How have makeup trends changed in 20 years?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Over the past two decades, the world of makeup has witnessed a major shift in beauty styles and philosophies, moving from the heavy, contoured makeup of the early millennium to more natural and individualized styles today. Lebanese make-up expert Hala Ajam said in an interview with the Arabic website Ufoq News that modern make-up reflects confidence and shows beauty rather than covering it.

Ajam explained that there are clear differences in style, colors, and even aesthetic philosophy, as makeup in the past tended toward the perfect, polished appearance even if it seemed unnatural, while beauty today is based on highlighting natural features and celebrating diversity and individuality. The Lebanese beauty expert pointed out that the skin was previously covered with heavy powders, while the focus today has become on natural and fresh skin using light products such as BB creams and skin tints, explaining that the eyebrows were thin and clear with a pencil, while today the thick and natural eyebrows are highlighted by using a transparent gel to enhance the hairs instead of drawing them completely.

As for eye makeup, Ajam said that eyeliner was used thickly inside the eye (waterline), while today it is used in artistic ways such as graphic drawings or thin, extended eyeliner (winged liner). She pointed out that the look was based on dark lip liner and bright lipstick, while today natural colors are considered the most popular, with lip liner combined in a simple style.

Regarding the change in beauty standards over the past two decades, Ajam explained that makeup is no longer a mask, but rather a mirror that reflects the individual’s personality, and a free choice that reflects a woman’s identity, not what she should be. The Lebanese beauty expert said that social media played a major role in accelerating the spread of trends and providing multiple sources of inspiration, unlike the past when magazines and fashion shows were the main sources, which slowed the transmission of information from one country to another.

As for the difference in the style of Arab women in makeup between yesterday and today, Ajam pointed out that makeup in the past was strong and specific, with excessive focus on the eyes, thick eyeliner, and complete coverage of the skin, as it was inspired by traditional Eastern culture and Arab stars, explaining that the style of Arab women today has become more natural and diverse, with greater interest in skin care as a basis for makeup. Regarding the extent of women’s boldness today in experimenting with new colors and styles, the Lebanese beauty expert explained that women today are undoubtedly more daring, due to cultural, social, and technological transformations, and the influence of social media, which provides spaces for experimentation and breaks stereotypes.

Also, there are a large number of brands and products available that allow you to easily try everything new, as boldness is no longer a form of rebellion, but rather a means of expressing identity and confidence. Regarding the trends that Ajam hoped would not return, she pointed to very thin eyebrows and very heavy artificial eyelashes, especially since they negatively affect facial expressions and appear unnatural.

The trend that she hopes will return is the classic red lipstick with clean skin, because of the femininity and strength that this style gives at the same time, and it is suitable for formal and simple occasions. The Lebanese beauty expert explained that modern makeup today is characterized by a combination of conscious simplicity and a focus on individuality. It is makeup that serves features and does not hide them, and focuses on healthy, glowing skin, while adopting the philosophy of “care before coverage.”

Ajam pointed out that modern makeup celebrates differences such as freckles and thick eyebrows, uses multi-functional products that suit a fast-paced lifestyle, and relies on blending techniques and freedom of style.