Eye makeup has the power to transform your look from subtle to iconic in just a few strokes.
Throughout history, there have been many fleeting trends, but the allure of classic eye makeup has endured, continuing to influence modern beauty even today.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic eye makeup trends that have stood the test of time.
The Power of Eye Makeup Through the Ages
From Cleopatra’s graphic kohl liner and Clara Bow’s smoky gaze to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic wing and Cindy Crawford’s supermodel eyes, it’s evident that eye makeup has a timeless charm that shapes each era.
Ancient Egypt and the Birth of Bold Eye Looks
When we think of bold, dramatic, and thick eye makeup, Cleopatra’s iconic look is one of the first that comes to mind.
Not only was she recognized for her intelligence and romantic tales, but her striking use of kohl liner became an emblem of power for the modern woman.
Egyptians had been decorating their eyes with kohl for millennia, dating back to the Predynastic Period. However, it wasn’t until the reign of their most famous queen that the bold eye look was masterfully perfected.
Over the years, kohl became a staple for men and women across the Middle East, and spread as far as South Asia. In more recent years, eye makeup has gone beyond just kohl, expanding into products like eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner in many forms and colours.
As we trace the evolution of more recent makeup products, we’re drawn in by some of the most representative trends and public figures who embodied the undeniable impact of eye makeup.
From the 1920s Flapper Era to the Glamour of the 1950s
The last century has seen some of the most dramatic shifts in trends around eye makeup. The flapper era of the Roaring Twenties saw the rise of a defining look: the mysterious smoky eye.
This bold style was popularized by actresses like Clara Bow and Louise Brooks, who inspired a generation of women to express their newfound social freedom.
In an era of challenging conventional beauty standards, flappers made a statement. They rebelled against Victorian values by powdering their face, smudging their eyes in kohl, and applying dark lipstick to create a Cupid’s Bow.
Another iconic eye makeup look emerged in the glamorous 1950s, shifting from the dramatic, rebellious style to a sophisticated and new ideal of femininity. Hollywood stars Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn significantly influenced the beauty scene with their defined and flawless appearance.
Marilyn Monroe’s signature look featured vivid red lips, a winged liner, and her famous beauty mark. In contrast, Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style was centered on bold brows, doe-eyed liner, and separated lashes.
Referred to as the Golden Age of Makeup, the 1950s saw a celebration of elegance and grace that would continue to define glamour for decades to come.
Eye Makeup Trends of the 60s, 70s, and 80s
With the onset of the iconic 1960s, makeup became all about self-expression and embracing a dramatic, graphic flair. In this vibrant era, women rocked playful looks defined by stark, contrasting eyes.
This style was heavily inspired by the British model Twiggy, who was known for a signature eye look of bold graphic liner, pale eyeshadow, and thick mascara on her lashes.
In the 1970s, the sharp graphic lines took a backseat to shimmering disco glamour. Makeup was now designed for the dance floor, with superstar Diana Ross captivating the era with her smoky eyeshadow, dramatic lashes, and glossy lips.
While the 70s were defined by the glitz and glamour of disco aesthetics, another iconic eye makeup look belonged to Cher. As a beauty icon, her style encouraged bold experimentation, featuring vibrant eyeshadows in purple and pink hues, framed by dramatic, long lashes.
Transitioning into the 1980s, this decade was marked by innovation, as more people became fearless with their choice of colors. It was the right time to say goodbye to neutral and safe, and let the art of eye makeup shine.
In the wave of these cultural changes, it’s no surprise that Madonna became the ultimate icon of this bold and experimental era. Her iconic eye makeup was characterized by bold, winged black eyeliner and bright eyeshadow for an alluring impact.
The Shift from the 90s to Today’s Modern Styles
The 90s beauty scene was defined by a huge shift in style, revealing iconic aesthetics that continue to influence trends today.
Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford brought a new sense of sophistication to eye makeup that heavily influenced the decade. Dazzling colors were swapped out for matte brown eyeshadows, and dramatic styles were replaced by subtle, defining eyeliner.
On the other hand, Kate Moss’s famous eye makeup look was her trademark dark, smudged eyeliner. With her eyes holding the focus of her look, she maintained a natural appearance, redefining beauty with an effortless and cool vibe.
How Historic Looks Influence Today’s Beauty Trends
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the eyes have become a powerful canvas for creativity.
While some eye makeup trends come and go through the decades, some elements remain timeless. The classic winged eyeliner is a perfect example. Originating in Ancient Egypt, reappearing in the glamorous 1950s, and being embraced by contemporary stars like Amy Winehouse and Ariana Grande, this look has cemented its place in beauty and style.
Far from being relics of the past, it’s clear that quintessential looks through history form a bridge to the styles of the future, creating space for self-expression and individuality without conforming to a set of rules.
MPlus Cosmetics and the Future of Iconic Eye Makeup
At MPlus Cosmetics, we are inspired by iconic eye makeup and how it shapes today’s contemporary beauty landscape.
As your trusted private label makeup manufacturer, our team takes pride in ensuring we deliver the highest quality eye makeup products every time.
From flawless mascara brushes to innovative eyeshadow palettes—including liquid, matte, and shimmer formulas—as well as precision eyeliners, we’re dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, delivering exceptional products that give you and your customers total confidence.
Feeling inspired? Elevate your eye makeup product line by reaching out to our in-house experts for a personalized and in-depth consultation with our team.
