How beauty is defined can vary greatly depending on the era, yet certain qualities remain timeless. By looking at women who were the same age but lived in different decades, we get a fascinating glimpse into the shifting ideals of beauty.
Gina Lollobrigida, circa 1954. | Source: Getty Images
Take a look at side-by-side comparisons of stars like Gina Lollobrigida and Halle Berry, Goldie Hawn and Anne Hathaway, and others, and see how these iconic women reflected the trends of their time.
Anne Hathaway at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Ingrid Bergman in Her 60s in 1975 vs. Demi Moore in Her 60s in 2024
Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who rose to icon status in the 1940s, known for her natural beauty and effortless aesthetic. In her 60s, she exuded a classic, elegant beauty.
Her coiffed hair with subtle waves framed her face with soft volume, highlighting her iconic high cheekbones and expressive eyes. Bergman’s facial structure, marked by well-defined features and graceful aging, carried a timeless sophistication.
Ingrid Bergman, circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
Demi Moore, another legendary actress, rose to fame for embodying a more contemporary allure. Her long, jet-black hair contrasted strikingly with her smooth, youthful skin.
Her sculpted cheekbones and chiseled jawline enhanced her sharp yet delicate features. Moore’s sleek look in her 60s, which she shows off in her new movie about aging, reflected modern beauty trends while still maintaining a timeless grace.
A side-by-side of Ingrid Bergman and Demi Moore in their 60s. | Source: Getty Images
Gina Lollobrigida in Her 50s in 1978 vs. Halle Berry in Her 50s in 2021
Gina Lollobrigida, an Italian actress once regarded as the most beautiful woman in the world, proved age is just a number, as she projected glamorous, dramatic beauty in her 50s.
Lollobrigida’s bold, defined makeup choices accentuated her large eyes and expressive brows, giving her face a striking presence. The rounded charm of her features, paired with vibrant colors and jewelry, added to her undeniable allure.
Gina Lollobrigida at The Feather Ball on May 15, 1978, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Halle Berry, on the other hand, represented a more effortless, natural beauty in her 50s. However, the actress knew she had more to offer, as she once remarked, “I’ve always known that beauty is deeper than the physical body you’re walking around in.”
Her warm, honey-toned hair cascaded in soft waves, complementing her glowing skin. Berry’s minimalist makeup highlighted her youthful features, especially her high cheekbones and full lips.
Her understated elegance and glowing confidence created a modern and ageless look. This follows the actress’s beliefs that older women are more formidable.
A side-by-side of Gina Lollobrigida and Halle Berry in their 50s. | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/halleberry
Rue McClanahan in Her 50s in 1986 vs. Jennifer Lopez in Her 50s in 2023
Rue McClanahan was another star who took Hollywood by storm with her beauty. In her 50s, the actress radiated warmth with her signature voluminous blonde hairstyle. Her well-defined features, paired with bright makeup and a charming smile, highlighted a classic beauty full of confidence and charisma.
Rue McClanahan on the set of “Golden Girls,” circa 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, was all about a powerful blend of glamor and sophistication in her 50s. “As you get older and you have more experience, you become a richer human being, and you have more to offer,” the actress once said.
Lopez’s flowing waves framed her well-sculpted face beautifully, accentuating her flawless skin and striking features. Her glow and confident modern style made her a standout example of ageless good looks.
A side-by-side of Rue McClanahan and Jennifer Lopez in their 50s. | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/jlo
Meryl Streep in Her 40s in 1991 vs. Carrie Underwood in Her 40s in 2024
Meryl Streep became a beloved figure in Hollywood for embodying understated elegance. In her 40s, the actress’s soft, wispy blonde hair and natural makeup highlighted her delicate features, allowing her expressive eyes and timeless beauty to shine. Streep’s look emphasized a refined grace that suited her classic style.
Meryl Streep during the “Artists Unite for Big Green” event on May 31, 1990, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, little did the public know that behind the scenes, her 40s was an anxious period. “I thought each movie would be my last, really. And all the evidence of other 40-year-old women at that time—this is 27 years ago—would lead you to believe it was over,” she revealed.
Meryl Streep And Albert Brooks filming “Defending Your Life,” circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Carrie Underwood, on the other hand, was the picture of polished glamor in her 40s. The country singer was instantly recognizable for her voluminous blonde waves that framed her perfectly contoured face, enhancing her radiant skin and bold makeup.
