70s Makeup Blue Eyeshadow Looks & Tutorials

70s Makeup Blue Eyeshadow Looks & Tutorials: A Blast from the Past

Get ready to time travel back to the groovy era of bell bottoms and platform shoes, because we're revisiting the iconic 70s makeup trend that still holds a special place in our hearts: blue eyeshadow. From shimmering turquoise to dramatic sapphire, this versatile shade graced the eyes of legendary icons like Farrah Fawcett and Cher, and its impact is undeniable. This article will delve into the world of 70s blue eyeshadow, exploring the different looks, techniques, and tips to rock this retro trend with a modern twist.

Understanding the 70s Blue Eyeshadow Aesthetic

The 70s makeup scene was all about bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and a hint of sparkle. This era embraced free-spirited expression, and blue eyeshadow played a key role in creating a range of striking looks, from the bohemian chic to the glamorous disco diva. Here's a breakdown of the key elements that defined 70s blue eyeshadow:

1. Color Palette:

Electric Blues: Bright, vibrant blues like turquoise, cobalt, and azure were popular for daytime and evening looks.
Deep Blues: Richer shades like sapphire, indigo, and navy were often used for more dramatic, smoky eye effects.
Metallic Blues: Shimmering and iridescent blues added a touch of glamor and emphasized the disco vibe.

2. Application Techniques:

Swept-Up Shadows: Applying blue eyeshadow upwards towards the crease and brow bone, creating a "winged" effect.
Smoky Eye: Blending a dark blue eyeshadow with black or brown in the crease for a sultry and dramatic look.
Cut Crease: Creating a sharp line with a contrasting color (like a deep brown or black) across the crease for a striking and defined effect.

3. Complementary Elements:

Heavy Eyeliner: Thick, dramatic eyeliner, often with a winged shape, was a staple for creating balance and drawing attention to the eyes.
Neutral Lips: With the eye being the focal point, lips were typically kept neutral, opting for light pinks, nudes, or sheer glosses.
Flushed Cheeks: A hint of blush was used to add warmth and a natural glow to the complexion.

6 Iconic 70s Blue Eyeshadow Looks

Let's dive into some of the most iconic 70s blue eyeshadow looks that continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts today:

1. The "Farrah Fawcett" Look:

This classic look embodies the essence of 70s glamour.

Steps:
- Apply a light, shimmery blue eyeshadow all over the lid.
- Blend a darker blue eyeshadow into the crease, focusing on the outer corner and blending upwards and outwards.
- Define the lash line with black eyeliner and create a slight wing.
- Finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

2. The "Disco Diva" Look:**

For a night out on the dance floor, embrace this bold and glamorous look.

Steps:
- Start with a base of light, shimmery blue eyeshadow over the entire lid.
- Apply a darker blue eyeshadow in the crease, blending upwards and outwards.
- Accentuate the inner corner and brow bone with a shimmering silver or white eyeshadow.
- Define the lash line with a thick, black liquid liner and create a dramatic wing.
- Finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

3. The "Bohemian Chic" Look:**

This look embodies the free-spirited and earthy vibes of the 70s.

Steps:
- Apply a soft, shimmery blue eyeshadow to the lid, starting from the lash line and blending upwards.
- Apply a darker blue eyeshadow to the outer corner and crease, blending softly outwards.
- Define the lash line with a brown or black eyeliner.
- Use a cream blush on the apples of the cheeks for a natural, rosy glow.
- Finish with a neutral lip color.

4. The "Smoky Blue Eye" Look:**

For a dramatic and sultry evening look, embrace the smoky blue eye.

Steps:
- Apply a light, shimmery blue eyeshadow over the lid.
- Blend a darker blue eyeshadow into the crease, focusing on the outer corner and creating a smoky effect.
- Add a touch of black eyeshadow to the outer corner for added intensity.
- Line the lash line with a black eyeliner and create a subtle wing.
- Finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

5. The "Cut Crease" Look:

This look adds a modern twist to the classic 70s style.

Steps:
- Apply a light, shimmery blue eyeshadow over the lid.
- Create a sharp line across the crease with a deep brown or black eyeshadow.
- Blend the darker eyeshadow into the crease and outer corner for a defined and dramatic effect.
- Line the lash line with black eyeliner and create a subtle wing.
- Finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

6. The "Aqua Blue Liner" Look:

This look is a fun and playful take on the classic blue eyeshadow.

Steps:
- Apply a light, neutral eyeshadow all over the lid.
- Line the upper lash line with an aqua blue eyeliner.
- Wing out the eyeliner towards the outer corner for a dramatic effect.
- Define the lower lash line with a thin line of black eyeliner.
- Finish with a couple of coats of mascara.

Tips for Modernizing 70s Blue Eyeshadow Looks

While the 70s trends are inspiring, you can still update these looks for a modern feel. Here are some tips:

Embrace softer blues: Instead of going all-out with bright electric blues, incorporate softer shades like powder blue or sky blue for a more subtle and contemporary look.
Keep the eyeliner clean: Instead of thick, dramatic eyeliner, opt for a thinner line or a more subtle wing for a modern twist.
Use cream shadows: Cream shadows blend easily and provide a more subtle effect, perfect for day-to-day wear.
Focus on one feature: If you want to wear blue eyeshadow for a modern look, keep other makeup minimal, focusing on the eyes as the main feature.

FAQs:

1. What skin tones work best with blue eyeshadow?

Blue eyeshadow works well with all skin tones. The key is to choose the right shade of blue. For fair skin tones, lighter blues like powder blue or sky blue tend to work best. For darker skin tones, richer blues like sapphire or cobalt tend to be more flattering.

2. How can I avoid looking like I came straight out of the 70s?

To modernize a 70s look, try incorporating a softer shade of blue, using a lighter hand with the eyeliner, and keeping the rest of your makeup more toned-down.

3. Can I wear blue eyeshadow for daytime looks?

Absolutely! Opt for lighter shades of blue and keep the application minimal during the day. A subtle wash of blue eyeshadow on the lid and a light application of eyeliner can be a chic and modern look.

4. What are some good blue eyeshadow palettes to try?

There are many great blue eyeshadow palettes available, but some popular options include:

Urban Decay Naked3 Palette: Contains a beautiful range of cool tones, including blues.
Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette: Offers a variety of blues and other shades for a chic look.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette: Contains several stunning blue shades, including a beautiful teal.

Conclusion

70s blue eyeshadow has lost none of its power to captivate. The vibrant colors, dramatic application techniques, and overall glamorous aesthetic continue to inspire makeup lovers across generations. Whether you want to embrace a bold retro vibe or a modern, updated take on the trend, this iconic makeup element offers endless possibilities for self-expression and creative beauty.

Call to Action: Get ready to rock your inner 70s disco queen or bohemian chic! Try one of these looks today and let your eyes shine with the magic of blue eyeshadow!