What Was 2013 Makeup Like?
2013 makeup was all about polished beauty with a glamorous edge. From bold brows to soft smokey eyes and neutral lips, many 2013 makeup trends still feel surprisingly wearable today. Explore our makeup styles guide for more inspiration.
Unlike the softer, barely-there beauty looks popular in some other eras, 2013 makeup focused on looking perfected and put-together. Full-looking brows, flawless-looking skin, sculpted features, and carefully defined eyes became staples of everyday beauty.
From dramatic winged liner to soft smokey eyes and neutral lips, many 2013 makeup trends still feel surprisingly wearable today. In this guide, we’ll look at the iconic makeup looks that defined 2013 and why they’re making their way back into modern beauty.
What Were the Most Popular 2013 Makeup Trends?
From bold brows to soft smokey eyes, these are some of the defining 2013 makeup trends that shaped the beauty aesthetic of the era.
1. Bold Brows Defined 2013 Makeup
One of the biggest 2013 makeup trends was fuller eyebrows.
People focused on:
- Defined arches
- Filled-in brows
- Natural shapes
Style Tip: Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil while keeping the overall shape defined but natural.
2. Matte Skin Took Over
Glowy makeup was less popular during this time.
Many people preferred:
- Matte foundation
- Setting powder
- Shine-free finishes
Style Tip: Set your foundation with a light layer of powder to create the classic matte 2013 finish. Do it with a brush instead of a sponge.
3. Winged Eyeliner Stayed Popular
Winged eyeliner continued to dominate beauty trends.
Popular looks included:
- Sharp cat eyes
- Thin wings
- Black liquid eyeliner
Style Tip: Keep the wing sharp and slightly lifted at the outer corner for a classic 2013 makeup look.
4. Nude Lips Were a Favorite
Nude lipstick remained one of the biggest trends.
Popular shades included:
- Beige nude
- Mauve nude
- Pink nude
Style Tip: Pair a nude lip with defined eyes to recreate the polished beauty look of the era.
5. Smokey Eyes Evolved
Smokey eyes became more wearable.
Popular shades included:
- Brown
- Bronze
- Gold
- Grey
If you’re looking for more eyeshadow inspiration, explore our guides to eyeshadow colors for brown eyes.
Style Tip: Blend the eyeshadow outward for a softer smokey effect instead of creating sharp edges.
6. Contouring Started Becoming Mainstream
Contouring became more noticeable in 2013.
People used:
- Bronzer
- Highlighter
- Contour powders
Style Tip: Keep the contour softly blended along the cheekbones and jawline for a natural sculpted effect.
7. Long Lashes Were Essential
Mascara remained one of the most important beauty products.
People loved:
- Volumizing mascara
- Lengthening mascara
- Defined lashes
Not sure whether brown or black mascara suits your look? Check out our guide to brown vs. black mascara.
Style Tip: Apply extra mascara to the outer lashes to make the eyes look more defined and dramatic.
8. Defined Blush
Blush added a soft flush of color to the cheeks.
Popular shades included:
- Pink
- Peach
- Rose
Style Tip: Blend blush softly onto the apples of your cheeks for a classic 2013 finish.
9. Subtle Highlighting
Highlighting became popular for adding dimension to the face.
People often applied it to:
- Cheekbones
- Brow bones
- Inner corners
Style Tip: Use a subtle highlighter on the cheekbones to add dimension without making the look overly glowy.
10. Celebrity Beauty Trends Influenced Everyone
Many makeup trends came from celebrities and beauty creators.
Red carpets, magazines, and online tutorials inspired people to recreate their favorite looks at home. Allure regularly covers beauty trends and how they evolve over time.
Style Tip: Take inspiration from celebrity makeup rather than copying it exactly, and adapt the look to your own features.
Why Is 2013 Makeup Popular Again?
Beauty trends often return because people enjoy nostalgic styles.
Many people love 2013 makeup because:
- It looks timeless
- It is wearable
- It is easy to recreate
- It balances glamour with simplicity
Some trends have been modernized for today’s beauty routines.
2013 Makeup vs. Modern Makeup
One of the easiest ways to understand the 2013 aesthetic is to compare it with today’s popular beauty styles.
| 2013 Makeup | Modern Makeup |
|---|---|
| Matte skin | Dewy or natural skin |
| Defined brows | Fluffy, brushed-up brows |
| Strong contour | Softer sculpting |
| Nude lipstick | Glossy or tinted lips |
| Sharp eyeliner | Smudged or minimal liner |
| Full-coverage base | Lightweight complexion products |
| Defined lashes | Natural-looking lashes |
FAQs About 2013 Makeup
2013 makeup was polished, glamorous, and easy to adapt to modern beauty trends. From bold brows to nude lips and soft smokey eyes, many of these looks are still popular today.
You do not have to recreate every trend exactly. Instead, take inspiration from 2013 and personalize it to fit your style.
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