1970s Makeup History: Trends Styles and Icons

1970s Makeup History: Trends, Styles, and Icons

The 1970s was a decade of dramatic change, rebellion, and self-expression, and makeup mirrored this cultural shift. Gone were the demure, perfectly sculpted looks of the '60s; in their place emerged a bold, vibrant, and experimental approach to beauty. From iconic disco looks to natural, earthy tones, the 1970s makeup scene was a whirlwind of trends, styles, and icons that continue to inspire beauty trends today.

The Rise of the Natural Look

The 1970s saw a movement towards celebrating natural beauty, influenced by rising environmental consciousness and a rejection of the heavily made-up looks of the previous decade. This "natural" look focused on enhancing features rather than concealing them.

Barely-there foundation: Light, sheer foundations or tinted moisturizers were the norm, aiming for a healthy, dewy glow rather than full coverage.
Subtle eye makeup: Eyeshadows in earthy tones like browns, greens, and peaches were popular, with a focus on blending for a soft, diffused look.
Cheek emphasis: Blush, in shades of peach, rose, or brown, was applied generously to the apples of the cheeks, adding a natural flush.
Emphasis on brows: Eyebrows were defined with a natural shape and color, often using brow pencils or powders.

Notable icons: Jane Birkin, Ali MacGraw, and Farrah Fawcett became symbols of this natural, effortless beauty.

The Glamorous Disco Era

The rise of disco music and its vibrant culture fueled a dramatic and glamorous makeup trend.

Sparkling eyes: Eyeshadows in metallic shades like silver, gold, and bronze were heavily applied, creating a dazzling effect. Shimmering eyeliner and mascara added further impact.
Bold eyeliner: Heavy eyeliner, often in black or brown, was used to create dramatic lines and shapes, from thick cat-eye flicks to graphic geometric designs.
Statement lips: Lips took center stage, with bold, highly pigmented lipsticks in shades like crimson, fuchsia, and orange.
Contouring: Contouring and highlighting techniques were used to create a dramatic, sculpted look that emphasized cheekbones and jawlines.

Notable icons: Donna Summer, Cher, and Diana Ross embodied this bold, glamorous style.

The Rise of the "Punk" Look

Punk rock, with its anti-establishment anthem, also influenced the makeup world. This trend embraced a rebellious and unconventional aesthetic.

Bold colors: Eye shadows in bright, contrasting hues like electric blue, emerald green, and purple were applied in bold swathes, highlighting the lids and creases.
Heavy eyeliner: Thick, black eyeliner was used to create dramatic lines, often extending beyond the lash line for a graphic effect.
Statement lashes: False eyelashes, both full and individual, were used to create a dramatic and rebellious look.
Pale complexion: Pale, matte foundations were favored, creating a stark contrast to the bold eye makeup.

Notable icons: Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, and Patti Smith were prominent figures associated with this edgy, punk-inspired look.

The Impact of 1970s Makeup on Today

The 1970s makeup scene was a melting pot of experimentation and innovation, laying the foundation for many trends we see today.

Natural makeup: The focus on enhancing natural features continues to be a popular makeup trend, with brands developing lighter, sheerer formulas and emphasizing skin texture and tone.
Bold eyeliner: Graphic eyeliner and statement lashes, inspired by the disco and punk eras, remain popular and are often seen on modern runways and red carpets.
Statement lips: The bold, highly pigmented lipstick trend from the 1970s has been revived, with a focus on creating unique and expressive looks.

1970s Makeup: A Decade of Beauty Inspiration

The 1970s makeup scene was a dynamic and diverse era, celebrating individual expression and embracing bold trends. From the natural look to the dazzling disco era and the rebellious punk style, this decade was a pivotal moment in beauty history, laying the groundwork for many of the trends we see today.

FAQ

Q: What were some popular makeup brands in the 1970s? A: Some popular brands included Max Factor, Revlon, CoverGirl, Estee Lauder, and Maybelline.

Q: What are some key makeup tools used in the 1970s? A: Key tools included makeup brushes, sponges, and cosmetic pencils.

Q: What are some common makeup misconceptions of the 1970s? A: A common misconception is that all 1970s makeup was heavy and overdone. While certain trends embraced bold colors and dramatic looks, natural makeup styles were also prevalent.

Conclusion

The 1970s makeup scene was a vibrant and exciting period in beauty history, characterized by experimentation, individualism, and a celebration of diverse styles. It marked a departure from the more conservative looks of the past and laid the groundwork for many makeup trends we see today. From the natural look to the glamorous disco era, the 1970s left an enduring mark on the world of beauty.

Call to Action: Want to learn more about specific 1970s makeup trends? Browse our curated collection of articles and resources on [link to relevant website] or [link to relevant article].