The 2010s were a transformative decade for makeup, marked by bold experimentation, Instagram-worthy looks, and the rise of beauty influencers. As we look back, it’s clear that this era gave us some unforgettable trends that shaped the beauty industry.
One of the biggest shifts was the rise of contouring, made famous by Kim Kardashian and perfected by beauty influencers everywhere. Heavy sculpting and highlighting became the go-to way to achieve chiseled features, with bronzers and highlighters taking center stage in makeup routines.
Next came the era of brows on fleek. Thanks to stars like Cara Delevingne, thick, defined eyebrows became a major trend, with products like brow gels, pencils, and pomades flying off the shelves. Gone were the thin, over-plucked brows of the early 2000s—full, sculpted arches reigned supreme.
Matte liquid lipsticks also dominated the decade, with brands like Kylie Cosmetics leading the charge. The matte lip look, especially in shades of nude, mauve, and deep red, became a staple, replacing the glossy lips of previous eras.
The 2010s also saw the rise of glamorous, full-coverage makeup, often perfected for Instagram selfies. This included everything from dramatic false lashes and bold winged eyeliner to ultra-blended eyeshadow looks in neutral or smoky tones. Eyeshadow palettes, like Urban Decay’s Naked series, became must-haves for beauty lovers.
By the end of the decade, glowing skin took over, with dewy, “lit-from-within” complexions replacing the matte trend. Products like highlighters and illuminating primers helped achieve radiant, glassy skin, signaling a shift towards a more natural, glowy look.
From heavy contour to bold brows and matte lips, the 2010s were all about statement-making makeup. While the trends have since evolved, the influence of this decade can still be seen in today’s beauty world.
