Makeup, like any other aspect of fashion, changes dramatically over time. Trends develop and then fall by the wayside, and sometimes they come back. One thing is certain, though. For every age, there are a few defining traits that are inextricably linked to that makeup era. From the cutsie bow lips of the 1920s, to the florescent eyeshadows of the 1980s, every decade has had its essential features. So what are those essential features today?
1. The Bold Matte Lip
The red lip has long been a beauty staple, but the big trend today is a bit darker. Deep purples and lush berry hues are making a statement on lips across the nation. The opaque pigment and matte finish gives the wearer a chic, high fashion air, but be sure to give yourself a clean edge to finish off this bold look.
2. Winged Eyeliner
The eyeliner wing may be the most widespread, most adored makeup trend of the decade. True, it isn’t a trend strictly of the 2010s, having been first popularized by model Twiggy in the 1960s. It did, however, fade away until the early 2000s when it made a powerful resurgence, and the look is still going strong today. Wing length and thickness can vary greatly, so feel free to get creative. Just remember that the key to this look is to keep it sharp and clean.
3. The Defined Brow
It is safe to say that most of us have become familiar with the term “eyebrows on fleek,” and we also know that it is possibly the most desired feature of 2010s beauty. Although the phrase stems from a comedic Vine, it has come to refer to the radiant miracle that is a beautifully shaped, well-defined brow. Perfect brows frame the face, highlight the eyes, and give a polished and glamorous finish to any makeup look. Shape and intensity of color varies from face to face, and it is important to find the look that is most flattering to you. Once you’ve found that, you are ready to “fleek” your face to the nines.
4. Contouring
Contouring is no longer confined to being a tool of the stage and screen. Due to its popularization by Kim Kardashian and other pop culture icons, contouring has become a tool of the people. Sculpted cheekbones and carved jawlines became the desired look as YouTube exploded with tutorials, and trends like clown and tape contouring began to develop. Makeup companies even began creating products specifically for contouring in order to profit off the quickly growing fad, and make it easier for you to sculpt your face to its optimal glory.
5. Nail Art
How fondly I recall the days when nail art meant a little flower with a crystal center delicately accenting one nail. Alas, long gone are those simple times. Today, Pinterest is flooded with nails that are marbled, oil slicked, and jewel encrusted. Entire paintings, shrunk down to minuscule size, are painstakingly recreated on fingernails. If you are intimidated, fear not. There is no shortage of YouTube tutorials to help you turn your hands into the miniature Louvre.
Always remember that makeup is fun. It’s for you and not for anyone else. So, if you don’t dig these trends, do what you like best and what you think is most flattering to your face. Weather it’s contoured and painted, barefaced and natural, or anything in between, find your fleek, and never be afraid to let yourself be beautiful.
