The makeup of 2013 was bold, colorful and unforgettable. Beauty lovers experimented with daring looks, bright colors and strong contrasts.
It was a year when makeup trends took inspiration from fashion runways, celebrities and social media shaping the beauty world in fresh ways.
In this post, we’ll revisit the best styles, explore why they stood out and see how they continue to inspire makeup lovers today.
Makeup of 2013: A Year of Color and Confidence
The makeup of 2013 stood out for its fearless use of color. From electric blue eyeshadow to neon lipsticks, beauty was about making a statement.
During this time, social media platforms like Instagram started influencing makeup culture. Many trends went viral because people shared selfies with bold styles. This made 2013 one of the first years when online beauty communities shaped real world makeup habits.
Bold Lips Defined the Makeup of 2013
One of the strongest looks in the makeup was the bold lip. Bright red, deep berry, and even purple lipsticks were everywhere. Celebrities like Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Lorde wore striking colors that inspired fans worldwide.
This was also the time when matte lipsticks became a huge trend. Unlike glossy lips from earlier years, the 2013 look was more velvety and dramatic.
Many brands released long lasting formulas making it easier to wear bold colors without constant touch ups.
According to Allure, bold lip colors remain a timeless trend, showing how 2013 set the stage for years to come.
Smoky Eyes and Metallic Shadows
Another big part of the makeup was eye makeup. The smoky eye look, especially in darker shades like black, navy and brown dominated the runways. At the same time, metallic shadows in gold and silver became popular for parties and night events.
Makeup artists often combined these looks smoky eyes with a touch of shimmer to create drama and elegance.
For everyday wear, many people leaned toward softer browns and grays, but bold evening looks were hard to miss.
Makeup of 2013 and the Rise of Eyebrow Obsession
When people think about the makeup of 2013, brows always come up. Before then, thin brows had been in style for years. But in 2013, thicker, fuller brows became the beauty standard.
This change was largely influenced by stars like Cara Delevingne, whose natural, bold brows were admired everywhere.
Makeup lovers began using pencils, powders and gels to achieve a more defined brow. The Instagram brow look started to appear around this time, laying the foundation for the brow trends of the next decade.
Fresh Skin and Minimal Makeup
Even though bold lips and smoky eyes were huge, the makeup of 2013 also celebrated natural beauty. BB creams and tinted moisturizers became very popular. Instead of heavy foundation, many people preferred a fresh, glowing base.
This natural skin trend matched well with bold features. If someone wore a bright lip or dramatic eye, the rest of the face was kept clean and simple. This balance made looks from 2013 both playful and wearable.
Makeup of 2013 on the Runways
Runways in New York, Paris and Milan had a big influence on the makeup of 2013. Designers often paired bold makeup with minimal fashion or vice versa, letting one element stand out.
For example Marc Jacobs used retro-inspired eyeliner looks while Versace leaned into metallic eyeshadow. These runway trends quickly made their way to magazines and social media, inspiring everyday makeup lovers.
Social Media and the Makeup of 2013
The makeup of 2013 cannot be separated from social media. Instagram was still new, but beauty bloggers and influencers were already shaping trends.
YouTube tutorials became a go to resource for learning how to create smoky eyes, contour or apply bold lips.
Because of this shift, people no longer had to rely only on magazines for makeup advice. Anyone with a phone could share their own beauty style, which made trends more diverse and creative.
That Still Inspires Today
Many looks from the makeup of 2013 are still popular in modern beauty. Bold brows, matte lips, and glowing skin are everywhere. Even metallic eyeshadows have come back in new forms, like liquid glitter and holographic shades.
The reason these trends last is simple they give people room to express themselves. Whether someone prefers a natural glow or a dramatic eye, the inspiration from 2013 still fits today’s beauty culture.
Conclusion
The makeup of 2013 was more than just colors and styles. It represented a turning point in beauty culture. Social media allowed people to share looks instantly. Celebrities influenced bold choices, while everyday makeup lovers gave new life to trends.
From strong lips to thick brows, the beauty world of 2013 still inspires modern makeup. If you look at current styles, you’ll see traces of that unforgettable year everywhere.
So, whether you’re exploring nostalgic looks or building fresh ones, the makeup of 2013 will always be a timeless reference.
FAQs
What were the top beauty trends in 2013?
Bold lips, smoky eyes, metallic shadows and fuller brows stood out. Fresh, glowing skin was also a major everyday choice.
Why was makeup in 2013 so different?
It was different because bright colors mixed with natural skin trends. Plus, social media made styles spread quickly worldwide.
Which celebrities influenced beauty looks in 2013?
Stars like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Lorde and Cara Delevingne inspired fans with their bold and unique styles.
Did social media impact beauty trends in 2013?
Yes, Instagram and YouTube tutorials became huge. They gave people access to tutorials and helped new looks go viral.
Are any 2013 styles still seen today?
Definitely. Bold brows, matte lipsticks and glowing skin are still part of modern makeup routines.
How did fashion runways guide 2013 beauty?
Runways in Paris, Milan, and New York introduced metallic shades, strong eyeliner and retro inspired looks that shaped global beauty.