70s Makeup Hair: Retro Looks & Tutorials

70s Makeup: Retro Looks & Tutorials for a Groovy Glow

<strong>Get ready to groove your way back to the disco era! The 70s was a decade of bold experimentation in fashion and beauty, and its iconic makeup looks are making a major comeback. From the shimmery eyes and dramatic lashes of the disco queens to the natural, earthy tones of the bohemian babes, 70s makeup offers a range of styles to suit every personality. This article will delve into the key elements of 70s makeup, providing a comprehensive guide to recreating these timeless looks.

The 70s Makeup Aesthetic: A Time Capsule of Beauty

The 70s makeup scene was a fascinating blend of opposing forces. The rise of disco culture brought with it an explosion of color, shimmer, and glamor, epitomized by the bold eyes and flushed cheeks of stars like Donna Summer and Cher. On the other hand, a counter-cultural movement championed natural beauty, embracing earthy tones and minimal makeup exemplified by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Jane Birkin.

This duality reflects the era's social and political landscape, with the 70s experiencing both extravagant excesses and a growing awareness of personal freedom and self-expression. This makeup trend embodies that spirit, allowing individuals to embrace their unique style and experiment with different looks.

Key Elements of 70s Makeup: A Guide to the Groovy Glow

To achieve that quintessential 70s look, you need to master a few key elements.

1. The Eyes Have It: Bold & Dramatic

a. Shimmer and Sparkle: The 70s were all about making a statement with your eyes. Think iridescent eye shadow palettes in gold, bronze, copper, and silver. These were often applied generously across the entire lid, blending upwards towards the brow bone.

b. Lush Lashes: Long, thick lashes were a must-have. False lashes were widely used, and mascara was applied liberally to both upper and lower lashes, creating a dramatic, wide-eyed look.

c. Eyeliner: Graphic and Bold: Eyeliner was used to create a variety of looks, from thin, precise lines to dramatic cat eyes. Liquid eyeliner was a popular choice, allowing for precise application and creating a sharp, defined shape.

d. Metallic Eyeshadow: For a truly disco-inspired look, introduce metallic eyeshadows in gold, silver, and bronze. These can be applied to the center of the eyelid for a pop of shimmer or blended across the entire lid for a more intense effect.

2. The Perfect Base: Flawless and Dewy

a. Light Coverage: The 70s favored a natural, radiant complexion. Foundations were lightweight and often had a dewy finish, enhancing the skin's natural glow rather than covering it completely.

b. Blush: A Touch of Color: Blush was used to add warmth and dimension to the cheeks, with peach, coral, and rose colors being popular choices.

c. Contouring: Contouring was not as prevalent as it is today, but a subtle bronzer could be used to define the cheekbones and create a sculpted look.

3. The Lips: Bold Colors or Soft Neutrals

a. Bold Colors: Red lipstick was a major staple of 70s makeup, from classic crimson to vibrant shades of orange and even brown. The look was often paired with a natural eye, allowing the lips to take center stage.

b. Soft Neutrals: For a more understated look, nude or light pink lipsticks were also popular. These were often paired with a bold eye, creating a balance between the features.

c. Glossy Finish: Whether a bold color or a soft neutral, lips were often finished with a generous application of gloss. This created a wet, shimmery effect that was very popular in the 70s.

4. The Hair: A Symphony of Styles

a. Long and Flowing: Long, flowing hair was the norm in the 70s. Styles ranged from relaxed waves and curls to sleek, straight locks.

b. The Shag: Known for its textured layers and choppy ends, the shag hairstyle became a symbol of the 70s. It was often worn with a side part or a center part, and could be styled straight or with waves.

c. The Farrah Fawcett: The iconic feathered hairstyle made famous by Farrah Fawcett was a must-have for many women. It featured long layers that were feathered around the face, creating a voluminous and effortlessly chic look.

d. The Afro: The Afro hairstyle emerged as a powerful symbol of black pride and cultural identity. It was often styled with natural curls and a defined shape.

5. 70s Makeup Tutorials: Step-by-Step Guides

a. Disco Queen: This look embraces all the glamor of the 70s.

