The trends in women’s fashion and makeup are always in constant motion.
Fashion, makeup, and music trends evolve annually, influenced by cultural shifts and social developments. Thus, beauty icons from different eras can vary dramatically when looked back upon. The images below may surprise you regarding the standards of beauty.
Late 19th Century: Zahra Khanom Tadj es-Saltaneh
Zahra Khanom Tadj es-Saltaneh, an Iranian princess of the Qajar dynasty, was once regarded as a beauty icon. Her strong features and dignified posture made her a sought-after “muse” in photographs and paintings at the end of the 19th century. Her beauty was celebrated not only in Iran but also in Europe, where she was known as the “Venus of Persia.”
1900s: Ethel Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore, an actress born in 1879, was a famous beauty of her time and the first woman to be dubbed “the alluring girl.”
1910s: Camille Clifford
At the beginning of the previous century, the hourglass figure was the ideal of female beauty. Actress Camille Clifford, with her tiny waist of 46 cm, became the standard of beauty for women. Her images and photographs were widely used in fashion magazines, and women tried to emulate Clifford by wearing uncomfortable corsets to achieve such unrealistic waistlines.
1920s: Josephine Baker
In the 1920s, fashion for curves began to wane. Women moved towards a more liberated style: they started cutting their hair short, wearing bright makeup, and choosing unusual outfits. The ideal figure of this time was dancer, actress, and singer Josephine Baker. Writer Ernest Hemingway described her as “the most exciting woman anyone ever met.” Picasso also painted her.
1930s: Greta Garbo
Following the wild freedom of the 1920s, the next decade was marked by a softer, more feminine style. The ideal beauty of that time was Greta Garbo, known for her high arched brows, flawless porcelain skin, and languid gaze, which still captivates many today.
1940s: Rita Hayworth
During this decade, the image of a woman in a suit, with skirts or pants, became popular. Skirt lengths also became shorter, often just below the knee. By the late 1940s, Dior launched the New Look collection featuring voluminous skirts and fitted jackets, while model eyebrows became wider and appeared more natural. Rita Hayworth, a beauty icon of the time, was dubbed “the Goddess of Love” by the press, sporting brows that fit this trend.
1950s: Audrey Hepburn
In the 1950s, the curvy hourglass figure regained popularity. The first breast augmentation surgeries became popular. According to a survey conducted on 2,000 Americans, Audrey Hepburn was chosen as the ultimate beauty icon, ranking first, followed by Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly.
1960s: Sophia Loren
In the 1960s, the super-slim figure became the trend. This decade also saw the emergence of the sultry and unmatchable Sophia Loren as a beauty icon.
1970s: Diana Ross
The 1970s were the era of disco, characterized by flared pants, voluminous hair, thin brows, glossy lips, and long lashes—all embodying the spirit of independence and confidence. Singer and actress Diana Ross was one of the most prominent representatives of this decade, along with Cher, Debbie Harry, and Jane Birkin.
1980s: Madonna
In the 1980s, athleticism became a new trend. The admiration for a balanced, curvy figure became popular. The diva Madonna, with her bold beauty, epitomized the standard of that time.
1990s: Winona Ryder
The 1990s marked a transition from a muscular body type to slimmer appearances. Neutral styles, grunge, and pale skin quickly gained popularity. Winona Ryder’s look became the embodiment of this aesthetic.
2000s: Angelina Jolie
At the beginning of the new century, the slender figure was gradually overshadowed. An athletic appearance returned to fashion. People began to flaunt toned abs while wearing low-rise jeans, including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez. However, the beauty icon of the time was Angelina Jolie.
2010s — Present: Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, and Megan Fox
In the 2010s, we witnessed a revival of the 1910s: hourglass figures and curves became popular again. Photo filters and cosmetic surgery became widespread. Kim Kardashian became the face of this new era, known for her form-fitting dresses and bodysuits, selfies with plump lips, and bold makeup.
Kim Kardashian.
The current decade also favors the trend of natural looks and freedom of choice. There are no clear requirements regarding body types to be attractive, or makeup styles to appear fashionable and beautiful. This is a unique time when all sizes and shapes are in vogue. Rihanna perfectly embodies this trend, effortlessly rocking cool street style while boldly showcasing fashion on the red carpet. Similarly, Anne Hathaway, with her classic features and elegant style, is also regarded as a beauty icon.
Singer Rihanna
Actress Anne Hathaway
