70s Makeup Tips: Achieve the Iconic Look

makeuptipsachievetheiconiclook">70s Makeup Tips: Achieve the Iconic Look

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, and makeup trends reflected this spirit. From disco-inspired glitter to the natural beauty aesthetic, the 70s offered a diverse range of looks that continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts today. This article will guide you through the essential 70s makeup techniques, highlighting key products and tips to help you recreate these iconic styles.

The Evolution of 70s Makeup

The 70s makeup scene was a dynamic evolution, with trends shifting from the glamorous and dramatic to the more natural and understated.

Early 70s – The Glam Rock Era

The early 70s saw a continuation of the bold, dramatic makeup trends of the late 60s. Think heavy eyeliner, dramatic eyeshadow, and bright, bold lips. Think Twiggy, with her iconic mod look, and the glamorous Hollywood stars of the era, like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren.

Late 70s – The Natural Beauty Movement

As the decade progressed, a shift towards a more natural look emerged. The rise of the disco era and the influence of iconic figures like Farrah Fawcett and Cher brought about a focus on healthy skin, bronzed faces, and dewy finishes.

Essential 70s Makeup Products

To achieve a true 70s makeup look, you'll need to embrace a few key products:

Eyeshadow

Shimmer and Sparkle: The 70s embraced shimmer and sparkle. Think metallic golds, bronzes, and silver shadows.
Bold Colors: Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors like blues, greens, and purples.
Cream Eyeshadow: Cream eyeshadows were popular for their smooth, blendable texture and bold color payoff.

Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner was essential for creating sharp cat eyes, winged liner, and dramatic lines.
Kohl Pencil: Kohl eyeliner pencils were used to line the eyes, create a smoky eye, and define the lash line.

Mascara

Voluminous Mascara: Thick, voluminous lashes were a must-have in the 70s.
Colored Mascara: Bold color choices like blue, green, and purple were often used to add a pop of color.

Blush

Peach and Coral: Peach and coral shades were the go-to blush colors for a youthful, healthy glow.
Cream Blush: Cream blush provided a natural-looking flush of color.

Lipstick

Bold Reds: Deep red lips were a staple of the 70s.
Nude Lips: Nude lipsticks were a popular choice for a more natural look.
Glossy Finish: Glossy finishes were key to creating a wet-look effect.

70s Makeup Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Foundation & Concealer

Even Skin Tone: Apply a light layer of foundation for a natural, even skin tone.
Conceal Imperfections: Use a concealer to cover blemishes and dark circles.
Contouring: Light contouring was common in the 70s, using a bronzer to subtly define the cheekbones and jawline.

Step 2: Eyeshadow

Base Shadow: Start with a light, neutral eyeshadow as a base for the rest of your eye makeup.
Define the Crease: Use a darker eyeshadow to define the crease and add depth.
Highlight the Lid: Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid for a pop of color.
Eyeliner: Use liquid eyeliner to create a winged liner or a thick cat eye. You can also use a kohl pencil to line the upper lash line.
Mascara: Apply a few coats of volumizing mascara to both the upper and lower lashes.

Step 3: Blush

Apply to the Apples of the Cheeks: Apply a peach or coral blush to the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush of color.

Step 4: Lips

Lipstick: Choose a bold red lipstick for a dramatic look or a nude lipstick for a more natural finish. Finish with a layer of clear gloss to accentuate your lips.

Popular 70s Makeup Looks

1. The Disco Look

Shimmery Eyeshadow: Use metallic gold, silver, or bronze eyeshadow shades on the lids and inner corners.
Thick Eyeliner: Line the eyes with thick, winged eyeliner.
Voluminous Lashes: Apply several coats of mascara to create thick, dramatic lashes.
Bold Lips: Choose a bold red or pink lipstick for a dramatic finish.

2. The Natural Look

Light Foundation: Apply a light layer of foundation for a natural, even skin tone.
Peach Blush: Apply a peach blush to the apples of your cheeks.
Neutral Eyeshadow: Use neutral shades of brown or beige eyeshadow for a simple, everyday look.
Nude Lipstick: Apply a nude lipstick for a finish that enhances the natural color of your lips.

3. The Bohemian Look

Smokey Eyes: Use a kohl pencil to create a smoky eye effect. Blend the pencil along the lash line and the outer corner of the eye.
Metallic Eyeshadow: Add a pop of color with a metallic eyeshadow like gold or silver.
Bronzer: Lightly contour the face with a bronzer to create a sun-kissed look.
Pink Lipstick: Use a soft pink lipstick or a light gloss for a natural finish.

FAQ

Q: What are some must-have 70s makeup products? A: Essential 70s makeup products include liquid eyeliner, kohl pencils, shimmery eyeshadows, bold lipstick shades, and volumizing mascara.

Q: How do I create a 70s smoky eye? A: Start by applying a base shadow on the eyelid. Then, use a dark-colored shadow, like brown, gray, or black, to define the crease. Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the lid.

Q: Can I achieve a 70s look without using bold colors? A: Absolutely! You can create a subtle 70s look using natural shades of brown, peach, and beige.

Q: What are some tips for making my 70s makeup look modern? A: You can modernize the look with more muted shades of lipstick and eyeshadow, and by using a lighter hand with the contouring and eyeliner.

Conclusion

The 70s makeup scene was both bold and versatile, offering a range of looks from glamorous to natural. By embracing key products like liquid eyeliner, shimmery eyeshadow, and volumizing mascara, you can recreate these iconic styles and experiment with your personal expression. Whether you're channeling a disco diva, a natural beauty, or a bohemian spirit, the 70s offer a wealth of inspiration for your next makeup look.

Call-to-Action: Ready to experiment with the looks of the 70s? Head to your local beauty supply store or online retailers to find the essential products you need to recreate these iconic styles.