Summary
Highlights
Modern lipstick involves peel-off tints and hydrating balms like Summer Fridays. 1970s Maybelline and Avon lipsticks, with unique packaging, are tested. 1920s lipsticks, often red and in gold tubes (like Elizabeth Arden), were applied with stencils to create exaggerated Cupid's bow shapes, inspired by actresses like Marion Davies.
The video opens with a comparison of hair dryers: a modern Dyson, a 1970s model, and a 100-year-old hairdryer. The century-old one surprisingly works but is terrifying and slow.
The host compares modern Covergirl foundation (a clear oil with beads) to 1970s Covergirl oil-control liquid makeup, which is medicated with Noxzema and has a strong perfume scent. The 1920s foundation was often cold cream, emphasizing a paler complexion for a youthful look, applied with fingertips.
Modern blush is represented by a Milk Makeup jelly tint. The 1970s feature an Avon powder blush with cute packaging and strong pigment, applied to the apples of the cheeks. 1920s blushes were red and came in metal tins, with cream rouge also being an option, though potentially containing harmful ingredients.
The host tries Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High in true brown, a modern trend. For the 1970s, a Maybelline mascara refill and an Avon mascara, both dried up, show the challenge of using old products. 1920s Maybelline mascara came in a cake form, applied with a brush moistened with saliva or water, testing its effectiveness on fake lashes.
Modern eyeshadow features a pink glowy look. 1970s eyeshadow involved velvety blues, greens, and purples with white/silver frost, recreated with a modern palette due to the dryness of vintage Avon eyeshadow. The 1920s look was dramatic and inspired by theater, aiming for a 'sad eyes' effect with smudged dark shadow and a shimmer, accentuating beauty marks.
Today's nails feature an affordable at-home UV gel kit with accent press-on nails. 1970s nails were mid-length square with bright colors, shown using a surprisingly functional vintage Elizabeth Arden nail polish. 1920s nails were shorter and rounded, with the fascinating trend of leaving the tip and moon unpainted, which the host attempts with the 1970s polish.
Skincare in older eras was simple, mainly soap and cold cream. The host discusses Pears soap, an iconic brand, and its vintage packaging, engaging in a satisfying soap-cutting session. Tanning evolved from natural sun exposure (popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s) to unregulated at-home UV tanning lights in the 1950s-70s, which the host tests with scary results.
Modern hair styling uses a TikTok-viral Beach Waver for loose curls. 1970s hair relied on hot rollers, with Dippity Doo setting gel, to achieve voluminous, fluffy curls like Farrah Fawcett's. The 1920s featured frightening, fire-heated curling irons and crimpers to create finger waves and Marcel waves, which the host demonstrates on a mannequin head, using rose pomade for shine.
The video concludes with a showcase of the final modern, 1970s, and 1920s beauty looks. The host notes the dramatic differences in products, techniques, and safety over the decades, expressing a fondness for the 1970s hairstyle and appreciating the unique glow from the 1920s pale foundation in black and white photos.