Bollywood Makeup and it’s Universal Influence 

Bollywood has dictated fashion and beauty trends for ages. It has showcased the sociocultural trends of an era through the makeup and style of the heroines in the movies. 

These beauty trends have evolved over the eras, and we have also seen certain trends of old times making a grand comeback in the modern era. The vibrant colors, classic styles and textures have influenced looks for all occasions. 

1950-1960 

Known as the Golden Era and characterized by the following trends: 

Key Trends 

Classic Red Lips-The bright red lipstick was and continues to be a classic, symbolizing boldness, confidence and feminity. 

Winged Eyeliner-The dramatic winged eyeliner defined eyes, the most expressive facial feature and helped the actresses of the Golden Era, emote through their eyes. 

Natural Skin-The natural skin (minimal foundation to enhance the natural glow of the skin) was to balance the dramatic eyes and bold red lips. 

Nargis, Sadhna and Meena Kumari were the fashion icons in the Golden Era, iconizing this classic look. 

 

Colorful 70’s 

The disco and pop culture emerged in the 70s,and the look was a vibrant display of colour to complement the setting. 

Key Trends 

Glitter & Glamour-It was all about glittery eyeshadows and shimmery lip glosses which blended in with the disco and pop environment. 

Dramatic Eyes-The main elements of the dramatic eye were, heavy eyeliner, false eyelashes, eyeshadows in blue and purple hues. 

Thick Brows-The colorful 70’s were also about thick , well defined eyebrows, further enhancing the dramatic eyes. 

 

 

Bold 80’s 

The bold 80’s were all about western influence in our culture, beauty and fashion, MTV culture and pop. If You have it just Flaunt it-bold and unapologetic were the key words to showcase individuality. 

Key Trends 

Bright Hues-Flamboyance was communicated through neon eyeshadows, bright blushes and lipsticks. 

Punk Influences-The Punk Rock Movement brought about provocative and seductive makeup which was extremely anti-mainstream.  

1. a) Lip colors in black, deep purple and blood red.
2. b) Thick dramatic eyeliner applied in geometric shapes

c)Edgy makeup look with spikes and studs. 

d)plenty of experimentation with unconventional styles and colors. 

 

Sleek 90’s 

The Sleek 90’s were represented in Bollywood by iconic actors Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. 

Key Trends 

Matte Foundation-The matte look was introduced in the nineties, with the foundation giving the flawless complexion with even tones. 

Soft Smokey Eyes-The eyeliner was less dramatic and the soft smokey eyes went well with the more natural makeup look. 

Natural Lips-The colors were nude and soft pink and made for an overall subtle look. 

 

Millennial Era (2000s to 2010s) 

This was the era when global trends in makeup were incorporated. The concept of HD Makeup emerged. It was meant to enhance the natural look with a makeup application technique which gave a camera-ready look in high-definition lighting conditions. It was to ensure that the makeup was not cakey or fine lines did not show. 

Key Trends 

Dewy, flawless, luminous skin with easily blendable foundation that matches the skin tone to the t. 

Concealer-The concealer was applied to hide blemishes, pigmentation, dark circles and scars, basically creating the perfect canvas of skin for foundation and other makeup to be applied. 

Contouring-Highlighting and contouring were started in the 2000s to enhance natural facial features. 

Eyebrows-Defined and well-groomed eyebrows were done with gels and pencils. 

Return of the Lip Gloss-revival of glossy lips. 

 

Contemporary Scene(2020s) 

This is the era of social media, beauty influencers, accessible makeup and inclusive colors and multitasking makeup. Makeup of one’s favorite shades can be easily purchased online, looks on beauty influencers can be easily recreated if they resonate with you. More women are joining and rejoining the workforce and becoming entrepreneurs. Hence the need for long wear makeup which stays put, hydrates, skin friendly and multitasks like them has emerged like never before. There is a significant shift towards sustainability which demands ecofriendly ingredients in makeup, eco friendly packaging, vegan ingredients and cruelty free products. Hence Bollywood influence in this era is probably minimal. 

Key Trends 

Minimal no Makeup Look-natural finishes which last all day. 

Inclusive Shades-Brands are competing to supply shades which complement complexions of all ethnicity and races and skin tones. 

Sustainable makeup-there is adequate emphasis on eco friendly products, vegan lipsticks, ecofriendly packaging to minimize waste, and makeup that is strictly not tested on animals. 

Bollywood continues to enchant with a touch of reality. 

Some of the classic Bollywood trends, which have shaped the makeup industry, will continue to thrive and flourish, whereas some will have temporary appeal and will make comebacks. But Bollywood makeup trends have always reflected the social and cultural evolutions specific to the era. They will continue to inspire and influence many and will offer a wide range of choices, whether one craves the classic chic look or one is fascinated by contemporary minimal elegance.