The Best Makeup Trends From Each Decade We Want To See Come Back In 2022

1950s: Red Lips, Full Lashes, and Bold Brows

Striking red lips, full lashes, and bold brows highlight our favorite makeup trends from the most glamorous decade.

The classic 1950s makeup look consisted of a bold or bright red lipstick, depending on the occasion and the personal taste of the woman wearing it, alongside obviously made-up yet elegant eyes.

While putting a lot of emphasis on the eyes was the trendy thing, women still strived to retain that beautiful, natural glamour, using only eyeliner and multiple coats of the then-popular Helena Rubinstein mascara to create the desired look.

Additionally, the thick, prominent brows that were in fashion for the decade were carefully arched and penciled in to further define the eyes.

The leading ladies of the 1950s beauty standards were Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Doris Day, and Elizabeth Taylor; therefore, the everyday women strived to look like these celebrities.

Besame Cosmetics - Red Hot Red Lipstick ($28)

1960s: Dramatic Cat Eyes and Bronzy Cheeks

While the start of the 1960s beauty trends saw a continuation of the classic 1950s makeup look, the focus soon shifted to something more dramatic.

The decade welcomed the much-loved cat eye with a dramatic flicked upper eye line and a dark eyeshadow in the socket crease that not only marked an entirely new era back then, but it's also something we wouldn't mind seeing more of in the new year.

Additionally, since the majority of 2020 and the entirety of 2021 was rather blush-heavy, thanks to a few TikTok trends that featured interesting methods of blush application, it would be refreshing to see the classic bronzy cheeks from the sun-kissed decade step back onto the scene.

Kosas - The Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer ($34)

1970s: Vibrant Peach and Raspberry Blush

What better way to balance the intricate details of the ‘50s glam and the dramatic makeup trends from the ‘60s than by introducing just a little bit of that simple, effortless, and naturally beautiful look that shaped the 1970s?

The sun and beautiful beaches were definitely an inspiration for the vibrant peach and raspberry blush craze during the decade of woman's independence, and this effortless makeup look simply worked for everyone, regardless of age and style.

This is why we wouldn't mind moving away from the traditional rosy cheeks and trying out something new and different in the new year. And even though we’re already spoiled to choose from a gazillion options, we're still hoping to see even more flattering peach and raspberry blushes in various formulations that would suit all skin tones and types in the near future.

EM Cosmetics - Heaven's Glow Radiant Veil Blush in “Faded Clementine” ($34)

1980s: Bright, Colorful, and Electric Makeup

The 1980s were definitely an epic decade when it came to makeup and style, and we wouldn't mind bringing some of the era's retro trends back to life in the new year. Bright eyes, bright lips, bright cheeks, bright everything is what we mean when we say we want the 1980s back!

We’re also lucky to be able to choose from very improved formulas, better color variety, finer tools to work with, and of course, endless fool-proof makeup tutorials that we can access with a couple of clicks.

But besides the blue, purple, silver, and other electric pigments dragged all the way up to the heavily penciled and exaggerated brows, us oily skin folks will undoubtedly be happy to bring back the famous matte look that was super trendy in the ‘80s so that we can finally feel like we’re not the only ones overdoing it with a mattifying powder!

Vanessa Myricks - Colorfix Body Glitter Foils in “Mermaid” ($18)

1990s: Grungy Eyeliner and Deep-Shaded Lips

The grunge scene had a huge impact on beauty trends, particularly in the early 1990s, as the decade was all about dark, thick, smudgy eyeliner rimming the eyes and the waterline.

And although grunge eyeliner varied throughout the decades and slowly transcended into what we know as a smokey eye today, we sincerely hope to see more of the true classic look in the new year.

We’re also expecting deep-shaded lip colors to make a comeback as this is truly a combo worth shaping an entire decade and a nostalgic reminder of the fun and simpler times. Matte brown, brick, and wine-colored lipsticks were especially loved by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, and Reese Witherspoon, and they should definitely become a must in 2022 like they were in the early ’90s.

Charlotte Tilbury - Rock 'N' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in “Bedroom Black” ($27)

Closing Thoughts

Each decade comes with unique makeup trends that will continue to remind us of wildly different times. And although trends come and go, luckily, we live in a time that whatever you decide to bring back or recreate even for just a day, chances are many will find it beautiful and will praise you for thinking of that in the first place.

So, what makeup trend are you bringing back in the new year?

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