Years from now, when we're asked by our grandkids what 2020 was like, we won't know where to begin. The COVID-19 pandemic really made this year unlike any other — that, in addition to the US election, and those murder hornets that made a quick appearance, and that month when we all simultaneously made an unspoken agreement to be obsessed with Tiger King [1]. This year has had more seasons than Grey's Anatomy [2], and that's saying something.
The beauty realm also had its fair share of phases this year. When we think of the beauty moments that defined 2020 for us, a few thing come to mind: DIY haircuts [3], the Pull Up or Shut Up Challenge [4], professional appointments going virtual, and the abundance of new celebrity beauty brands [5]. Still, that barely scratches the surface.
As we get ready to welcome 2021 with open arms, join us in taking a look back at the most influential beauty moments of 2020.
The Beauty Industry Gives Back to Essential Workers and Those Affected By COVID-19
In 2020 we learned to appreciate essential workers more than ever. From healthcare workers, first-responders, food industry employees, delivery drivers, transportation employees, and more, we couldn't have made it through the year without their hard work, and the beauty industry recognised that and showed their support in various ways. More than 100 beauty brands gave back to essential workers [6] by donating products, money, and food, sending care packages, and offering complementary services. Many brands also made changes in their factory production schedules to help make up for shortages in hand sanitiser [7] and other disinfectant supplies.
More Celebrities Launch Their Own Beauty Brands Than Ever
This year has been one for the books in terms of celebrity beauty brands. We saw new companies emerge across the skin-care, makeup, and hair-care categories from some of our favourite stars like Selena Gomez [8], Rihanna [9], Jennifer Lopez [10], Alicia Keys [11], Lauren Conrad [12], Gabrielle Union [13], Venus Williams, Kristen Bell [14], Issa Rae, and Pharrell Williams. Never before have we seen so many stars step into the beauty world all at once.
Sharon Chuter Launches The Pull Up or Shut Up Challenge
After protests swept across the country in response to the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, there was a call for companies and brands in all industries to show their support for the Black community. UOMA Beauty's CEO Sharon Chuter [15] launched the Pull Up or Shut up Challenge, asking beauty brands to publicly disclose the number of Black employees working in its offices and headquarters. This call for transparency helped bring attention to how few Black people held corporate leadership roles in the beauty industry and implored brands to fix it.
TikTok Inspires Beauty Hacks, Transformations, and New Industry Stars
TikTok may have been in the U.S. before 2020, but it was a banner year for the video-sharing social media app. With more time than ever at home, people leaned into the app for both entertainment and inspiration. There was no shortage of TikTok beauty hacks [16], makeup transformations, and skin-care advice to discover. The app also produced the new generation of doing their partner's hair [17] and even witnessed our fair share of buzz cuts [18] — a trend started back in April by Bruce Willis shaving his daughter's head [19].
Zoom Beauty Routines Replace Old Ways
With in-person events cancelled and a majority of people working remotely, Zoom prevailed. When this first started, many people opted to forgo makeup [20] for an easier, more low maintenance routine. However, that was soon replaced with the five-minute Zoom face [21] or makeup routine. Be it for a work meeting, virtual date [22], or social distance happy hour, the overarching theme of 2020 beauty has been quick, effective, and streamlined.
Fringes of All Styles Return
Curtain bangs, arched fringes, baby bangs, blunt bangs, micro fringes, shaggy bangs, swoop fringes — who knew there were so many different styles [23]? Whether they were cut during lockdown or an immediate request back in the salon chair, the fringe made a triumphant return this year. Curtain bangs [24] in particular reigned supreme due to their easy, laidback vibe and are still going strong as we head into the new year.
