12 Retro Beauty Trends That Would Be Roasted Today
Beauty trends of the past often pushed boundaries in bold and sometimes questionable ways. What was once seen as stylish or glamorous might raise eyebrows or laughs in today’s world. Looking back at these throwback looks reminds us just how much beauty standards change over time.
- Tricia Quitales
- 3 min read
Fashion and beauty are always evolving, and what was once considered flawless might now be seen as a misstep. Many retro beauty trends that dominated magazines and red carpets would likely face criticism today for being excessive, strange, or simply outdated. From pencil-thin brows to frosty lipstick, these looks made a big impact in their time but wouldn’t fly in the current beauty scene. Here are 12 vintage beauty choices that would probably be roasted if they made a comeback today.
1. Pencil-Thin Eyebrows
Angela Roma on Pexels
In the early 2000s and even earlier, barely-there brows were all the rage. People plucked their eyebrows into skinny lines that barely framed the face. Today, that overplucked look would be met with confused stares and endless memes.
2. Frosted Lipstick
Inna Mykytas on Pexels
Silvery, icy lip shades once screamed glam in the ’90s and early 2000s. The finish looked more metallic than natural, often clashing with most skin tones. Now, it’s often mocked for making lips look cold and washed out.
3. Crimped Hair
Min An on Pexels
Crimping irons transformed hair into zigzag waves, which were seen as trendy and fun. While it was a big hit in the ’80s and ’90s, it now feels more costume than cool. Today, people would likely call it a frizzy mess.
4. Overdrawn Lip Liner with Nude Lips
Lazarus Ziridis on Pexels
Lining the lips in a dark shade while filling them with a pale nude was once seen as edgy. The contrast created a sharp, outlined look that didn’t blend at all. It’s now seen as more cartoonish than chic.
5. Permed Bangs
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Bangs with a heavy perm gave off a puffed, helmet-like look that was common in the ’80s. It took hours and loads of hairspray to keep them standing tall. Today, it would be mocked for its stiff and extreme appearance.
6. Glitter Everywhere
Tatiane Herder on Pexels
From eyelids to lips to cheeks, glitter was packed onto faces with wild enthusiasm. It was often more sparkle than skin, and hard to wash off. Now, people prefer subtle shimmer and cleaner application.
7. Blue Eyeshadow to the Brows
SHVETS production on Pexels
Swiping bright blue eyeshadow across the entire eyelid and beyond was once a daring look. It was bold, loud, and unapologetically dramatic. Today’s makeup fans might laugh at how heavy-handed it looks.
8. Heavy Mousse Volume
pedro furtado on Pexels
Hair mousse was used in generous amounts to create big, sculpted styles. The result was crunchy, stiff hair that didn’t move an inch. That overdone volume would feel ridiculous by modern soft-wave standards.
9. Matte Foundation with No Highlight
PNW Production on Pexels
Full matte makeup with zero shine ruled the ’90s and early 2000s. The skin was powdered into flatness, with no glow or depth. These days, people would call it dull and lifeless compared to today’s dewy looks.
10. Matching Lipstick and Nail Polish
Laurissa Booyse on Pexels
Wearing the exact same color on your lips and nails was once seen as polished and proper. It often came off as too matchy-matchy and lacked creativity. Today, variety and personal expression are more in style.
11. Spiky Hair Gels and Wet-Look Styles
Michelangelo Buonarroti on Pexels
Wet-look hair, frozen in place with thick gel, was a big trend in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The spikes and glossy texture made heads look soaked and stiff. Now, it would be seen as a high school throwback at best.
12. Overly Bronzed Skin
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Tanning lotions and bronzers were applied in heavy layers to achieve that “just back from vacation” look. Unfortunately, it often resulted in orange-toned skin and uneven patches. Today’s beauty lovers prefer a more natural and sun-safe glow.