Older Adults, What Were The "Weirdest" Beauty Trends And Routines From The Past That Would Be So Confusing Today?

BuzzFeed
·1-min read

Beauty trends change all the time. And if you come from an older generation, perhaps you've taken part in some unique trends that would seem super strange today.

Woman with hair curlers smiles at the camera
Tom Kelley Archive / Getty Images

So, older adults, we want to hear it all: What were the popular beauty trends and routines from the past that were actually pretty "weird?"

Aretha Franklin applies makeup at a dressing table with illuminated mirrors, surrounded by makeup items and personal accessories
Walter Iooss Jr / Getty Images

Like, maybe you remember when big, teased hair was all the rave in the '80s, and you used some ~unusual~ tricks and/or products to get your hair to stay voluminous alllll day long.

Sarah Jessica Parker with voluminous curly hair wearing a patterned blouse and layered necklaces, posing against a purple backdrop
Nbc / NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Perhaps you can recall when, in the '70s, people didn't really reach for sunscreen to protect their skin; instead, they were all about tanning oil to get the perfect tan in the sun (which is very harmful).

Three people relax on the trunk and roof of a car with a Michigan license plate at the beach. Two are lying on their stomachs, and one is standing, leaning over the roof
Jonathan Blair / Corbis via Getty Images

Or maybe there were distinct makeup trends that were VERY different from today's more subtle looks — like neon eyeshadow and bold brows.

From left to right: Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Cyndi Lauper showing bold makeup styles
Florence Griffith Joyner / Getty Images

Older adults, tell us about a "weird" beauty trend and/or routine from the past that would confuse young people today. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to use this Google form. Your response could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.

Latest stories