The 2020s have been a rollercoaster for beauty. From TikTok-driven obsessions to full-circle nostalgia moments, trends came fast, loud, and occasionally laminated.
Whether you embraced the look or just admired from afar, these trends left a mark. Love them or leave them, here are 13 beauty moments that totally defined the decade (so far).
13. Soap Brows
Brushed-up, fluffy brows became the ultimate “cool girl” aesthetic, replacing the over-sculpted look of years past. Whether you used actual soap or a fancy brow wax, the vibe was effortless perfection.
12. Glazed Donut Skin
Credit Hailey Bieber or just our collective skincare obsession, but everyone wanted to look dewy, hydrated, and borderline edible. It was all about serums, oils, and that fresh-out-of-a-facial glow.
11. Lip Filler Chic
Pouty lips became a main character, with plumpness becoming the norm rather than the exception. Whether natural or enhanced, a juicy lip ruled the decade.
10. Fox Eyes
The snatched, lifted eye look took over thanks to influencers, makeup artists, and even a few clever surgeries. Winged liner was just the beginning—people were contouring their temples for it.
9. Skinimalism
Heavy foundation and contour kits took a backseat to breathable, barely-there beauty. Skin was allowed to look like skin again, and honestly, it was refreshing.
8. Cold Girl Makeup
Blushy noses, glossy eyes, and frosty pink everything had everyone pretending they’d just walked in from a snowstorm. It was whimsical, weirdly flattering, and peak internet-core.
7. TikTok Hair Hacks
From heatless curls to viral claw clip tutorials, TikTok became the new beauty school. Some worked like magic, others…not so much, but we tried them all anyway.
6. Euphoria-Inspired Makeup
Gemstones, graphic liner, and neon pastels broke all the old beauty rules. Thanks to one HBO show, makeup became art again—and suddenly, subtle was out.
5. Clean Girl Aesthetic
Slicked-back buns, gold hoops, and minimal makeup made “looking expensive” the whole goal. It was less about effort and more about pretending you woke up like this (with a $40 lip balm).
4. Nail Art Mania
From aura nails to 3D charms, nails became tiny canvases of expression. If your manicure didn’t have a theme, were you even trying?
3. Faux Freckles
Dotting on freckles became a go-to trick to add youth, charm, or just a little personality. Whether via pen, henna, or filter, fake spots were hot.
Read More: 10 Expensive Beauty Products That Have Cheaper Dupes
2. Overlined Lips
The ‘90s came roaring back with brown lip liner and a glossed center that screamed throwback. Everyone suddenly wanted lips like they belonged in a Destiny’s Child music video.
Read More: The 15 Most Dangerous Beauty Trends in History
1. Laminated Brows
If one trend reigned above the rest, it was laminated brows—bold, structured, and not going anywhere. They were a little wild, very memorable, and defined the face of the decade.
Read More: Over 40? Check These Amazing TikTok Beauty Hacks
