Top 30 beauty trends of all time revealed – from Marilyn Monroe’s red lipstick to Amy Winehouse’s cat-eye flick

NOW that lockdown restrictions are easing slightly, we’re slowly but surely starting to dip back into our make-up bags again.

Well if you’ve basically forgotten how to apply beauty products over the past year (guilty as charged), then this new survey is bound to give you some much needed inspiration.

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Red lipstick – like Marilyn Monroe often wore – has been named the UK’s favourite beauty trend[/caption]

Determined to lift the lid on the nation’s beauty habits, centre:mk asked 2,000 Brits what their favourite beauty are, which products they can’t live without and where they turn to for inspiration.

Unsurprisingly, red lipstick -made famous by Marilyn Monroe – took the top spot ahead of Kate Moss’ signature smokey eye.

Meanwhile, Amy Winehouse’s iconic winged eyeliner flick came in fifth place and full brows like Cara Delevigne was the eighth most popular trend.

Matte lipstick, contouring and shiny lip gloss also featured in the top 30 trends of all time.

Getty Images - Getty

Winged eyelike like Amy Winehouse’s took fifth spot[/caption]

Kim Priest, a spokesperson for centre:mk, which commissioned the study, said: “Consumer trends, pop culture and social media now have had a huge impact on the beauty products that fly off the shelves.

“Our make-up reflects both our personality and our mood and we all like to experiment to reinvent our own individual look as well as work out what works best for us.

“The last year has only intensified people’s relationship with beauty – people have had more time to experiment thanks to online tutorials and have more confidence in trying new products and techniques as a result.”

The study also found that make-up wearers have tried an average of eight beauty trends in their lifetime, including red lipstick (48 per cent), winged eyeliner (36 per cent) and smokey eyes (33 per cent).  

And the items Brits couldn’t imagine living without were found to include mascara (45 per cent), foundation (29 per cent) and lip balm (28 per cent).

Friends (36 per cent), magazines (29 per cent) and celebrities (26 per cent) were revealed to be the top influences when trying out new styles.

But TV shows and films including Grease (21 per cent), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (20 per cent) and Dirty Dancing (14 per cent) have also inspired trends.

The music world has also generated many influential make-up looks including Amy Winehouse (25 per cent), David Bowie (22 per cent), Lady Gaga (21 per cent), Madonna (26 per cent) and even the Spice Girls (20 per cent).

Getty

A smokey eye took second place[/caption]

Boy George’s bold make-up (13 per cent) and Grace Jones’ angle-sculpting look (5 per cent) were also voted as iconic styles throughout pop culture.

Showing how trends have changed over time, respondents described the 1920s to 1950s beauty as ‘classic’, the 60’s to 80’s as ‘colourful’ and the current decade is viewed as ‘natural’.

It also emerged that more than a quarter of those polled via OnePoll believe make-up is an important reflection of the wearer’s personality.

And while 16 per cent agreed people should be more encouraged to experiment with playful styles, 21 per cent admitted they wish they were braver when it comes to trying new trends.

Beauty really is timeless – an iconic look can work for anyone, it’s just about making it your own and being creative

Hannah MartinMake-up Artist

In the past year, 46 per cent have embraced a more natural look while 44 per cent said the amount of online tutorials they follow has increased.

More than a tenth have also bought more skincare products than usual in the last 12 months, with the average adult typically spending £223.20 a year.

Hannah Martin, acclaimed make-up artist, said: “It’s great to see that people have tried out so many varied iconic beauty looks such as Amy Winehouse’s winged eyeliner, Kate Moss’ smokey eyes and Grace Jones’ angle-sculpting makeup.

“The research shows that although the average age of trying out these kinds of new looks is 15, most don’t find the look that works for them best until they are at least 23.

“It doesn’t stop there either – just as we do with fashion and style, many of us will continue to adapt and experiment with our beauty looks as we go through life, which is hugely important.

“I love how makeup can be fun and playful, not just for function so I am all for a bit of experimentation.

“Beauty really is timeless – an iconic look can work for anyone, it’s just about making it your own and being creative.”

Kim Priest added: “It’s great to see that beauty has won its own place on the high street with new concept stores such as Harrods’ H Beauty set to open here at centre:mk in the next few weeks, a trend we believe will continue in the coming months.”

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