Nowadays, most of us absorb our best beauty lessons from TikTok, Instagram and everything in between, but in the early noughties the picture was very different. Back then, magazines, TV shows and films were the governing bodies that dictated what was in and what was out in beauty and the latter held serious sway.
Classic romcoms had their heyday in the '90s. There was Clueless, Pretty Woman, and Sleepless in Seattle, and each hit saw leading ladies like Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Drew Barrymore deliver new levels of beauty inspiration. With Valentine's Day upon us yet again, we're rounding up the 10 best beauty lessons we learnt from these iconic nostalgia-inducing films.
10 Bizarrely useful Beauty lessons We've Learned From Rom-Coms Over The Years
Rom-Com Beauty Lessons - Grazia 2023
1 of 101. Pretty Woman - The Chignon
Never be afraid of the chignon. Julia Roberts proves its worth in Pretty Woman, in the pivotal and iconic moment where we see her truly transform from rags to riches, while sporting an elegant updo to match.
2 of 102. Bridget Jones's Diary- The Hair Iron
We get it, sometimes you're in a rush and you can't for the life of you remember where you left your hair straighteners. Whatever the case, we're here to remind that your iron should never be a substitute to your straighteners. When in doubt, opt for a topknot.
3 of 103. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - Don't Over Blush
We're the first to say we love a blush moment. Its instantly lifting, healthy skin-mimicking effect is second to none, but there is such thing as overdoing it, as Bridget proves here. That said, if it's intended as part of your look, blush away.
4 of 104. Sleepless in Seattle - Romantic Updos
Meet Meg Ryan at the height of her rom-com prowess. Playing Annie, we see her hair make a case for romantic updos and eyelash-grazing bangs.
5 of 105. Notting Hill - The 'Just A Girl' Aesthetic
In this iconic scene, Anna (played by Julia Roberts) expresses her love for Will (played by Hugh Grant), and while her beauty look is just as legendary as that 'I'm just a girl' line - think a barely-there base, flesh-toned lipstick and sleek hair.
6 of 106. Four Weddings And A Funeral - The Curly Bob
A moment for Andie MacDowell's hair in this classic please. Cropped and curly, her voluminous brunette hair was a undisputed hallmark of the film.
7 of 107. 13 Going On 30 - The Face Mask
Staying in? Take a leaf out of Jenna Rink's book and do self-care right. Her night in consisted of snacks, Diet Coke, magazine publishing homework and a face mask. This is a woman who knows what she's doing.
8 of 108. 10 Things I Hate About You - The Half Up Half Down
Kat's younger sister Bianca is arguably the 'It Girl' of this iconic 90s film and her approach to beauty bears a strong contrast to her older, much more laid back sister. From hair to make-up Bianca plays with different styles and her half-up half-down do is the real winner in this scene.
9 of 109. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days - Metallic Eyes
Oh Andie. When all is finally brought to light in the scene with that yellow dress, we couldn't help but take a moment and pause on Kate Hudson's beauty look. Her glistening dress and equally sparkly eyes could never have predicted that plot twist. In any case, her style proves you can play up your make-up even if your outfit speaks volumes alone.
10 of 1010. Never Been Kissed - Do Your Style Homework
On Josie's first day of school, a security guard throws away her hazardous nail file, but that's not her only mistake. Her bold look, which goes so far as featuring white lipstick, isn't in keeping with the rest of her trendy classmates and is certainly enough to give her disguise away. Note to self? Do your beauty style homework.