The ’80s and ’90s were characterized by outlandish fashions and a vibrant firestorm of makeup trends. From punk to pop, we take a look back at the outrageous beauty looks singer-songwriters rocked on stage for their adoring fans. Whether you favor the punk rocker style complete with dark lip shade and heavy liner or prefer a more feminine, minimal approach, there is no denying the lasting influence these decades had on beauty across the world.

1. Re-Living the Bold Beauty of the ’80s and ’90s

Are you feeling stuck in the 2020s? Want to jazz up your wardrobe or lifestyle? Add a stylish oomph to everything you wear and do with these kickass fashion trends straight from the ’80s and ’90s:

Flashy Footwear

• Dad sneakers
• Combat boots
• Slingback mules

Bring a taste of the ’80s and ’90s into your outfit with these rad choices! From classic sartorial pieces and streetwear styles to modern remixes of old classics, the possibilities are endless. Mix and match the above footwear with a variety of ensembles – a flirty mini dress, a bright accessory, or a long maxi skirt.

Popping Patterns
In the ’80s and ’90s, bold and vibrant patterns were all the rage. Polka dots, geometric shapes, intricate florals – your options were endless! Get creative and combine different types of prints to play with colors and textures. Upgrade your wardrobe with varsity jackets, A-lines, and vintage tees!

Tropical Touch
Transition from fall to winter in these season-appropriate pieces! Seamless, vintage tropical prints, cotton trousers, and relaxed blouses are all key items in your wardrobe. Add a charming ’80s and ’90s flair to your look with gingham shirts, belted midi skirts, and lightweight, airy sundresses.

2. From Punk to Pop – Makeup Trends That Took Center Stage

Glitter and Rainbow Eyes

The sparkle and shine of glitter and rainbow eyes were popular looks throughout the 2000s. Whether you went for a subtle silver glitter or a bold and bright rainbow eyes, the look conveyed youth and boldness. Makeup wore on the eyes was often paired with bold lip colors, such as pink and burgundy.

The Natural Look

The simplicity of a natural look was popular in the 2000s. Natural makeup was defined by light coverage glowing skin, muted eyeshadows like nudes and browns, and a bit of bronzer to give the skin a warm glow. This look was perfect for day-time activities or dressed down occasions.

Cat Eyes

Sharp and precise cat eyes characterized the punk look in the 2000s. Although originally worn as a statement look, cat eyes eventually became an everyday makeup choice. Women would carve a sharp wing on their eyelids, with a black eyeliner or eyeshadow. The wing would reach up to the end of the eyebrow arch, often covering half of the brow.

Rainbow Highlighter

Rainbow highlighter was a fun look achieved by mixing eye makeup with a variety of shimmering colors. The look was achieved by drawing hues of blue, gold, purples, and pinks onto the skin. The colors were then blended together to give a subtle and soft appearance that would glisten in the light. This look was often used when attending special events and often accessorized with:

• A fur coat
• Mesh shirts
• Boot-cut jeans

3. Defining the Bright Colors and Big Brows of the ’80s

The 1980s were a bright and bold era when it came to fashion, and those signature looks still have an impact on modern styles today. 

When it comes to makeup, the ’80s were all about bright colors and bold brows. Eyeshadows featured deep purples and electric blues, with sparkly golds and silvers, as well as shades of kelly green and lime. The classic cat-eye was a popular look, usually paired with heavily lined lips outlined in a dark, contrasting color. Cheeks were contoured and highlighted with bright shades to give a look of intensity.

But it was the big, bushy brows that made the look iconic. Women wielded tweezers to achieve the natural-looking, unruly brows, filling in sparse areas with a pencil or powder. This look was adapted from the strong, unibrowed models of the ’70s, but with an emphasis on the natural shape of the brows.

• Eye Makeup: Brightly colored eyeshadows, electric blues, classic cat-eyes
• Lip Makeup: Bold, contrasting colors, heavily lined
• Cheek Makeup: Contoured, highlighted with bright shades
• Eyebrows: Big, bold, and bushy – Unibrow look, natural shape

Today, the ’80s look has been modernized in a variety of ways, but some flashes of those statement looks are still present. But, no matter how you style it, ’80s makeup represents a bold era of vibrant colors and daring looks that still influences today’s trends.

