Makeup Trends We All Loved in High School (2019–2023)

Looking back at high school, it’s crazy how much makeup trends changed in just four years. From full-coverage foundation and dramatic lashes to glossy lips and the clean girl aesthetic, every year seemed to bring a completely different beauty standard. And of course, TikTok had a huge influence on what everyone was wearing.

Now that I’m in college, it’s funny to look back at the makeup trends I used to love and realize how many of them I’ve completely abandoned. Some deserve a comeback, while others can definitely stay in the past.

2019: Full Glam Was Everything

In 2019, full glam was still everywhere. Matte foundation, heavy concealer, sharp brows, and dramatic lashes were the go-to look for so many girls. Beauty influencers on YouTube were a huge source of inspiration, and makeup tutorials often involved a long list of products.

Cut creases, warm-toned eyeshadow, and intense highlighter were especially popular. The goal wasn’t necessarily to look like you weren’t wearing makeup. It was to make your makeup look flawless, even if that meant spending an hour getting ready.

2020: The Rise of Natural Makeup

When COVID hit, makeup routines started changing. With everyone spending more time at home, there wasn’t as much of a reason to do a full face every day. Natural-looking makeup, fluffy brows, and lighter coverage started becoming more popular.

Blush became a bigger part of everyday routines, and products like cream blush and tinted moisturizers began replacing some of the heavier products people had been using.

This was also when TikTok beauty tutorials really started taking off, making it easier than ever for new trends to spread overnight.

2021: E-Girl Makeup and Blush Everywhere

By 2021, TikTok was influencing almost every beauty trend. E-girl makeup, colorful eyeliner, faux freckles, and blush across the cheeks and nose were everywhere.

People were becoming more experimental with makeup, using it as a way to express their personal style rather than simply following traditional beauty standards.

Soap brows and laminated-looking eyebrows were also becoming increasingly popular, replacing the perfectly filled-in Instagram brows of previous years.

2022: The Clean Girl Aesthetic

In 2022, the clean girl aesthetic completely took over. Suddenly, everyone wanted dewy skin, brushed-up brows, cream blush, glossy lips, and a natural glow.

Instead of heavy contour and full-coverage foundation, makeup routines focused on looking fresh and effortless. Slicked-back buns, gold jewelry, and minimal makeup became the signature combination.

Products like the Dior Lip Glow Oil and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter became especially popular on social media. Even though the look was supposed to be effortless, achieving that perfectly glowy appearance still required plenty of products.

2023: Latte Makeup and the Return of Soft Glam

By 2023, makeup trends started shifting toward warmer, more neutral looks. Latte makeup became popular, featuring bronzed skin, brown eyeshadow, soft contour, and nude lips.

Strawberry makeup also had its moment, with rosy cheeks, freckles, and glossy pink lips. Rather than following one specific aesthetic, people began experimenting with different looks depending on their mood or outfit.

Soft glam was making a comeback, but it looked different from the full glam of 2019. Makeup was generally more blended, glowy, and natural-looking.

Looking Back

One of the most interesting things about makeup is how quickly trends change. Something that felt essential in 2019 might seem completely outdated just a few years later.

High school was also a time when so many of us were figuring out our personal styles, and makeup was a huge part of that. Whether it was following YouTube tutorials or trying the latest TikTok trend, experimenting with beauty products was part of growing up.

Personally, I think the biggest lesson is that makeup should be about what makes you feel confident, not just what’s trending. Some of my favorite techniques are ones I’ve kept for years, while others are trends I’m perfectly happy leaving in high school.

What high school makeup trend would you bring back, and which one should stay in the past?