Throughout the centuries, beauty looks have evolved and changed over time, but classic glam has consistently been one of North America’s go-to looks for classical elegance. From Hollywood starlets to everyday women, timelessly classic beauty looks still manage to captivate with their mesmerizing glamour and grace. So, let’s look back at the classic beauty looks of North America throughout the ages, and how they remain a timeless standard of beauty.
1. Glam Through the Ages: Classic Beauty in North America
The Golden Age: 1940s-1950s
The 1940s to 1950s marked the start of the Golden Age for makeup and beauty in North America. Women began to experiment with glamour in ways that had not before been seen. Hair was usually long and waved in a classic Hollywood style, while makeup focused on portraying a delicate, polished look. Eyeliner was carefully-applied, eyelashes were emphasized, and foundation was light and understated. Lipstick was fashionable and typically matched a woman’s outfit.
This new classic beauty look served as the basis for many of the glamour-centric trends we still see today. Many of the modern classic makeup techniques employed today, such as contouring and the use of a beauty blender, have their roots in the Golden Age.
The Disco Era: 1970s
The 1970s marked a distinct departure from the classic beauty of the Golden Age. Instead, this era embraced makeup with bold colors and glitzy glitter. The disco era encouraged women to experiment with more daring and dramatic looks, with strong dark eye makeup, glitter, and false eyelashes. It was all about going above and beyond to stand out in the crowd.
This decade was also the birth of some of the most iconic trend-setting makeup looks. From Twiggy’s 1960s heavy eyelashes to Yves Saint Laurent’s use of dark eyeshadow, these looks remain popular today and are featured in many makeup collections.
The New Wave: 1980s
The 1980s saw a shift away from the loud and flashy looks of the 70s towards more minimalistic and clean makeup. Neutral eye shadows and blushes in soft pinks and peaches were favored and paired with natural-looking contouring and mascara for a fresh and polished look. This new wave of makeup left behind the heavy foundations and powdery eyeshadows, focusing instead on a light cover and subtle enhancements.
The decade was also known for intense lip colors, with bright reds, purples, and deep burgundies featured heavily. For the more daring, asymmetrical makeup looks and neon eyeshadows were also popular.
The Evolution: 1990s-Present
Makeup in the 1990s to present has seen a gradual shift towards products that are more tailored to individual needs. Makeup has become more personalized, with an emphasis on individualized looks and using makeup to express one’s creativity and style.
Today, classic beauty looks are still seen, along with more modern styles such as glitter, bold colors, and unconventional eyeshadow combinations. Makeup is more accessible than ever, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating unique and beautiful looks.
2. Introducing Timeless Glamour to the Modern Age
This is your first step into a world of everlasting glamour. Timeless glamour—a bringing together of classic designs and modern fashion sensibilities—is the foundation of any well-dressed wardrobe. Whether you’re opting for an androgynous look or a fashionable outfit from the ’20s, timeless glamour is something you can rely on to turn heads.
The key to timeless glamour is a blend of classic pieces and modern silhouettes. Start by investing in versatile staples—like a structured blazer and a white dress shirt—then work in standout pieces like a vibrant pair of cigarette pants or a tailored tuxedo suit. But timeless glamour goes beyond the clothes—it’s about being confident in your choices and having the courage to take fashion risks.
For modern moments, timeless attire is the perfect fit. The only rules with timeless glamour are to stay true to yourself and let your individual style shine. To create effortlessly glamorous looks, here are a few tips:
- Invest in timeless pieces and classic silhouettes that can be dressed up or down.
- Give yourself permission to mix and match the traditional with the trendy.
- Experiment with a range of colors and textures to create powerful outfits.
- Highlight certain parts of your body with tailored designs.
If you’re looking to shake up your style, opt for timeless glamour. With the perfect combination of modern design and classic silhouettes, you’ll have an effortless wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
3. Classic Products for the True Beauty Lover
If you’re a proud beauty lover and find yourself constantly in search of the classic products that never go out of style, we’ve got the perfect list for you!
- NARS Blush: Whether you want a subtle flush or a full-on pop of colour, the amazing shades of this NARS blushes will help you find that flawless finish.
- Highlighting Palette: You can’t go wrong with a highlighting palette. With the stunning shades and reflective particles, you can easily get a radiant glow and achieve that subtle yet pronounced look.
- MAC Lipsticks: With their huge selection of shades, MAC lipsticks never go out of fashion. Pick your favourite shade in matte, glossy or creamy finishes to complete your classic beauty look.
- Organic Mascara: Get beautiful voluminous lashes the natural way with an organic mascara. With all the amazing natural ingredients, you are sure to find the perfect one for you!
- Blotting Paper:This one is a classic must-have. Keep your face oil-free and your makeup in place with some trusty blotting paper.
Whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or wanting to wear something simple, these classic products are the perfect addition to your beauty wardrobe. Whether it’s a subtle flush or a flawless finis,whatever look you’re wanting to achieve, these classic products won’t let you down.
4. Redefining Luxury: Beauty for the Ages
Modern beauty is no longer defined by an unrealistic ideal. As we approach the concept of luxury, our definitions evolve to create something more meaningful. We’re taking note of age, experience, and what it means to look and feel our best—at any age.
Current interpretations of luxury beauty are centered around personalized regimens and products that help you take control of your own beauty journey. Reaching longtime skin care goals, for example, relies more heavily on steady, continuous use of products that work for your unique skin type.
This concept of redefining luxury extends to our changing attitudes and preferences as we age. Women are no longer afraid or ashamed to discuss topics such as skin care, aging, and even menopause. Increasingly, they are taking measures to meet these changes head-on, actively seeking out products, treatments, and advice that can help them maintain their youthfulness.
- Look for natural, clean-ingredient products: Natural ingredients are known to be not only safe but effective in promoting overall health and luminous skin.
- Invest in higher quality products: Quality over quantity can be a real bonus when it comes to skin care, as pricey products often contain more effective ingredients than those targeted for budget shoppers.
- Consult a professional: Skin care pros can provide expert advice about how to best incorporate products into your system. This includes asking about when and how ingredients should be used, as well as what products can be used long-term.
Redefining luxury isn’t just about finding the right products. It’s about finding your personal best and embracing the changes that come with age. Nurturing self-care and positive body image are valuable components of redefining luxury, and understanding that our beauty is equally valued and appreciated at every stage of life.
Whether you’re a fan of modern makeup looks or a proud owner of an extensive classic beauty collection, it’s clear – regardless of personal taste or style, North American classic beauty looks stand the test of time. There’s something special to be said about a classic beauty look: timeless glam rooted in a shared love of effortless beauty.
