From Marilyn Monroe’s signature beauty mark to Lady Gaga’s outrageous makeup creations, the world of celebrity makeup is as fascinating as it is varied. Throughout the years, we have been fortunate enough to witness an array of iconic makeup moments that have graced the red carpets of Hollywood, countless magazine covers, and even our own bedrooms. Join us as we take a look back at some of the most memorable celebrity beauty moments that have become iconic in their own right.
1. Walking Into History: A Tour of Iconic Makeup Moments
From Maybelline’s iconic collaboration with beauty mogul Jerry Kaufman to the groundbreaking looks of Pat McGrath, the makeup industry has seen some stunning leaps throughout its long history. Here, we trace some memorable moments that have left their mark on makeup wear.
- 1914: Maybelline Release First Modern Mascara. Developed by brothers Tom and Frank Lyle McGuire, the mascara was made from petroleum jelly and coal. Though it was primitive in its approach, it was revolutionary for its time.
- 1920: Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel Ushers In Natural Makeup. Coco Chanel was the driving force behind “less is more” beauty. She elevated the idea of looking natural and approachable through her makeup techniques.
- 1960: The Cat Eye Gains Popularity. In the ‘60s, everyone was wearing the iconic cat eye look. Thick and dramatic, this look was defined by exaggerated long eyeliner along the upper lashline.
- 1990: Pat McGrath Creates History with Fiercely Creative Makeup. Pat McGrath is a legendary makeup artist with a bold, creative approach to artistry. She has had a lasting impact on the world of fashion and beauty with her iconic looks.
Though makeup trends come and go, some looks have stood the test of time. From the early days of makeup revolution to the upcoming beauty trends, every makeup moment has its own history-in-the-making.
So whether you’re a seasoned makeup artist or curious about how we’ve gotten where we are, take a journey back in time with us to relive some of the most iconic makeup moments.
2. A Closer Look at Celebrated Celebrity Beauty
When it comes to beauty, celebrities do not disappoint. They are often celebrated for their stylishness, their immaculate features, and their glamorous looks.
A great example of this is the popular American actress, Jennifer Aniston. A stunning beauty, Jennifer is well known for her trademark wavy blonde hair and her smooth skin. She also has incredible bone structure to match. Her charming personality definitely adds to her overall beauty as well.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is another celebrity who garners admiration when it comes to her looks. From her hazel eyes to her perfect eyebrows, she creates an effortless allure with her carefully curated style. Many have even said they are in awe of her perfect complexion.
A final example of a celebrated beauty is the singer, Beyoncé. Not only does Beyoncé have stunning features – such as her perfect pout and flawless skin – but she always looks flawless on the red carpet. She exudes confidence and shows off her curves in her figure-hugging designs. She is an absolute queen in the beauty field.
- Jennifer Aniston: Famous for her trademark wavy blonde hair and smooth skin.
- Meghan Markle: She creates an effortless allure with her carefully curated style.
- Beyoncé: Perfect pout and flawless skin, show off her curves in her figure-hugging designs.
- The “Mona Lisa Smile” of the 1960s. Over 60 years ago, a game-changing makeup trend was born out of the iconic ‘60s movie, The Mona Lisa Smile. This trend standardized and transformed the look of women’s faces, crafting an attractive but subtle look that would still be popular today. Strengthening eye makeup and long lashes, with muted colors on the rest of the face, it was a glimpse into the future beauty of makeup.
- The Introduction of Contouring. In the past few decades, contouring has become the standard for makeup looks across the industry, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the influence of beauty gurus like Kim Kardashian. As one of the first people to make contouring widely popular, Kim K. revolutionized makeup techniques, making beauty brands and professional makeup artists take note.
- Beauty Brand Game-Changing Products. We can’t forget about all the new products that are increasingly appearing on the market and changing the way we look at makeup. From Charlotte Tilbury’s two-in-one highlighting and bronzing palette to Urban Decay’s number one selling All-Nighter Setting Spray, these ideas add a new dimension to everyone’s look.
- Iconic images – Makeup has been used to create an array of iconic images, from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic cat-eye flick to the blood red lips Rihanna always rocks on the red carpet. Beauty icons have used makeup to inspire, challenge and empower women for decades.
- Fashionable and FUN –Beauty trends come and go, but the fun spirit associated with makeup has remained. We can experiment with our look or express it through the use of color. And, unlike other forms of fashion, makeup allows us to be playful and creative.
- A reflection of the times – Makeup isn’t just fashionable, it’s meaningful. Each decade of makeup is a reflection of the times. Just think of the period in which coloured eyeshadows were used to make a statement. Or, take a look at the bold, graphic lines that are so mid-2000s.
3. Transformative Makeup Moments That Redefined the Status Quo
These transformative makeup moments can be seen as redefining the status quo and have brought something entirely new to the world of makeup. Every new trend has something to offer, whether it’s a new approach to a classic look or an innovated invention touted by beauty bloggers. The changing times ahead will certainly bring new ideas and trends that are sure to excite the beauty world.
4. Exploring the Power of Iconic Makeup in Popular Culture
From highly flamboyant looks to barely-there makeup, these looks can be a form of art, offering commentary on the culture of the time. Future makeup trends will undoubtedly be just as influential. We can look forward to them expressing new eras of attitude and self-expression unlike before.
The freedom to wear makeup gives us a wonderful sense of liberty to explore our own aesthetic and beauty. Now more than ever, we have access to a vast array of products and tools to help us to achieve whatever look we want. We can experiment with bold colors and dazzling glitter, or try something more subtle and classic.
However we choose to wear it, makeup gives us an opportunity to look the way we want and to feel amazing. Even if it’s just a tiny bit of mascara, that little confidence boost can make all the difference and go with us wherever we go.
From memorable red carpet glam to iconic runway looks, these iconic makeup moments have made an indelible mark on our industry, inspiring us all to step out of our comfort zone and take risks with makeup and beauty. As this look back at some of the most exciting, creative, and daring makeup moments demonstrates, bold beauty moves continue to shape the makeup and beauty news. It’s no surprise that these groundbreaking looks all dazzled and transformed the conversation about makeup and beauty–and their legacy lives on!
