This Fascinating Video Explains Every Beauty Trend Ever
A history in makeup.

Have you ever wondered how the role of makeup has evolved over the centuries? Or why it is that sometimes makeup was a symbol of power and other times it was a mark of vulgarity? Do you know that 16th-century Venetians used poisonous materials on their own skin? Or why the au naturel look was so popular in Victorian England?
These are the questions that professional makeup artist and author of Face Paint: The Story of Makeup Lisa Eldridge answers in her mesmerizing video detailing the trends of some of the most prominent periods in history. It's a great reminder that makeup isn't just what we wear on our faces—it's also an indicator of a woman's sociocultural place in any given point in time. Now, who says beauty is superficial?
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
My writing has regularly appeared in The New York Times, The Paris Review, Salon, VICE, Guernica, The New York Observer, BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and many more publications. I was previously the Senior News Editor at Best Life Online and the Viral Content Editor in the Newsroom of Hearst Digital Media. My portfolio consists of a vast and diverse body of work that includes personal essays, lifestyle articles, breaking news posts, and viral content. My areas of expertise, however, are Russia, sex and relationships, and mental wellness.
-
Meet the Cast of 'The White Lotus' Season 3, From the New Guests Checking In to the Surprising, Returning Characters
HBO rounded up a handful of A-listers for the anthology's Thailand-set installment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Dips Her Fingers Into a Rising Manicure Trend
It's the perfect shade for solo V-Day plans.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Prince Charles Sent Princess Diana an Unexpectedly Touching Letter Before Their Wedding
The late royal shared the details of his intimate card and personalized gift.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Zoe Saldaña’s Red Nails and New Ombré Hair Match Her $3,495 Shoes
The actor is a master of the monochromatic look.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
Billie EIlish’s Makeup Routine Is Surprisingly Wearable and Lasts for Hours
Her makeup routine is full of drugstore staples.
By Ariel Baker Published