Makeup in the 20th Century
As a college student, juggling classes, projects, and the occasional party, makeup has become my go-to quick fix for feeling more put-together. But it wasn’t until I started learning about makeup’s evolution that I realized just how much history is packed into that little tube of mascara or lipstick we casually swipe on. The 20th century was an absolute game-changer for makeup, filled with dramatic shifts in style, social norms, and cultural influence. From the flapper’s rebellious smoky eye to the supermodel era of the '90s, makeup has been a mirror reflecting the social changes of each decade. Let’s take a journey through time to see how makeup has transformed over the last century and influenced how we express ourselves today.
The 1920s: The Rise of the Flapper Girl
Ah, the roaring '20s—an era of jazz, speakeasies, and, of course, the birth of the modern woman. This decade saw women throwing off the restrictive corsets of the Victorian age in favor of looser dresses, bobbed hair, and, most notably, bold makeup. The flapper look was all about rebelling against societal expectations. Women wore dark, smoky eyes, thinly penciled eyebrows, and deep red lips. For the first time, makeup was no longer just for actresses or “ladies of the night.” Thanks to the influence of Hollywood, it was becoming socially acceptable for everyday women to wear it, and brands like Maybelline and Max Factor started to gain popularity.
Imagine being a college student in the 1920s—attending a swing dance in a hidden jazz club, rocking a dark kohl eyeliner smudged for that mysterious look. It was the perfect era to break free from tradition and embrace a new, more liberated form of femininity.
The 1940s: The Wartime Look
Fast forward to the 1940s, and things got a bit more serious. World War II was in full swing, and makeup took on a more practical yet patriotic role. Due to rationing, women had to get creative with their beauty routines. Despite shortages, red lipstick became a symbol of resilience and confidence. Women were encouraged to wear red lips as a morale booster, both for themselves and for the soldiers abroad. It was believed to symbolize strength, with brands like Elizabeth Arden even releasing a shade called “Victory Red.”
Imagine trying to do your makeup with limited resources while still wanting to look put-together—sounds like the student budget struggle, right? The '40s were all about doing more with less, something college students know all too well.
The 1950s: The Glamorous Housewife
If the '40s were about practicality, the 1950s were all about glamour. After the war ended, there was a renewed focus on femininity and beauty, heavily influenced by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. The era was defined by winged eyeliner, full brows, and, of course, that iconic red lip. Women embraced a polished, put-together look that was both glamorous and feminine.
This was also the time when makeup became more accessible to the masses, with companies like Revlon and Estée Lauder expanding their product lines. The emphasis was on looking picture-perfect at all times—a bit like trying to stay Instagram-ready between classes, study sessions, and student events.
The 1960s: Swinging London and the Mod Look
The 1960s brought a massive cultural shift, with the focus moving from Hollywood to the streets of London. Think Twiggy, The Beatles, and that iconic mod look. The '60s were all about experimentation and self-expression, with makeup becoming a way to make a statement. This era introduced bold eye looks, like thick black eyeliner, exaggerated lashes, and frosted pastel eyeshadow. Lips, on the other hand, were often kept nude to draw attention to the eyes.
This was the era of youth rebellion, and the makeup reflected that. It’s easy to imagine students back then rocking Twiggy-inspired looks to stand out on campus. It was a time when makeup was used to defy tradition, much like how today’s students experiment with bright eyeshadows or bold lip colors to express their individuality.
The 1980s: Bigger, Bolder, Better
The 1980s were all about excess—think neon colors, big hair, and bold makeup. The mantra was “more is more,” with bright blue eyeshadows, heavy blush, and glossy lips dominating the decade. This was the time of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and the “power suit” look. Makeup became a tool for self-empowerment, allowing women to express their confidence in the workplace and beyond.
College students in the '80s were all about experimenting. If you were heading to a campus party, you might have rocked electric blue eyeliner and teased your hair to the heavens. It was an era where makeup was a form of self-expression and rebellion against the minimalist trends of previous decades.
The 1990s: Supermodels and Grunge
The 1990s was a decade of extremes. On one hand, you had the supermodel era with Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell flaunting flawless skin, brown lipstick, and soft, smoky eyes. On the other hand, grunge was making waves, with stars like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love championing an “I woke up like this” vibe that was more about smudged eyeliner and bare skin than perfection.
As a college student, it’s easy to relate to the '90s grunge aesthetic—rolling out of bed, throwing on a flannel shirt, and embracing a more “effortless” look. The '90s were a time when makeup could be whatever you wanted it to be, whether that was glamorous or grungy.
The Legacy of 20th Century Makeup Today
So, why does all of this matter to us now? The 20th century laid the foundation for the makeup trends we see today. The idea of using makeup as a tool for self-expression, rather than just to conform to societal expectations, has become a permanent part of our culture. From minimalist routines to bold, experimental looks, we have the freedom to play with our appearance in ways that reflect who we are.
As students, we’re constantly juggling schedules, exams, and social lives. It’s comforting to know that, just like in the 1920s or the 1960s, makeup can be a quick and creative way to express ourselves—whether we’re rushing to an early lecture or getting ready for a night out. The history of 20th-century makeup shows us that beauty trends are ever-evolving, shaped by culture, politics, and the desire to be a little bit rebellious. So next time you’re applying that winged eyeliner or bold lipstick, remember—you’re participating in a long tradition of using makeup as a form of art, self-expression, and empowerment.