Start with a dewy foundation and a touch of bronzer.
Apply a shimmery eyeshadow, like gold, silver, or copper, across the entire eyelid.
Use a bold, graphic eyeliner to create a cat eye or a winged shape.
Apply generous coats of mascara to both upper and lower lashes.
Finish with a vibrant red lipstick.

b. Bohemian Babe: This look channels the free-spirited, earthy vibe of the 70s.

Apply a light foundation and a touch of blush in peach or coral.
Use a neutral eyeshadow palette in earth tones like brown, tan, and beige.
Apply a subtle eyeliner, such as a brown or black pencil, to define the eyes.
Use a natural or nude lipstick.

c. The Farrah Fawcett: Recreate the iconic feathered look with the right hairstyle:

Use a round brush to blow dry your hair, flipping the ends outward for that signature feathered effect.
Add soft curls to the ends of your hair with a curling iron.
Use a volumizing mousse or hairspray to create the desired lift and texture.

6. 70s Makeup: Products & Tools

a. Eyes:

Eyeshadow: Shimmery eye shadow palates in gold, bronze, copper, and silver.
Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner, brown or black pencil eyeliner.
Mascara: Volumizing mascara that lengthens and lifts lashes.
False Lashes: Strip or individual lashes in natural or dramatic styles.
Eyelash curler: To lift and curl lashes for a more dramatic look.

b. Face:

Foundation: Lightweight, dewy foundation.
Blush: Cream or powder blush in peach, coral, or rose colors.
Bronzer: Matte or shimmery bronzer for contouring.
Setting Spray: To help your makeup last all day.

c. Lips:

Lipstick: Red, orange, brown, nude, or light pink lipsticks.
Lip Liner: To define lips and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Lip Gloss: Clear or tinted lip gloss for a glossy finish.

d. Hair:

Round Brush: For blow drying and creating volume.
Curling Iron: For creating waves and curls.
Volumizing Mousse or Hairspray: To add lift and texture to hair.

7. 70s Makeup Trends: A Modern Twist

70s makeup is not just a nostalgic throwback. Many elements of this iconic style have been reinterpreted for modern makeup looks. Shimmery eyeshadows, bold eyeliner, and dramatic lashes are all popular trends in contemporary makeup. The key is to adapt these elements to your individual style and create a look that is both modern and timeless.

8. 70s Makeup: Inspiration from the Stars

Want to see these looks in action? Look no further than the iconic beauty icons of the 70s:

Farrah Fawcett: Her signature feathered hair and effortlessly chic makeup look became a defining style of the era.
Cher: Known for her bold, dramatic eye makeup, Cher's look was a perfect embodiment of disco glamor.
Diana Ross: The legendary singer's shimmery eyes, sculpted cheekbones, and vibrant red lips were staples of her iconic stage presence.
Joni Mitchell: The folk singer's natural beauty, highlighted with minimal makeup, became a symbol of the 70s counterculture.

FAQs about 70s Makeup

Q: What skin type is best suited for 70s makeup?

A: 70s makeup works well with all skin types. The key is to choose products that are appropriate for your individual needs and skin type.

Q: How can I create a modern-day 70s makeup look?

A: To create a modern take on 70s makeup, you can experiment with minimalist eye looks and focus on enhancing natural features. Use a light foundation, a touch of blush, and soft-focus eyeshadows in neutral tones. Pair this with a bold lip color or a glossy, natural lip.

Q: What are some mistakes to avoid when recreating 70s makeup?

A: Avoid over-doing it. 70s makeup is about making a statement, but it's also about balance. Too much makeup can look dated and heavy.

Choose quality products that blend smoothly and don't cake or crease.
Start with a clean, moisturized base.
Practice your techniques until you feel confident.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner 70s Icon

70s makeup is a celebration of self-expression, experimentation, and individuality. From the bold and glamorous to the natural and earthy, there's a 70s makeup look for everyone. Embrace the spirit of the era, experiment with colors, textures, and styles, and let your inner 70s icon shine through!

Ready to unleash your inner disco queen or embrace the bohemian vibe? Start experimenting today!

[Internal Links]

[More Makeup Tutorials]
[70s Fashion Trends]
[History of Makeup]

[External Links]

Meta Description: Discover the iconic makeup trends of the 70s. Learn how to recreate classic looks with our step-by-step tutorials and product recommendations. Get ready to groove your way back to the disco era!