Alongside her stunning beauty, Underwood exuded confidence and was admired for her legendary strong legs. “It’s really important to me to prioritize exercise, whether I’m at a gym or only have time for a quick run or some squats,” the singer shared.
A side-by-side of Meryl Streep and Carrie Underwood in their 40s. | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla in Her 40s in 1989 vs. Meghan Markle in Her 40s in 2024
In her 40s, Queen Camilla displayed a traditional, understated beauty. Her soft, voluminous curls and muted makeup gave her a dignified, reserved appearance. Her Majesty’s natural facial features and minimalist style embodied the classic elegance expected of royalty.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle, on the other hand, epitomized modern glamor and sophistication in her 40s. The Duchess of Sussex’s polished look was accentuated by refined details and contemporary fashion, reflecting a confident and stylish image that resonated with many.
Meghan Markle at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power on May 16, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Her sleek, dark hair cascaded effortlessly, complementing her glowing skin and charming smile. However, Markle revealed that her hair journey as a biracial woman in Hollywood wasn’t easy.
The Duchess and Duke of Sussex at Centro Nacional de las Artes Delia Zapata during their Colombia tour on August 15, 2024, in Bogotá. | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, the former “Suits” star invited Mariah Carey onto her podcast “Archetypes” and revealed that while she confidently donned her gorgeous curls in her later years, the actress struggled with having natural hair while growing up.
A side-by-side of Queen Camilla and Meghan Markle in their 40s. | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana in Her 30s in 1993 vs. Taylor Swift in Her 30s in 2024
In her 30s, Princess Diana, regarded as the “queen of people’s hearts,” embodied timeless elegance. Her short, feathered blonde hair became one of her signature styles, framing her delicate features and captivating blue eyes.
With minimal yet polished makeup, the Princess of Wales’s natural beauty and grace were always at the forefront.
Diana, Princess of Wales, presenting at the Business Traveler Awards on October 14, 1993, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
In her 30s, Taylor Swift represented a bold and glamorous modern look. Her cascading blonde waves, combined with her striking makeup, gave the singer a confident, high-impact style.
Taylor Swift during her “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” on August 15, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Swift’s classic beauty is complemented by her piercing blue eyes, delicate features, and playful yet refined approach to fashion, showcasing her versatility as a pop culture icon.
A side-by-side of Princess Diana and Taylor Swift in their 30s. | Source: Getty Images
Goldie Hawn in Her 40s in 1987 vs. Anne Hathaway in Her 40s in 2023
When Goldie Hawn was in her 40s, the actress radiated playful charm with her tousled blonde waves and signature bright smile. Her expressive blue eyes and natural, sun-kissed makeup gave her a youthful, vibrant energy that matched her bubbly personality.
Goldie Hawn at the American Committee for the Tel Aviv Foundation Honors Goldie Hawn event on January 27, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2017, Hawn opened up about her perspective on aging in Hollywood and revealed that while others dreaded it, she embraced it. The actress, who never married her partner of 32 years, Kurt Russell, added that getting older was just a part of life and that it was all about how you make it.
Goldie Hawn on the set of “Overboard” circa 1987 in Fort Bragg, California. | Source: Getty Images
As for Anne Hathaway, the actress embodied refined elegance in her 40s. Her sleek dark hair and minimal yet polished makeup highlighted her striking features, especially her large, almond-shaped eyes. Hathaway’s classic beauty, paired with her poised presence, reflected a sophisticated and timeless allure.
Anne Hathaway photographed at the Bulgari Hotel on May 20, 2024, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
“Forty feels like a gift. The fact of the matter is, I hesitate at calling things ‘middle age,’ simply because I can be a semantic stickler and I could get hit by a car later today. We don’t know if this is middle age. We don’t know anything,” the actress once shared.
A side-by-side of Goldie Hawn and Anne Hathaway in their 40s. | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/annehathaway
These comparisons highlight how beauty has evolved over the years. From classic refinement to modern glamor, each icon reflects the style and ideals of their time. Whether embracing natural elegance or bold sophistication, these women exemplified enduring grace in their respective eras, showing that true beauty transcends generations.
