70s Asian Makeup Looks: Inspired by the Era

makeuplooksinspiredbytheera">70s Asian Makeup Looks: Inspired by the Era

The 70s was a decade of bold experimentation in fashion and beauty, and Asian makeup trends were no exception. Inspired by the burgeoning counterculture movement, the era saw a shift towards natural beauty, dramatic eyes, and a touch of glam. From the ethereal looks of Japanese actresses to the bold statement of Hong Kong’s disco queens, 70s Asian makeup offered a unique blend of traditional elements and global influences.

This article will delve into the defining features of 70s Asian makeup, exploring iconic looks, key products, and the cultural context that shaped them. We'll also examine how these styles have found renewed appreciation today, inspiring contemporary makeup artists and enthusiasts alike.

The Evolution of 70s Asian Makeup

Before diving into the specific looks, it's important to understand the broader context. The 1970s saw a significant cultural shift in Asia, with a growing awareness of global trends and a desire for self-expression. This period also saw a rise in Asian cinema, with actresses like Brigitte Lin and Teresa Teng becoming style icons, further influencing makeup trends.

The 70s saw a departure from the more traditional and conservative makeup styles prevalent in previous decades. Instead, Asian women embraced bold colours, dramatic eye looks, and a trend towards natural beauty. This was a response to the burgeoning feminist movement and the desire for greater individual expression.

Key Influences on 70s Asian Makeup

Western Influence: The globalisation of fashion and beauty trends meant that 70s Asian makeup was influenced by western styles. This included the popular use of eyeshadow palettes with vibrant colours, like blues, greens, and oranges.
Japanese Influence: Japanese fashion and beauty trends, like the rise of the "kawaii" aesthetic, played a significant role in shaping 70s Asian makeup. This included the use of light and airy colours, delicate eyeliner, and the focus on creating doe-eyed looks.
Korean Influence: While Korea was still in the midst of its economic boom in the 70s, its beauty scene was starting to emerge. This period saw the rise of high-end skincare and the emphasis on achieving a flawless base.

Iconic 70s Asian Makeup Looks

Here are some of the most iconic 70s Asian makeup looks:

1. The "Ethereal" Look: Inspired by Japanese Cinema

This look, epitomized by actresses like Brigitte Lin and Teresa Teng, was all about natural beauty with a touch of ethereal charm. This involved:

Light and airy foundation: A light coverage foundation that enhanced the natural complexion, rather than completely concealing it.
Subtle blush: A light application of rosy or peach blush on the cheeks, creating a natural flush.
Delicate eyeliner: A thin line of black eyeliner along the upper lash line and a hint of colour on the inner corners of the eyes.
Long lashes: Lengthening mascara was essential for creating a wide-eyed, innocent look.

2. The "Disco Queen" Look: Inspired by Hong Kong Nightlife

The Hong Kong nightlife scene of the 70s was vibrant and glamorous, and the makeup reflected this. This bold look was often seen on actresses like Sally Yeh and Anita Mui and featured:

Bold eyeshadow: Vibrant colours like blue, green, and purple were used to create dramatic eye looks.
Winged eyeliner: Thick, winged eyeliner was a key element, creating a dramatic and alluring effect.
Highlighter: A generous application of highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow added a touch of glam.

3. The "Natural Beauty" Look: Embracing Inner Confidence

With the rise of the feminist movement, a trend towards natural beauty, and less makeup emerged. This look focused on enhancing natural features rather than hiding them.

Minimal foundation: A light coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer was used to even out the skin tone.
Soft blush: A light dusting of blush on the apples of the cheeks.
Simple eyeliner: A thin line of eyeliner along the upper lash line.

70s Asian Makeup Styles: Key Products

The 70s saw a surge in innovation and experimentation with makeup products. Here are some of the key products often used in the 70s Asian makeup scene:

Eye shadow palettes: Vibrant palettes with colors ranging from bold blues and greens to earthy browns and oranges.
Liquid eyeliner: The rise of the "winged eyeliner" look made liquid liners essential.
Mascara Lengthening mascara was a must-have, while curling wands were used for dramatic lashes.
Blush: Rose-tinted and peach creams and powders.
Highlighter: Gold, silver, or cream-toned highlighters were used for a touch of glam.

Reclaiming the 70s Look Today

70s fashion and beauty have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with the decade’s bold styles inspiring contemporary trends. Today, makeup artists and enthusiasts are reinterpreting 70s Asian looks with a modern twist, incorporating contemporary techniques and products.

Modern Interpretations of 70s Asian Makeup

Updated Foundation: Modern foundations with natural finishes and buildable coverage are used to achieve a flawless but natural-looking base.
More Versatile Eye Looks: While the bold colors popular in the 70s are still a part of contemporary trends, they are often used more subtly and in more creative ways.
Emphasis on Skin Care: Modern interpretations of 70s Asian makeup emphasize a focus on skincare, with products designed to achieve a healthy and dewy complexion.

FAQs About 70s Asian Makeup

Here are some frequently asked questions about 70s Asian makeup:

Where can I find inspiration for 70s Asian makeup looks?

Look to vintage magazines, fashion editorials, and films from the era. Online platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are also great sources of inspiration, with many makeup artists creating modern interpretations of 70s Asian makeup looks.
What are some modern products that can be used to recreate 70s Asian makeup?

Look for matte eyeshadow palettes with bold colors, liquid eyeliner for precision and dramatic effects, lengthening mascaras, and cream blush for a natural flush.
How can I make a 70s Asian makeup look more modern?

You can update a 70s look by using modern techniques like blending eyeshadows smoothly, using thinner eyeliner lines, and focusing on a flawless skin base. You can also incorporate modern products like highlighters and contouring powders to enhance facial features.

Conclusion

70s Asian makeup was a fascinating blend of traditional elements and global influences. The era saw a shift towards bold colours, dramatic eye looks, and a renewed focus on natural beauty. These styles continue to inspire contemporary makeup artists and enthusiasts, proving that the timeless beauty of the 70s remains relevant today.

Whether you’re a vintage beauty enthusiast or simply curious about the makeup trends of the past, exploring the iconic looks of 70s Asian makeup is a journey into a captivating era of self-expression and style.

Want to recreate the nostalgic magic of 70s Asian makeup? Explore online tutorials, gather inspiration from the era's fashion and beauty icons, and experiment with modern products to create your own unique interpretation of these classic looks.