8 Unforgettable Beauty Moments That Defined 2020

Courtesy of James Isbell
Courtesy of Rare Beauty
Getty | Adolescent Content /Caroline Japal
Courtesy of James Isbell
Courtesy of Rare Beauty
Getty | Adolescent Content /Caroline Japal

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 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. This year has had more seasons than Grey's Anatomy, 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, the Pull Up or Shut Up Challenge, professional appointments going virtual, and the abundance of new celebrity beauty brands. 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 Gave 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 recognized that and showed their support in various ways. More than 100 beauty brands gave back to essential workers 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 sanitizer and other disinfectant supplies.

Celebrities Launched Beauty Brands Galore

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 favorite stars like Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Lauren Conrad, Gabrielle Union, Venus Williams, Kristen Bell, Issa Rae, and Pharrell Williams. Never before have we seen so many stars step into the beauty world all at once.

Sharon Chuter Introduced 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 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, makeup transformations, and skin-care advice to discover. The app also produced the new generation of Gen Z beauty stars like Charli and Dixi D'Amelio and Addison Rae.

Plenty of People Underwent DIY Hair Transformation

At the start of the pandemic, with no access to hair salons and professional stylists, many people took cutting and dyeing their hair into their own hands — celebrities included. While some people stuck with a subtle trim, others went for big style alterations by giving themselves bangs (more on that later), or drastically changing their hair color (which lead to a shortage of hair dye for a minute).

We saw more stars than ever doing their partner's hair and even witnessed our fair share of buzz cuts — a trend started back in April by Bruce Willis shaving his daughter's head.

Zoom Beauty Routines Replaced Old Ways
Getty | Adolescent Content /Caroline Jap

Zoom Beauty Routines Replaced Old Ways

With in-person events canceled and a majority of people working remotely, Zoom prevailed. When this first started, many people opted to forgo makeup for an easier, more low maintenance routine. However, that was soon replaced with the five-minute Zoom face or makeup routine. Be it for a work meeting, virtual date, or social distance happy hour, the overarching theme of 2020 beauty has been quick, effective, and streamlined.

Virtual Beauty Appointments Take Off
Courtesy of Tim Alexander

Virtual Beauty Appointments Take Off

With makeup artists, aestheticians, dermatologists, manicurists, and hairstylists unable to see clients for the better part of the year many professionals had to get innovative. This year was a game-changer for routine beauty appointments. Now, whether you have a pressing question about your skin, need someone to walk you through an at-home facial, want guidance on dyeing your hair, or need coaching on your makeup for your virtual wedding, there's a way to get help from the comfort of your own home. Gotta love technology.

Bangs of All Styles Return
Getty | Matthew Sperzel

Bangs of All Styles Return

Curtain bangs, arched bangs, baby bangs, blunt, bangs micro bangs, shaggy bangs, swoop bangs — who knew there were so many different styles? Whether they were cut during stay-at-home orders or an immediate request back in the salon chair, bangs made a triumphant return this year. Curtain bangs in particular reigned supreme due to their easy, laidback vibe and are still going strong as we head into the new year.