in Plum, Bourjois Smoky Eyes Eyeshadow (£7.99) in Gris Party, Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama mascara (£7.99)