4. Rekindling Grunge Chic with ’90s Inspired Make-up

Grunge was born in the ’90s and it’s making a surprise comeback in the beauty world. This time around, it is showing up a bit wiser, borrowing some of the best elements from the decade gone by.

Old-school grunge beauty was a balance of smooth skin with smudgy and bold eyes and lips. To get the perfect ’90s grunge look for 2020, you’ll need to recreate the balance in a modern way.

• Start by prepping your skin with a light moisturizer and foundation tinted with bronzer.
• Add rock star level definition to your eye makeup by following the original ’90s grunge look. Think smoky brown and black eye shadow on the lid and use a black liquid eyeliner to create a sharp cat eye.
• Finish your eye makeup look with mascara for a voluminous and dramatic touch.

The essential lip color for the grunge chic look in 2020 is matte red-violet. Choose a long-lasting and matte lipstick in a berry tone that resembles a deep, dark purple. To get a statement-making pout, trace the outer edges first and fill in your lips.

Remember, the best way to master the grunge chic beauty trend is to keep it natural, smoky, and slightly edgy. That means no overdone contouring or perfectly matched foundation! Let your imperfections show and get creative when you are playing around with edgy tones.

5. Exploring the Influence of Punk and Pop on Makeup Trends

Punk and pop have both had a massive influence on the ever-evolving makeup trends over the years. From electric neon eyeliners to glossy pink lips, each style offers something unique and captivating. Here are five of the most popular looks influenced by punk and pop.

• Candy Floss Highlights: Perfect for framing the face and adding a little sparkle, Candy Floss Highlights are a signature punk style. To achieve this look, use frosty pink, blue or even green eyeshadow to highlight the upper lid and the bridge of the nose. Finish off with black eyeliner and black mascara.
• Electric Colors: Electric colors were made popular by the punk movement in the 70s. Think bright neon shadows, blues, pinks and oranges. This look is perfect for the bold and daring, and is sure to turn heads no matter where you go.
• Rock ‘n’ Roll Smokey Eye: Pop artists like David Bowie have inspired the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roll Smokey Eye. To achieve this look, use a combination of brown and black shadows to create a smudged and smoky effect. Add liner to the upper and lower lid and a touch of color, such as pink or purple to the inner corner of the eye.
• Glossy Lips: Glossy lips are a signature of pop culture. This look can be achieved with a clear lip gloss, but if you’re feeling daring you could try a bright pink, red or orange shade. Finish off with matching lipstick in the same color.
• Shinny Eyeliner: Shinny eyeliner has been relied on time and time again by punk and pop stars alike. It’s the perfect way to give your eyes a dramatic look. Use a metallic eyeshadow or liquid eyeliner in a dark shade or bright hue to make your eyes pop.

These punk and pop inspired makeup trends are great for expressing your personal style and can be tailored to fit any occasion. So, why not add a touch of punk or pop to your look today?

6. Looking to the Future – New and Old Trends for the Modern Day

The modern day is a mix of traditional and modern trends, and it’s exciting to see what’s new and what will come next!

• The world of fashion brings us daring new looks that combine classic and futuristic elements with bold color palettes.
• Social media platforms have revolutionized how we communicate and the way we connect with one another.
• In food, global cuisine is making its way to large cities and small towns alike, allowing everyone to experience flavors from around the world.

Technology is changing rapidly, and more and more areas are being made up-to-date. Digital transformation is creating innovative new experiences for businesses and the global population. Areas such as medical and health care, transportation, education, and more are continuing to improve their services with the help of advanced technologies.

In addition to the advancements in technology, there are old traditions that are still in vogue and continue to influence our modern-day way of life. From honoring the elders in our families to cherishing our environment, many of us understand the importance of these rituals and values.

The ’80s and ’90s were decades full of incredible makeup trends. From punk-rock to pop icon makeup, each signature aesthetic left an impression. Future generations of makeup trends are bound to take many cues from these eras, influenced by the bold vision of artists and innovators. With that in mind, may the radical spirit of past makeup wardrobes continue to live on!