A Lifetime Of Lipstick: Trends Over The Years

Whether you like a barely-there nude, a smudge-proof matte, or a bold neon look, lipstick can make you feel like you’re ready to take on the world. More than just the final touch to your makeup, it’s been a form of expression, defiance and empowerment for women throughout the decades.

In celebration of National Lipstick Day, we want to flash back to the past and look over legendary lipstick trends - from the roaring 20s to the world-breaking 2020s. So get your scrunchies ready, you’re about to find the perfect pout to shout about.

1920s

Get the roaring 20s look with your very own dark red lipstick and flaunt your independence like the flappers. Red lipstick became synonymous with pushing boundaries in this era and embracing your unique power. Recreate this iconic look with KIKO MILANO Smart Fusion Lipstick in shade Cherry Red and a slicked back bob to complete your masterpiece.

1930s and 40s

Embrace your mysterious side and channel the fuller, feminine lip of the 30s and 40s. Lipstick was a staple to raise spirits and sprinkle a bit of glamour into the day to day. Pucker up and perfect this style with Nars Matte Lipstick in shade Immortal Red and pack on the mascara to match.

1950s

Reach for the stars and embrace your inner Monroe with 50s glamour. This era was all about matte lipstick and sultry eyes inspired by Hollywood heroes. Makeup became a new way to express women’s sexual liberation, so celebrate your feminine power with Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in shade Red Carpet Red and pair with a faux beauty spot.

1960s

Swing into the 60s with matte pastels and Twiggy inspired eyeliner. Get your lip gloss at the ready and think light pink when it comes to your lip look. Channel this London look with Armani Lip Power in shade 102 Romanza.

1970s

If you’ve got disco-fever then this is the era for you. The 1970s were the time of liberation and freedom, where women used natural, nude lipstick to highlight their inner beauty. Get the look with Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in shade Anniversary and top it all off with a sky-blue eye for a glittery glam look.

1980s

Next up: big hair, blue eyeshadow and neon lips. It can only be the 80s. If you just wanna have fun with your makeup then this is the era for you. These lip looks were all about celebrating your power with bold colours and even bolder poses. Transport yourself to the 80s with NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick in shade 15 Push’d Up, and pair with a headband and leotard - no exceptions.

1990s

The lip look you want, you really, really want. Think Rachel Green grunge and Posh Spice gloss: it’s the 90s baby. This decade had some iconic makeup looks that we are still obsessed with 25 years later. It’s all about the mauve brown popular 90’s lipsticks. Get this fresh, earthy look with Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in shade Depends on Traffic and finish with your best butterfly clips.

2000s

Get your velour tracksuit, hair crimpers and Britney tracks at the ready - the noughties are officially back. In this decade, it was all about poppin’ out the gloss. How much is too much? The limit does not exist. Recreate this look with Dior Addict Lip Glow in shade Coral.

2010s

Here come the 10s, along with Rihanna’s fire brigade-red hair. While there were some trends we’d rather forget (YOLO, anyone?), the tens gave us some memorable makeup looks. Think overlined lips, liquid lipstick and bold contouring. To recreate this matte lip, look no further than Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in shade Bombshell.

2020s

We’ve not seen much in the 20s so far, but from what we have seen (mainly over Zoom), liner is the product on everybody’s lips. We can’t stop talking about the clean girl aesthetic and the move towards bolder, brighter lipstick shades. As women are beginning to claim their space more, we’ve seen a rise in powerful and playful makeup looks which we hope only grows! Try this look with Anastasia Beverly Hills Color Satin Lipstick in shade Tease and show it off in a TikTok.

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