Presentation for Pop Culture Project

1. Beauty Trends
In relation to Pop Culture
By: Ariana Milelli

2. Introduction to Beauty Trends
Beauty trends stretch way back within history. You may be thinking of the current
celebrities trends or looks. With social media presence it sure has increased trends
but ever think about what it looked like over 5,000 years ago?
For the ancient Egyptians, beauty served as a representation of wealth.
Makeup was also mentioned within the Bible in connection to
wickedness. Throughout history we see a pattern of embracing
cosmetics and then rejecting it. Through this presentation, I will mainly
be focusing on the cosmetic side, but to be noted the beauty trends
aren't always makeup based.

3. The First Creators
From ancient Egypt, the two representatives we can call “creators” of beauty are
Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Makeup for them was not just to enhance their beauty, it
was seen as practical uses, ritual functions, or symbolic meanings. Egyptians had
servants that would bring in the many ingredients and tools necessary to create
and apply her makeup.
From their containers to names, everything had a
deeper meaning. Such as the Egyptian word for
"makeup palette" derives from their word
meaning "to protect," a reference to its defensive
abilities against the harsh sunlight or the "evil
eye."

4. Creators into the 1900’s
Fast forward to the 1900’s, women preferred a
more ‘pale look’ in early 1900’s. Women of high
class would be seen as pale since they got to
spend their day in the shade. To be seen as
actually ‘wearing’ makeup was only for the women
on stage, or the street! More innovation occurred
throughout the 1900’s such as salons opening, the
Hollywood influence, and brands such as
Maybelline being founded.

5. Historical Inventions
Lipstick was invented in 1915 by Maurice Levy. Just as how
it's presented today…it was first seen as a clever push up stick
of lip color inside a metal bullet-like cartridge tube.
Blush has been highly symbolic and draws great
connection to pop culture. Cheek color has been
associated with youth, which is a pillar of beauty and a
standard in society today. Blush was invented by the
Egyptians and has stuck with us through many years.

6. Short Film with a glimpse of beauty throughout the years

7. Genre examples (in recent years)
What I think has been the most successful pop culture influence on beauty was
the hit television series Euphoria which aired in 2019. This show has a huge
influence on beauty trends. Each character has its own aesthetic bold look.
Examples include dazzling, rhinestone-studded and brushed with unusual colour
combinations.

8. More On Trends
2015 witnessed
CONTOURING,
due to Kim
Kardashian being
the trend starter.
2017 witnessed LIP
LINING, expect it
might of been a little
too much. This is all
thanks to Kylie Jenner
and her launch of Lip
Kits.
2019 witnessed
COLOR EYELINER,
which was seen and
started trending from
the red carpet looks of
celebrities.

9. Social Empathize
Social Media plays a huge role into beauty trends into pop culture. The
engagement customers have is unlimited when it comes to viewing and
purchasing. The newest trend can be spread in a matter of minutes. This pattern
we see in society is from the people, so called “influencers”, have the power to
post about a trend then have it be spread. This creates a waterfall affect and the
next thing you know there are High Schoolers already on the trend.

10. Political Emphasize
Makeup and beauty trends ties into social and justice movements within
society. An example is red lipstick being used to show empowerment. During World
War 2, red lipstick was considered a symbol of patriotism and commitment to the
troops.
During 2017 fondation got a big change when more shades were being made to
accomdentate different skin colors. Fenty Beauty changed the game by coming out
of the gate offering 40 different shades of foundation.
Also during recent years, blue eyeshadow has been used to symbolize the
LGBTQ+ community. Specifically wearing blue eyeshadow to support the queer
community.

11. Economic & Spiritual Emphasize
Today the global beauty industry is a $532 billion business. The U.S. currently is
the world’s largest beauty market. This signifies how much power there is within
the industry. With that being said, it also is corrupt. COVID-19 brought the change
of most of the sales going to online.
Spiritual trends is a very broad term. We are seeing the most of this term be used
for marketing reasons. It’s hard to say within modern days what the spiritual
connections are.

12. So what’s next??
Beauty trends are constantly evolving and changing. Beauty brands should also
expect shoppers to challenge transparency, honesty and accountability in 2023.
Since recovering from the Pandemic we’re dealing with the extortionate cost of
living and energy crisis, environmental collapse, and political turmoil. I think we are
headed in a direction focused on pricing and sustainability.
And of course, the nostalgic trends will continue to dominate. Such as
counterculture rooted in ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s youth genres like goth, grunge and
pop-punk.

13. Glimpse into the future
Digital technology is transforming the beauty industry, from the varied experiences
involved to the physical products. Customers will experience interactions with AI
technology to have a more personalized experience. The Biotech movement is
hoping to make the industry more sustainable. Also more organic and all natural
ingredients will be used.

14. Two Q’s
What factors need to be changed so the Beauty Industry can be more
sustainable?
How does social media affect the way beauty trends are spread?

15. Works Cited
Bakkila, Blake. “13 ’80s Makeup Looks You Completely Forgot You Were Obsessed With.” Good Housekeeping, 6 Feb. 2023,
www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/g28008781/best-80s-makeup-looks/.
“Here’s How the Beauty Industry Will Evolve in 2023.” Harper’s BAZAAR, 12 Apr. 2023,
www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/beauty-shows-trends/a42280107/2023-beauty-trends/.
“The History of 1900’s Makeup - 1900 to 1919.” Glamour Daze, 14 May 2020, glamourdaze.com/history-of-makeup/1900-1919.
Howarth, Josh. “6 Beauty Industry Trends (2023 & 2024).” Exploding Topics, 10 Apr. 2023,
explodingtopics.com/blog/beauty-trends.
Pauly, Alexandra. “A Brief History of Blush: Why Rosy Cheeks Are Trending.” Hypebae, 4 June 2021,
hypebae.com/2021/6/history-of-blush-makeup-return-sales-trend-increase-coronavirus-covid-19-pat-mcgrath-labs.
Smith, Audrey. “Beyond Beautiful: The Politics behind Your Makeup.” WUNC,
www.wunc.org/show/embodied-radio-show/2022-12-30/makeup-power-politics-activism-drag-diversity. Accessed 9 May 2023.
Wolkoff, Julia. “How Ancient Egyptian Cosmetics Influenced Our Beauty Rituals.” CNN, 3 Mar. 2020,
www.cnn.com/style/article/ancient-egypt-beauty-ritual-artsy/index.html.