When it comes to beauty trends, what goes around comes around. We look forward to reuniting with some, but others, not so much. Winged eyeliner? Bring it on. Mullets? Keep ’em. Here, the best (and worst) beauty trends from the last 80 years.
The Best (and Worst) Beauty Trends of Every Decade
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Published Jan 23, 2018
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1940s’ Best: Nail Art
Nail art has been a thing for almost 80 years. Started from the half-moon mani, now we're here. Who knew?
George Marks/Getty Images
1940s’ Worst: Victory Rolls
Don’t get us wrong, this style is definitely memorable. But we’re docking some points for how much time it would add to our morning routine.
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1950s’ Best: Winged Eyeliner
There’s a good reason this trend has transcended decades: It makes your eyes appear bigger, wider and slightly feline (in the best way possible).
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
1950s’ Worst: Baby Bangs
We're pretty confident this woman's hairdresser was her snip-happy five-year-old niece.
William Vanderson/Getty Images
1960s’ Best: Extreme Lashes
Twiggy started it, and everyone followed. We’ll always have a special place in our heart for high-drama lashes.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
1960s’ Worst: Beehives
Amy Winehouse tried to bring it back, but in our opinion it belongs in the ’60s for good. (Side note: That’s Dolly Parton, you guys.)
ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images
1970s’ Best: Feathered Layers
We’re talking full-on Farrah Fawcett hair. So iconic.
Giancarlo BOTTI/Getty Images
1970s’ Worst: Barbie Doll Makeup
Sometimes, it’s OK to play up both your eyes and your lips. But add in bold brows and cheeks and you look like you're working the pageant circuit.
Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
1980s’ Best: Neon Lipstick
Fortune favors the bold (bold lipstick-wearers, that is).
CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
1980s’ Worst: Mullets
The party called—it's nowhere near the back (or front) of this head, thank you very much.
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1990s’ Best: Brown Lipstick
We know, we know. We didn’t think we’d say this either. But you have to admit it’s kind of polished and works on every skin tone.
J. Vespa/Getty Images
1990s’ Worst: Overplucked Eyebrows
Are you there, brows? It's me, Tweezers.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
2000s’ Best: Glossy Lips
Why did we ever stop wearing gloss, which makes lips look naturally plumper in a way no matte lipstick ever could?
George De Sota/Getty Images
2000s’ Worst: Fake Tans
A. Tanning beds are dangerous. B. If your natural skin color is orange, you should see a doctor.
Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
2010s’ Best: Bold Eyebrows
We’re petitioning for this one to stay here for a long, long time.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
2010s’ Worst: Extreme Contouring
Unless your last name starts with Kardashian, do not attempt.
