11 Beauty Looks From the Decades to Try This Valentine’s Day

It’s safe to say a lot has changed over the course of beauty history. While there were several beauty fads (think: high side ponytails of the ’80s and over-plucked brows a la the ’90s), there have also been countless trends that still reign supreme in the 21st century (hello, red lips and winged liner!). 

And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now couldn’t be a better time to try out many of the romantic beauty looks inspired by the last 10 decades. From voluminous lashes to glittery eyes, here are 11 different beauty trends that will inspire you to get all dolled up for February 14 — no matter how you’re celebrating. 

The 1920s: Finger Waves Hairstyle

Ask any historian, flapper girls were synonymous with the roaring ’20s. Flappers were defined by their energetic personalities, their fashion, and of course, their beauty. One of the most recognizable trends of this era was the finger waves they donned. To recreate these iconic S-shaped waves yourself on V-Day, grab a mousse or shaping gel — such as the L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel — and head on over to learn How to Get a 1920s Hairstyle. 

Pair your sleek ‘do with dark smokey eyes — using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow singlets in black and gray shades  — and a heart-shaped cupid’s bow in red. Both are also trends of the time and look just as romantic and stylish a century later. 

The 1930s: Half-Moon Manicures

Let your nails be the star of your beauty look on February 14. During the ’20s and ’30s, half-moon manicures were the nail design du jour. It involves leaving the rounded base of the nail bare and applying nail polish to the rest of the nail. 

The 1940s: Classic Red Lips

While red lips had been around since the start of the century, they really had their time to shine during the ’40s. And if you ask us, nothing screams Valentine’s Day more than timeless red lips. This rich hue is the key to a sultry and sexy-looking pout that’s also classy and elegant. 

So, if you plan to pucker up in red on V-Day, make sure you reach for the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Red of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color. The ultra-creamy, satin lippie comes in six statement-making shades that saturate lips in luxurious color and leave them feeling super soft. If a matte finish is more your jam, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick. This matte lipstick intensely hydrates lips and is super comfy to wear.

Editor’s tip: For even more vibrant and long-lasting results, pair your lipstick with a lip liner, like the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Anti-Feathering Lip Liner - Smooth Application, in a similar shade.

The 1950s: Winged Eyeliner

The middle of the century saw a rise of the winged eyeliner trend, a look that still continues to be a go-to option for many. These days, there are many variations of the beloved style — from doubled-winged eyeliner to reverse cat eyes — that still look just as stunning on all eye shapes. 

To nail the trend, you’ll need a really good eyeliner with a precise tip, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner. Featuring an ultra-fine felt tip, this liquid eyeliner makes it easy to draw a flawless line on your lids that lasts for hours on end. Best part of all? You’ll never need to worry about accidentally smudging your look as its formula is extremely budge-proof.

The 1960s: Dramatic Lashes

Half-up bouffants, flipped-out ponytails, colorful eyeshadow and pale lips were some of the trendiest beauty looks of the ’60s — but we’d argue that big, full lashes were the biggest trend of all. This Valentine’s Day, bat your eyes in the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara. Its nourishing formula is a must for creating that sought-after flirty fringe we all know and love. Just one shimmy of the brush takes your lashes to new heights and delivers a fanned-out look that never clumps, flakes or smudges. 

The 1970s: Colorful Eyeshadow 

Sure, the disco decade was all about shags and face-framing haircuts, but it was also a defining moment for makeup looks. In the ’70s, people were getting more creative with their glam and incorporating pastel and jewel-toned colors onto their eyelids. 

If you want to add a bit of groovy flair to your Valentine’s Day look, your best bet is the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow as it has everything you need to really make your eyes pop. Whether you choose to go for a vibrant aqua or a vivid purple look is up to you — either way, all colorful shades are guaranteed to make you stand out in a crowd.

The 1980s: Bold Blue Eye Makeup

Makeup got even bolder during the ’80s, with color being more popular than ever before. That meant folks started dressing their eyes in striking colors (think: neon) and layering pink blush on their cheeks. If you want to hop on the ’80s beauty trends bandwagon, opt for a vivid blue hue for your eye makeup. While blue was once considered a controversial color to rock, it has since made a comeback on runways and red carpets.

The 1990s: Glittery Eyes

By now, it’s no secret we love ’90s beauty trends. Everything about the makeup looks from the decade were iconic — from the pastel eyeshadows to the frosted lips to the voluminous blowouts. 

One trend, in particular, that we’ll never get bored of is glittery eyes. Whether it’s a subtle shimmer for the day or a mesmerizing metallic for the evening, sparkly eyes have stood the test of time. That’s why it continues to be a fan-favorite for many beauty aficionados.

For Valentine’s Day, go for glitter with L'Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup. No matter what shade you choose, you’re bound to stand out and shine bright. Just be sure to prep your eyes with an eyeshadow primer (or concealer in a pinch) to avoid fallout and make your color last.

The 2000s: Glossy Lips

Like the ’90s, the Y2K beauty aesthetic has come full circle in the last few years. We are so excited to welcome back glossy lips — but sans the sticky mess! Meet the L'Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract: it’s lip balm married to a lip gloss that delivers a sheer pop of natural color with a glossy, dewy finish. Unlike our favorite middle school lip glosses, this product will never attract your flyaway hairs nor will it dry out your pout.

Editor’s tip:Overlined brown lips were also major in the early aughts. Pucker up in a L'Oréal Paris Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick shade with a L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in a darker shade. Then, top it off with a coat of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump in Mirror. 

The 2010s: Natural Brows

Thankfully, during the 2010s, over-plucked eyebrows were a thing of the past. Instead, the new decade was all about embracing your natural brows, which is something we continue to follow today. The L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil or the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Shape & Fill Mechanical Pencil are two great options for achieving brows that wow.

Editor’s tip: Comb the L'Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longer Waterproof Brow Gel through your hairs for an extra fluffy, thicker look.

The 2020s: Glowy Skin

If you’re looking to keep things on the simple side, then no need to transport your Valentine’s Day look to another decade. In the last few years, “skinimalism” has dominated the makeup space. This beauty trend is all about putting a focus on your skin care routine and minimal makeup to achieve a dewy complexion. And if you ask us, glowing skin is absolutely timeless. 

After cleansing and moisturizing your face, get your glow on with the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. You can use the illuminating formula on its own to achieve that coveted glow-from-within look or over foundation as a highlighter to accentuate the high points of your face.

Next: 12 Valentine's Day Nail Ideas That'll Give You Heart Eyes

Written by: Sophie Dweck, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Model: Alexandra Van Zant