70s Wedding Makeup Looks & Tutorials

70s Wedding Makeup Looks & Tutorials: A Guide to Retro Glam

Embracing the vintage vibes of the 70s for your big day? 70s wedding makeup is experiencing a major comeback, with its bold colors, dramatic eyes, and effortless, yet glamorous, appeal. From the iconic smoky eye to the shimmering golden lids, 70s bridal makeup is all about showcasing your inner rockstar while still maintaining a timeless elegance.

This comprehensive guide dives into the world of 70s wedding makeup, offering everything you need to recreate the looks and achieve that perfect blend of retro and romantic. We'll explore iconic looks, delve into product choices, and provide expert tips for a flawless finish.

The Evolution of 70s Wedding Makeup

The 70s saw a dramatic shift in beauty trends, embracing a more natural and expressive approach compared to the previous decade.

Early 70s: Inspired by the rise of hippie culture, this period favored a bare-faced, natural look with a focus on healthy, glowing skin. Think soft, peachy tones, nude lips, and barely-there eye makeup.
Mid-70s: The disco era emerged, bringing with it bold, colorful makeup and a penchant for glitter and shimmer. Eyeshadows took center stage, with jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep purple defining the look.
Late 70s: The influence of punk and glam rock manifested in smoky eyes, dramatic eyeliner, and defined brows. This stage saw a return to more neutral lips with an emphasis on creating a powerful, confident gaze.

Iconic 70s Wedding Makeup Looks

Whether you're a free-spirited boho bride or a glamorous disco diva, there's a 70s wedding look for you. Let's explore some of the most popular and timeless styles:

1. The Smoky Eye

The smoky eye is a classic for a reason, and its 70s iteration embraces a more dramatic and edgy approach. Instead of blending out the edges, the 70s smoky eye prefers a slightly smudged, grunge-inspired finish.

Key elements:

Dark eyeshadow: Deep brown, black, or even navy blue for a bolder look.
Creamy liner: Use a black or dark gray liner to define the lash line, creating a smoky effect that extends outwards and upwards.
Neutral lips: Opt for a nude or light pink lipstick to balance the drama of the eyes.

Recreate the look:

Prep your lids: Apply a primer to ensure long-lasting color and prevent creasing.
Create the base: Use a medium-toned eyeshadow across the lid for a subtle transition.
Define the crease: Blend a darker shade into the crease, creating a soft, smoky effect.
Apply liner: Draw a thick line along the lash line, extending it out and slightly up at the outer corner.
Blend and smudge: Use a fluffy brush to blend the edges of the liner and create a hazy, smoky look.
Finish with mascara: Apply a few coats of black mascara to complete the look.

2. The Golden Lid

Inspired by the disco era’s love for all things glittery, the golden lid is a perfect choice for a glamorous 70s wedding look. It's all about adding a touch of warmth and shimmer to your eyes.

Key elements:

Golden eyeshadow: Choose a shimmery, golden eyeshadow for a luxurious, glowing effect.
Neutral base: Use a light, matte eyeshadow on the brow bone and inner corners for a smooth transition.
Cat-eye liner: Use a liquid black eyeliner to create a classic cat-eye shape, adding a hint of dramatic flair.

Recreate the look:

Prime your lids: Apply a primer to smooth out the eyelids and create a smooth canvas.
Apply the base: Use a light, matte eyeshadow all over your lids and inner corners for a subtle base.
Add the golden shimmer: Apply a shimmery golden eyeshadow to the center of your eyelids, blending it outwards.
Define the eyes: Use a liquid black eyeliner to create a classic cat-eye shape.
Finish with mascara: Apply a few coats of black mascara for dramatic lashes.

3. The Bold Brow

70s brows were known for their dramatic arches and defined shape. It's all about emphasizing the natural shape of your brows, creating a bold statement.

Key elements:

Defined shape: Use a brow pencil to create sharp angles and a defined arch.
Natural color: Choose a brow pencil that matches your natural hair color to avoid a harsh look.
Precise application: Use small, light strokes to mimic natural brow hairs, creating a sculpted effect.

Recreate the look:

Brush your brows: Use a spoolie brush to comb your brows upwards, shaping them naturally.
Fill in the gaps: Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas, creating a defined shape.
Define the arch: Use the brow pencil to create a sharp arch, mimicking the natural shape.
Set the brows: Use a clear brow gel to set the brows in place and prevent them from smudging.

70s Wedding Makeup Products

To achieve those iconic 70s looks, you’ll need the right products.

Eyes:

Creamy eyeshadows: These provide a rich, pigmented finish and blend out effortlessly for a smoky effect.
Shimmery eyeshadows: Golden, silver, and bronze eyeshadows add a touch of glam to any eye look.
Liquid eyeliner: Use a precise, long-lasting liquid eyeliner for a sharp, dramatic cat-eye.
Mascara: Black mascara is a 70s staple – opt for a volumizing or lengthening formula for dramatic lashes.

Face:

Foundation: Look for a lightweight, natural-looking foundation for a dewy finish.
Bronzer: Use a matte bronzer to contour and warm up the skin for a sun-kissed glow.
Blush: Peach or terracotta blushes are great for adding a natural warmth to the cheeks.

Lips:

Nude lipsticks: Nude lipstick is perfect for balancing out a bold eye look.
Light pink lipsticks: Add a touch of color and subtle shine.
Gloss: Use a clear or tinted gloss for a glossy, 70s-inspired look.

Tips for Perfect 70s Wedding Makeup

Skin prep is key: Start with a clean, hydrated face.
Don’t be afraid of color: Embrace bold eyeshadows and blushes for a vibrant look.
Keep it natural: Avoid heavy foundations and powders.
Define your brows: 70s brows are all about shape and definition.
Experiment with glitter: Add a subtle touch of glitter to your eyes or cheeks for a disco-inspired look.
Focus on the eyes: Amplify your eyes with a dramatic smoky eye or sparkly golden lid.
Balance your look: Pair bold eyes with a nude or light pink lip for a balanced aesthetic.

FAQs

Q: What are the best 70s wedding hairstyles to complement the makeup?

A: Think loose waves, natural braids, and sleek ponytails. You can also incorporate headbands or flower crowns for a bohemian touch.

Q: How can I make my 70s wedding makeup look timeless?

A: Keep the colors and textures classic. Avoid overly trendy shades and opt for a more natural approach, focusing on emphasizing your natural beauty.

Q: Can I wear glitter for my 70s wedding makeup?

A: Absolutely! Glitter was a major part of the 70s aesthetic. You can add it to your eyes, cheeks, or even your hair for a dazzling touch.

Conclusion

70s wedding makeup offers a perfect blend of retro charm and timeless elegance, allowing you to embrace your inner rockstar while celebrating your big day. Remember to play with color, define your brows, and embrace a natural, radiant glow. With our guide and a little experimentation, you'll be ready to rock your 70s wedding makeup and create a look that's as unique as you are.

Ready to dive into the world of 70s wedding makeup? Check out these amazing tutorials and product recommendations to get started!

(Links to relevant YouTube tutorials and product recommendations)