1980s Makeup Ideas: Retro Looks & Tutorials

Get ready to revisit the bold and glamorous decade of big hair and even bigger makeup! The 1980s were a time of excess and exuberance, and makeup trends reflected this with vibrant colors, dramatic lines, and a focus on highlighting features. Whether you're looking to recreate a full-on retro look or incorporate a subtle touch of 80s flair into your everyday routine, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about 1980s makeup.

The Power of Color & Texture

The 1980s was a time of color experimentation. Think bold eyeshadow palettes, bright blush, and vibrant lipstick. Textures were equally important, with shimmer, glitter, and matte finishes all playing key roles in creating the signature 80s look.

Here's a rundown of the key elements:

Eyeshadow: Bold colors were paramount, with blue, green, purple, and pink eyeshadows reigning supreme. Think ombre looks, color-blocking, and even the use of multiple colors on a single eyelid.
Eyeliner: Thick, dramatic eyeliner was a staple. Both liquid liner and pencil liner were popular, used to create sharp wings, thick lines, and even double lines for extra emphasis.
Mascara: Think long, thick, and curled lashes. Several coats of mascara were common, and lash curlers were essential for achieving the desired effect.
Blush: Pink was the dominant shade for blush, applied generously to the apples of the cheeks and blended up towards the temples.
Lipstick: Bold, bright colors were a staple. Fuchsia, red, and even coral were popular choices, often paired with a matching lip liner.

Iconic 1980s Makeup Looks to Try

1. The Power of Pink

This look embodies the 80s pink obsession with a focus on vibrant colors and dramatic features.

Eyeshadow: Use a bright pink eyeshadow on the lid and blend it out with a lighter pink or white shade towards the crease.
Eyeliner: Apply a thick black liquid liner along the upper lash line, extending it out into a dramatic wing.
Mascara: Coat your lashes generously with black mascara, focusing on volume and length.
Blush: Apply a vibrant pink blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it up towards your temples.
Lipstick: Choose a bright fuchsia or pink lipstick to complete the look.

2. The Bold & Blue

This look features the signature blue eyeshadow that was so popular in the 80s.

Eyeshadow: Apply a bright blue eyeshadow to your entire eyelid, blending it out with a lighter shade of blue or white towards the crease.
Eyeliner: Use a black liquid liner to create a thick line along your upper lash line.
Mascara: Apply several coats of black mascara to your lashes.
Blush: Choose a light pink or peach blush to complement the blue eyeshadow.
Lipstick: Opt for a nude or light pink lipstick to balance out the bold blue eye look.

3. The Smokey Eye

While the 80s version of the smokey eye was not as subtle as today's iterations, it still featured the iconic black and gray tones, but with a dramatic twist.

Eyeshadow: Apply a black cream shadow to your entire eyelid, blending it out with a gray or charcoal shadow towards the crease.
Eyeliner: Use a black liquid or pencil liner to trace along your upper and lower lash lines, creating a thick smoky line.
Mascara: Apply several coats of black mascara to your lashes.
Blush: Choose a light pink or peach blush to balance out the dramatic eye look.
Lipstick: Opt for a nude lip color or a light pink lipstick.

1980s Makeup Techniques

1. Ombre Eyeshadow

This technique involved creating a gradual blend of colors on the eyelid, with the darkest shade at the lash line and the lightest shade at the browbone. Popular color combinations included blue and green, pink and purple, or even a combination of all three.

2. Color Blocking

This technique involved applying two or more contrasting colors to the eyelid in distinct blocks, creating a geometric pattern that was both bold and eye-catching.

3. The "Winged Out" Eyeliner

This involved drawing a thick line of liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line and extending it out into a dramatic wing shape. The more dramatic the wing, the better!

4. The "Double Line" Eyeliner

Similar to a winged liner, this technique involved not only applying liner along the top lash line but also along the lower lash line, extending both lines dramatically. This created a statement look that emphasized the eye shape.

5. Contouring

While not as sophisticated as today's contouring techniques, 1980s makeup did involve the use of contouring to define the cheekbones. Often, a dark brown or gray powder was used to create a shadow effect, giving the illusion of more defined cheekbones.

6. Blush Application

Blush was applied liberally to the apples of the cheeks and blended upwards towards the temples, creating a flushed and youthful effect. The focus was on creating a vibrant, natural-looking flush.

7. The "Glossy Lip"

Lip gloss was a must-have in the 1980s, used to add a layer of shine to the lips. Many women chose clear lip gloss, while others opted for shades of pink, peach, or even sparkly glittery gloss.

Essential 1980s Makeup Products

Eyeshadow palettes: Look for those with vibrant colors like blues, greens, pinks, and purples.
Liquid eyeliner: A must-have for creating dramatic wings and thick lines.
Mascara: Choose a volumizing and lengthening formula for dramatic lashes.
Blush: Opt for a vibrant pink or peach shade.
Lipstick: Bold reds, pinks, and corals were the popular choices.
Lip gloss: A clear gloss or a shade that complements your chosen lipstick.
Eyebrow pencil: Use this to define your brows and create a more structured look.

1980s Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

Overdoing it: Remember, less is more. Start with a subtle approach and build up the colors and intensity gradually.
Using too many products: Stick to a few key products that work well together.
Forgetting the brows: Well-defined brows are essential for balancing the bold eye makeup.

FAQ:

What are some good 1980s makeup brands to look for?

Many brands from the 1980s are still available today, though their product lines might have changed. Some of the most iconic 80s makeup brands include:

Revlon: Known for its iconic ColorStay line and its bold lip colors.
Maybelline: Famous for its Great Lash mascara and its affordable eye makeup.
CoverGirl: Known for its soft, wearable eyeshadows and its iconic "Ogilvie" hairspray.
Avon: Highly popular during the decade for its range of affordable makeup products.
How can I get a modern-day twist on the 1980s makeup look?

While some of the 80s trends like excessive contouring and bright colors are best left in the past, you can definitely incorporate the decade's signature boldness into your modern-day makeup routine.

Here are a few ways to do it:

Subtle blue or green eyeshadow: Instead of going all out with a bright, eye-catching blue, try a softer, more muted shade for a contemporary twist.
Defined brows: Keep your brows more natural and focused on achieving a more defined, arched shape.
Soft blush: Instead of applying blush liberally, opt for a light, natural-looking flush.
Modern lip colors: While bold lip colors are still popular today, modern iterations are often more muted and sophisticated.
What are some good 1980s-inspired makeup tutorials to watch?

There are many great tutorials online that show you how to recreate iconic 1980s makeup looks. You can find tutorials on everything from the classic smokey eye to the "Power of Pink" look. Here are a few places to start:

YouTube: Search for "1980s makeup tutorial" on YouTube to get a wide variety of results.
Instagram: Follow makeup artists who specialize in retro makeup looks.
Pinterest: Search for "1980s makeup" or "80s makeup look" to find inspiration and tutorials.

Conclusion

1980s makeup was all about bold colors, dramatic lines, and eye-catching textures. Although some trends have fallen out of fashion, the decade's signature boldness and creativity are still inspiring makeup enthusiasts today. So, don't be afraid to embrace your inner 80s glam and experiment with vibrant colors, playful textures, and dramatic eyeliner. Just remember to start with a subtle approach and build up the intensity gradually. And most importantly, have fun with it!

Ready to step back in time and relive the magic of 80s makeup? Start experimenting with these looks and embrace the boldness of the decade!