80s Disco Makeup: Glam Looks and Tutorials

makeupglamlooksandtutorialsforaretrorevival">80s Disco Makeup: Glam Looks and Tutorials for a Retro Revival

The 1980s were a decade of vibrant color, bold fashion, and most importantly, 80s disco makeup that redefined glam. From the iconic smoky eye to the dramatic contouring, the era embraced a daring, statement-making aesthetic. Today, the 80s disco makeup trend is experiencing a resurgence, inspiring modern makeup enthusiasts to recreate those iconic looks. This article dives into the world of 80s disco makeup, exploring its signature styles, key products, and step-by-step tutorials to help you recreate the magic of the era.

The Rise of 80s Disco Makeup: A Cultural Shift

The rise of 80s disco makeup was intricately linked with the booming disco scene. The vibrant, energetic music and dance culture demanded a bold makeup aesthetic that reflected the era's sense of freedom and expression. The iconic looks—characterized by shimmering eyeshadows, bold lipsticks, and dramatic contours—became synonymous with the disco era, influencing fashion and beauty trends for decades to come.

Key Elements of 80s Disco Makeup: A Comprehensive Guide

80s disco makeup was all about making a statement. It wasn't about subtle elegance; it was about embracing bold colors, dramatic textures, and a touch of extravagance. Here are some key elements that define the style:

1. The Smoky Eye: A Quintessential 80s Look

The smoky eye was a staple in 80s disco makeup, adding a sultry, dramatic touch to any look. The key was to use a variety of shades—from deep blacks and grays to vibrant blues and purples—to create an alluring, smoky effect.

Colors: Black, gray, navy, purple, teal, and silver were popular choices.
Technique: Apply a dark eyeshadow to the crease and blend well, then smudge a lighter shade across the eyelid. Finish with a black or dark gray liner along the upper lash line, creating a wing for added drama.
Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures to find your personalized smoky eye look.

2. Bold Eyeliner: Defining the Eyes

Bold eyeliner played a crucial role in defining the eyes and enhancing the overall 80s disco makeup look. The era saw an array of eyeliner styles, from thick, dramatic lines to playful flicks and wings.

Colors: Black, brown, and blue were popular choices, with white eyeliner often used to brighten the inner corners.
Technique: Start with a thin line along the lash line and gradually thicken it outwards, creating a wing or a dramatic cat-eye effect.
Tip: Use a liquid or gel liner for precision, or opt for a soft pencil for a softer, more diffused look.

3. Dramatic Contouring: Defining the Features

Contouring was a key technique used to enhance the features and create a dramatic, sculpted look. The focus was on highlighting the cheekbones, jawline, and nose, creating a sculpted and defined appearance.

Colors: Use a bronzer or contour powder two shades darker than your skin tone to create shadows and define the cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
Technique: Apply the contour powder in a "3" shape on each cheekbone, starting at the temples and blending down towards the mouth. Use a contour brush to define the jawline and nose.
Tip: Blend the contour powder thoroughly to avoid harsh lines and achieve a natural-looking sculpt.

4. Statement Lips: Bold Colors & Textures

Statement lips were a defining feature of 80s disco makeup, adding a pop of color and confidence to any look. The focus was on bold colors like red, fuchsia, and coral, often paired with textures like matte, glossy, or metallic.

Colors: Red, fuchsia, coral, orange, and plum were popular choices.
Technique: Use a lip liner to define the lips, then fill them in with lipstick. For a more dramatic look, try applying gloss on top of the lipstick.
Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and finishes to find your signature lip look.

5. Shimmer & Sparkle: Adding Glamour

Shimmer and sparkle were essential elements of the 80s disco makeup look, reflecting the era's love for glamour and extravagance. Whether it was shimmering eyeshadow, glittery eyeliner, or even a sprinkle of glitter over the cheekbones, sparkle played a significant role in creating a captivating and unforgettable look.

Products: Shimmering eyeshadows, glittery eyeliner, and highlighter were popular choices.
Technique: Apply shimmering eyeshadows to the eyelids and brow bone, creating a light-catching effect. Use glittery liner for a touch of sparkle on the upper lash line. Apply highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for a dewy finish.
Tip: Use a light hand with glitter to avoid looking overdone. A little goes a long way.

