There’s a certain charm Old Hollywood had that folks keep trying to recreate. The glitz and glam held by vintage-era sirens were so sultry and mysterious. They certainly knew how to convey emotion with just a flutter of their lashes or an arch of their brow, and much of that was achieved by applying makeup just the right way. Actors like Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo used old-school beauty tricks to make their eyes pop, such as applying petroleum jelly on their lids for a luminous sheen. Additionally, stars Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich drew their brows with a bold arch to make them more expressive for the silver screen.
Makeup artists everywhere, myself included, have studied these trends over the decades, and it’s fun to see how they’ve popped up again. While using charcoal as eyeshadow is an Old Hollywood beauty secret that would never fly today, glossy lids and thin brows, among other trends, have made a comeback. Here are all the makeup fads of yore you’ll want to recreate today.
High-shine lids are replacing the minimalist aesthetic
The clean girl makeup look was trending for some time, but if the 2026 runways are any indication, maximalism is in now. That means glossy eyes are all the rage, and if you want a creaseless look, it’s all about the application. You’ll need a good eye primer on your lids first, followed by shadow. Next, dab on some gloss with a flat brush, being careful to blend it well into your crease. If you’re not into sticky lids, metallic liquid shadows will give you that high-shine effect but with a dry finish.
Smoky eyes are modernized in 2026
1930s stars Marlene Dietrich and Jean Harlow loved defining their eyes with dark shadow, but the heavily contoured version they rocked has softened these days. The current trend is a lived-in smoky eye that makes messy glamorous, and it’s so easy to do. Instead of over-contouring the lids, sweep the color all over the lids, including the bottom ones. Gently smudge the edges for a blurred, unfinished look — the messier, the better. And don’t just stick with neutrals, either. Have fun with jewel tones, metallics, and any color under the sun.
Folks have embraced the natural brows of the ’40s
The 1920s and ’30s were all about pencil-thin eyebrows drawn in a downward slant, and while the slim silhouette had a resurgence a few years ago, thanks to celebs like Bella Hadid, we’re now shifting towards the more natural shapes of the ’40s. These days, brows are barely filled in and brushed just enough to keep them in place. Don’t worry too much about symmetry, either. You don’t want them to look overly laminated or microbladed, as those trends have come and gone.
Satin-finish skin of the 1950s is what everybody’s wearing now
The 1950s aesthetic was perfectly polished, with many divas sporting a full face of makeup, even while running errands. One of the ways to achieve the look of the time was a matte foundation, which gave folks that airbrushed effect. The trend has made its way around again, and instead of the shiny glass skin we saw everywhere around 2024, makeup mavens are gravitating more toward a satin finish. Just be sure not to use too much product, however, as you still want to see your skin’s texture for a modern take on the ’50s look.
Graphic eyeliner is groovier than ever
Those who love mod makeup are in for a treat, as graphic eyeliner is back in a big way. The ’60s trend of cut creases, bold strokes, and avant-garde shapes is seen everywhere, including on high-fashion runways. There are no rules when it comes to creating this look. Play around with different outlines and colors other than black. Exaggerate your lower lashes or create a reverse cat-eye. This is one trend that calls for self-expression, so have fun with it.
Frosted lipstick is experiencing a disco revival
From flared jeans to frosted lipsticks, ’70s trends are having a moment. The two naturally go hand in hand, so if you’re getting ready, grab an iridescent lippie to complete your look. Decades ago, many used pale colors, but that might wash you out, depending on your skin color. I would go for deeper tones such as bronze or a warm rose with a slightly darker liner to give your pout some depth. For even more dimension, layer a lighter frosted shade just on the middle part of your lips.
Get rad with 1980s neon
The ’80s remain one of my favorite decades, especially as a makeup artist. There’s nothing more fun than seeing retro images of faces sporting neon makeup, and they were seen on models walking the runway this year, which means it’s en vogue yet again. However, instead of the all-over wash of eyeshadow folks did in the ’80s, keep things fresh by adding a pop of color as accents. Try a neon shade on the inner corners of your eyes or as a highlighter on your browbone. Or, a bright liner is an awesome alternative to the traditional brown or black shade.
