Makeup trends in 2020: How the pandemic changed the way we used cosmetics

The hottest makeup trends of the year were all about the eyes

Even as early as February 2020, some of us knew that it was not going to be easy sailing this year. The pandemic had largely taken hold in China and the Western countries but we knew it was going to come knocking at our doorstep and things would never be the same again. As the lockdown extended from one month to two and then a few more months, work from home became the new normal and it seemed like we would never be able to wear makeup again or step out of the house.

The pandemic has shifted makeup preferences all over the world and India has been no exceptions. Because lips are hidden behind face masks, lipstick sales have seen a sharp fall. However, the demand for eye makeup has gone up exponentially.

For those buying lipsticks, glossy shades were out and matte was all the rage in 2020. But for most part, eyes were the centre of all attention in a year when everyone was covering most of their faces. Sure the sales of blush and other face makeup were trudging along but almost nothing was flying off the (virtual) shelves of (online) stores as eye makeup.

Somewhat unsurprisingly all the major beauty trends for 2020, therefore, have largely been around eye makeup. Let’s see what rocked our world in a year of WFH, pandemic, and Zoom calls:

1. Multi-coloured eyes

A superb way to experiment with colours is by using multiple contrasting hues on your eyes. Consider layering a bit of eyeshadow primer before you try out this look so the shades stay put.

2. Colourful Lower-Liner

Why should your top eye lash be the centre of attention all the time? In 2020, with little else other than our eyes to show off, we were willing to spend a little more time on them. Ergo the lower-liner. Turns out it isn’t rocket science – all you need is to add the same colour or a lighter shade on your lower eyelashes than the one you’ve used on top.

3. Neon Eye Makeup

Neon has been all the rage for some time now. But 2020 has also been a year of minimalism. Which is why the all-over neon trend has made way for just a dash of neon shade on the corner of your eyes.

4. Floating Eyeliner

Yet another minimal trend that doesn’t require your eyeliner to stick to your lash line. Little effort and no hassle. Cool girl vibes are just an added bonus

5. Pastel Eyeliner

Neon of 2019 made way for pastel shades in 2020. The light pink colour, for instance, was all over our Insta feed this year. If subtlety is your thing, this is your year!