80s Disco Makeup Tutorials: Recreate the Look

1. The Classic Smoky Eye:

Step 1: Apply a primer to your eyelids to create a smooth surface and enhance eyeshadow longevity.
Step 2: Use a deep black or gray eyeshadow to create a smokey eye effect. Apply it to the crease and blend it outwards towards the temples.
Step 3: Using a light beige or cream eyeshadow, blend it across the eyelid for a smooth transition.
Step 4: Line your upper lash line with a black or dark gray eyeliner, creating a wing for added drama.
Step 5: Apply mascara to both your upper and lower lashes for added definition.

2. The Bold Lip:

Step 1: Use a lip liner to define the lips and create a clean, defined look.
Step 2: Fill in the lips with a bold lipstick in a color of your choice. Red, fuchsia, coral, or orange are all great options.
Step 3: Depending on your look, you can apply gloss on top of the lipstick for a more dramatic and shiny effect.

3. The Glam Contour:

Step 1: Apply a bronzer or contour powder two shades darker than your skin tone to create shadows and define the cheekbones, jawline, and nose.
Step 2: Using a contour brush, apply the powder in a "3" shape on each cheekbone, starting at the temples and blending down towards the mouth.
Step 3: Use the contour powder to define the jawline and nose, blending thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.

4. The Shimmering Highlighter:

Step 1: Apply a shimmering highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for a dewy, light-catching effect.
Step 2: Blend the highlighter thoroughly to avoid a glittery look and ensure a natural, radiant finish.

The Evolution of 80s Disco Makeup: From the Past to the Present

The 80s disco makeup aesthetic has evolved over the years, incorporating modern techniques and products while retaining its core essence.

Modern Techniques: Today, makeup artists use techniques like highlight and contouring to create a more sculpted and natural-looking 80s disco makeup look.
Modern Products: The advent of high-quality, long-lasting products like cream shadows, liquid eyeliners, and high-pigment lipsticks has allowed for more precise application and amplified the 80s disco makeup look.
New Trends: The 80s disco makeup trend has been inspired by pop culture icons like Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and Grace Jones, who continue to inspire modern makeup artists and enthusiasts.

FAQ: Your 80s Makeup Questions Answered

1. What are some must-have products for 80s disco makeup?

Eyeshadow palette: Choose a palette with a variety of vibrant colors, including shimmery and matte finishes.
Black eyeliner: Liquid or gel eyeliner is ideal for creating precise lines and wings.
Volumizing mascara: This will help you achieve dramatic lashes, a key element of the 80s disco makeup look.
Bold lipstick: Invest in several bold lipstick shades, like red, fuchsia, or coral.
Bronzer or contour powder: This will help you create a sculpted and defined look.
Highlighter: Choose a highlighter with a shimmery or glittery finish for a glam touch.

2. Where can I find inspiration for 80s disco makeup looks?

Pinterest: Search "80s disco makeup" to find countless images of iconic looks.
Instagram: Follow makeup artists and influencers who specialize in 80s makeup.
YouTube: Watch tutorials from makeup artists showcasing different 80s disco makeup styles.

3. How can I make 80s disco makeup look modern?

Use lighter colors: Opt for softer shades of shimmery eyeshadows instead of bold, dark colors.
Focus on precision: Use precise application techniques to create a clean and sharp look.
Blend, blend, blend: Thoroughly blend all your products to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless, modern finish.

Conclusion: Revive the Glamour of the Disco Era

The 80s disco makeup trend is a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations. By embracing the era's key elements—bold eyeliner, statement lips, and dramatic contouring—you can recreate the glamour and confidence of the disco era. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a modern take on this iconic makeup style, adding a touch of retro magic to your own unique look.

Call to Action: Ready to embrace the glam of the 80s disco era? Share your favorite 80s disco makeup looks and tips with us in the comments below!

Video 80's DISCO Inspired Makeup Look| Carmen Antoche