“North American Beauty Trends Over the Decades”

From the subtle hues of the 1920s to the daring makeup statements of the modern day, North American beauty trends have captivated many over the decades. While different time periods have highlighted unique looks and trends, some of them have stayed the same. From plump, glossy lips to fluttery eyelashes, this article will explore the beauty trends that have come and gone throughout the twentieth century and beyond.

1. Decades of Beauty Transformation: North American Highlights

The beauty industry in North America has gone through breathtaking evolutions in the past few decades. From the anti-aging revolution of the ’90s to the recent focus on clean beauty, people have begun to become more aware of their beauty choices and how they can influence beauty trends.

The ’90s: Start of the Anti-Aging Revolution
The dawn of the ‘90s (1990-1999) marked the start of the anti-aging revolution. People began understanding the importance of sunscreen, hydrating toners and serums, and improving their skin’s texture with facial exfoliating masks. Cosmetic professionals also came up with anti-aging treatments such as Botox, chemical peels, and hair extensions, all of which became immensely popular.

The 2000s: Rise of Athletic and Natural Beauty
The new millennium was followed by the age of athletic and natural beauty. People began to embrace their curves and moved away from the traditional beauty standards. Organic and natural brands started to emerge, offering cruelty-free and sustainable products that are still in use today. New haircare products and tools were introduced, such as flatirons, curling wands, and styling products. Another noteworthy trend of the 2000s was the growing popularity of nail art.

2010 and Beyond: Focus on Clean Beauty
In the past few years, clean beauty emerged as the go-to trend as people started to become more conscious of what they put on their skin. Beauty products now include natural ingredients and are free of parabens, phthalates, and other potentially hazardous chemicals. Personalized skincare routines have become a norm, emphasizing the use of gentle and organic ingredients. Sustainable beauty is also being adopted with reusable and refillable packaging emerging as a common practice among eco-conscious beauty enthusiasts.

Where We Are Now: Use of Technology in Beauty Care
North America is leading the way in terms of using technology in beauty care. Virtual skincare guides are being developed to educate people about their skincare needs. Devices like Foreo Luna provide a unique massage experience to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Computer vision technology has also been used to measure facial features and provide personalized skincare advice.

• The ’90s marked the start of the anti-aging revolution.
• The 2000s saw the rise of athletic and natural beauty.
• Clean beauty was the go-to trend of the recent years.
• Technology is now being used in beauty care.

2. Tradition and Beauty: A Story of Shifting Beauty Practices Across North America

Throughout North America, beauty practices have evolved over the centuries. Jaw-dropping traditional techniques pushed to the forefront in times of celebration and difficulty, while new takes on classic procedures arise in reaction to innovation and societal change.

Take the impact of colonization on Native beauty practices. Though indigenous traditions remain alive and practiced with passion, early contact with Europeans altered the way in which the continent’s first peoples decorated themselves to celebrate life. Instead of applying pigments to their faces and clothes to signal specific celebrations, many Indigenous North Americans chose to use the beads, beading, and fabrics gifted by European traders.

For African-Americans, the context and results of beauty procedures are even more unique. Following the move of many to urban areas, cultures mixed, and local salons emerged which provided enhanced services for the community. New ways of coiffing hair, braiding, and style-shifting flourished – like Harlem’s buzz cuts, braids, or relaxed tendrils. From coast to coast, different regions brought about diverse interpretations and takes on the classic styles, remixing the traditional and the modern.

• In Louisiana, blinged-out headwraps and intricately plaited braids and cornrows are the go-to for special occasions.
• On the West Coast, gentle waves and free-flowing curls in varying lengths are go-tos.
• In Chicago, sweat-proof, sleek styles remain popular.

The common thread among these stories of beauty practices is one of resilience and resourcefulness. No matter where these practices emerge, they tell tales of individuals using their ingenuity to create something unique with what is available to them.

Be it a grandparent teaching grandchildren how to use a claw pick or set their curls and soft waves, or a young artist embracing the freedom to explore their style, these stories of transformation and celebration provide a glimpse into a resilient North American spirit.

3. Timeless Looks: How North American Beauty Trends Have Evolved Over Time

North America has been home to a wide variety of beauty trends over the centuries. While some of these looks have come and gone with the fashions of the day, others have remained steadfast and timeless. Here are three of the iconic looks that have left their mark on North American beauty throughout the years.

The Flapper

• The “flapper” look emerged in the 1920s and was characterized by a shorter, more modern hairstyle and the heavy use of cosmetics.
• This look was heavily inspired by film stars of the time, and manifested in the characteristic glamourous makeup styles and striking clothing.
• The classic red lips, black eyeliner, and bobbed hair of the flapper look are still enduringly popular today.

The New Look

• During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the “New Look” was the fashion of the day.
• This look was characterized by more feminine shapes, such as the hourglass figure and intricate hairstyles.
• The makeup of the time kept in tune with this style and featured dark eyes and bold rouged lips.

The Hippie

• The 1960s and 70s saw the emergence of the iconic “hippie” style in North America.
• The hippie look was characterized by a more natural and effortless aesthetic, with long and messy hair and minimal makeup.
• It was also a statement, representing a culture of nonconformity to the social norms of the day.

From the red lips of the flappers, to the bold makeup of the New Look, and the makeup-free trend of the hippies, North America has been witness to a wide variety of beauty trends over the years. These looks have made a lasting impression on North American fashion and beauty and continue to be seen today.

4. Crafting the Perfect Look: A Look at How North Americans Have Influenced Global Beauty Trends

Beauty trends have long been influenced by Western countries, particularly North America. The golden standard of beauty, often featuring striking features and defined facial contours, have been passed down from generation to generation for many years. Over the last few decades, globalization has enabled North American beauty trends to spread across the world, becoming more and more accessible due to increased digital connectivity, and ultimately transforming global beauty standards.

Makeup has been one of the biggest exports from North America when it comes to beauty. Influencers, makeup brands, and celebrities have helped to fuel a trend of extreme makeup looks with complex techniques such as cut creases, ombré lips, and many more. These looks, accompanied by the vast array of products, enable people everywhere to recreate these looks, adding their own spin in the process.

Hair trends have also been heavily influenced by North America. In the past, perms, box braids, and weaves have been popularized by celebrities, and are now utilized by people all over the world. From Buffy to box braids, North Americans have proven to be pioneers in developing new hairstyles.

Finally, skincare has been heavily impacted by North Americans. In many Western countries, the use of toners, serums, and moisturizers is commonplace, with people opting for naturally derived ingredients as opposed to harsh chemicals. All over the world, people are now becoming more conscious about taking good care of their skin, which is largely inspired by North American practices.

Between makeup, hair, and skincare, North Americans have had an immense impact on global beauty trends. With the rise of digital connectivity, what was once distant is now within reach, allowing North Americans to influence beauty standards around the world.

The beauty trends of the North American region have evolved over the decades, from the flapper style of the 1920s, to the minimalism of the 2010s. Although the products and techniques may have changed, the passion of North American women for beauty and expression remains a timeless tradition.