Article by BR Amelia
images: Wikimedia and Pinterest
If eyes are the windows to the soul then eye makeup must be the window dressings. And just as the right curtains, swag, treatments, blinds or pleating can pull a room together, the right eye makeup can pull your whole look together.
And just like interior design, makeup can be defined by the decade - so let's take a look back through the years and check out some statement eye looks.
1920s - Louise Brookes
Think soot. The eye makeup of the 20s was dark, grainy and smudged. Often just one product, a kohl, was used to smudge around the whole eye.
1930s - Marlene Dietrich
Paired with crazy-lady thin eyebrows were thin flicks of eyeliner. Eyeshadow in blues to violets (for blondes) or browns to deep purples (for brunettes) was applied from the lashline to eyebrow.
1940s - Lauren Bacall
With wartime came a more neutral look. Eyebrows were groomed to their natural shape and natural browns and light beiges and greys were the go to look. Mascara and eyeliner were used lightly on the upper lids only.
1950s - Natalie Wood
With the era of glamour came the original brow game and smokey eye. Brows were thick and bold and lashes were thick and long. Eyeshadows were shimmery and tones of grey were the most popular.
1960s - Brigitte Bardot
The 60s weren't just about free love - people began experimenting with blending different colours in their eye looks. Eyes were boldly lined top and bottom.
1970s - Donna Summer
Every day was a disco in the 70s. Eyeliner and mascara were natural browns. The key to 70s eye makeup was in the pearlescent and bright eyeshadow worn all around the eye. Light eye pencils were used on the inner lash lines.
1980s - Debbie Harry
Anything went in the 80s - as long as it didn't go together that is. Think clashing colours - oranges, pinks, greens, blues. Teamed with heavy mascara and eyeliner, it was a look for the bold.
1990s -Winona Ryder
The nineties is a difficult decade to pin down. But surely amidst the neutral shades, the standout look has to be the grunge look. Think smokey brown eyes, nude lips and dark, thin browns. Heroin chic if you will.
2000s - Angelina Jolie
What were you doing back in the millenium? Probably practising perfect winged eyeliner! The cat's eye saw huge popularity and was easily adapted by all styles. From classic and sophisticated to edgy and gothic, the key to noughties eye looks is eyeliner.
Now - Over to you!
What eye look do you think defines right now? Tell us below! And what era does your signature eye look belong in? Get chatting below!
I do smokey mostly but I also do 20s, 50s, 2000s and the rock chick. Today I think smokey and winged both have a place.