80's Inspired Makeup Looks Tutorial Guide

80s Inspired Makeup Looks: A Tutorial Guide

The 80s were a decade of bold fashion, vibrant colors, and iconic music. And just like the fashion trends, 80s makeup was all about making a statement. From dramatic eyeshadow to sculpted cheekbones and bright lipstick, the 80s makeup aesthetic is experiencing a major revival, and it's easy to see why. With its playful experimentation and emphasis on individuality, 80s makeup offers a fun way to embrace nostalgia and express your unique style.

This guide dives into the world of 80s makeup, offering a comprehensive overview of key trends, techniques, and modern interpretations. We'll cover everything from iconic looks like the "Power Brow" and "Smoky Eye" to tips on choosing the right colors and products for your skin tone.

Understanding the 80s Makeup Aesthetic

The 80s witnessed a shift in beauty ideals. Gone were the days of understated elegance; women embraced bold colors, textures, and techniques to create dramatic and eye-catching looks.

Key Features of 80s Makeup:

Bold Colors: Neon eyeshadows, bright lipsticks, and blush in daring shades were the order of the day.
Sculpted Features: Contouring with bronzer and blush was crucial for enhancing cheekbones, noses, and jawlines.
Dramatic Eyes: From smoky eyes in deep shades like plum and navy to bold, graphic eyeliner, 80s makeup emphasized the eyes.
Defined Brows: Thick, arched brows were a signature feature, emphasizing the eyes and framing the face.

80s Makeup Looks for Modern Times

While some classic 80s makeup trends might seem too dramatic for everyday wear, there are numerous ways to adapt these looks for a modern twist.

1. The Power Brow:

Iconic Look: Think Brooke Shields and Madonna – thick, sculpted brows that framed the face.
Modern Twist: Skip the harsh lines and opt for a more natural-looking filled-in brow. Use brow powder or pencil to define the shape and gently blend for a soft finish.

2. The Smoky Eye:

Iconic Look: Deep, smoky eyes with a gradient of dark shadow, often blending into a wing. Popular shades like plum, gray, and black were used to create a dramatic effect.
Modern Twist: Choose a neutral palette for everyday wear, blending soft browns or grays for a subtle smoky effect.

3. The Neon Eye:

Iconic Look: Bold, bright eyeshadows were a signature of the 80s. Think pink, teal, yellow, and electric blue applied across the entire lid.
Modern Twist: Use a single bright shade on the lid, or blend it with a neutral shade for a less intense look. Consider using a vibrant eyeliner for a pop of color.

4. The Bold Lip:

Iconic Look: The 80s embraced bright, bold lipsticks in reds, pinks, and even oranges.
Modern Twist: Pick a classic red or a vibrant berry shade for a statement, or opt for a lighter lip color for a softer look.

5. The Contoured Face:

Iconic Look: Contouring with bronzer and blush was used to create a sculpted, defined face.
Modern Twist: Use a lighter hand with contouring products and blend seamlessly for a more natural, contoured effect. Focus on enhancing the cheekbones and jawline.

Choosing the Right Products and Colors

The key to recreating 80s makeup successfully is understanding the products and techniques.

Products:

Eyeshadow: Choose eyeshadow palettes with a variety of matte and shimmery textures. Look for shades in bold colors like pink, teal, yellow, and blue, as well as neutrals like brown and gray.
Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is ideal for creating sharp lines and dramatic wings. Pencil eyeliner can provide a softer look.
Mascara: Volumizing mascara is key for creating the dramatic lashes of the 80s.
Blush: Select a blush in a shade that complements your skin tone. Pink and peach tones are popular choices.
Bronzer: Choose a bronzer with a matte finish for contouring.
Lipstick: Choose bright, bold lipsticks in red, pink, or orange shades. Experiment with different finishes, from matte to gloss.

Colors:

Skin Tones:

Fair: Use peach and pink tones for blush, and lighter shades of brown and gray for eye makeup.
Medium: Opt for warm tones like coral and terracotta for blush, and browns and greens for eyeshadow.
Dark: Choose rich colors like deep red and plum for blush, and bold shades like emerald green and gold for eyeshadow.

Eye Color:

Blue: Use warm tones like copper and gold to enhance blue eyes.
Green: Choose shades of purple and plum to make green eyes pop.
Brown: Brown eyes can wear almost any color, from cool blues and greens to warm oranges and browns.

80s Makeup Techniques

Applying Eyeshadow:

Base: Start with a light, neutral eyeshadow as a base. Apply it all over the lid.
Crease: Use a darker shade in the crease to add depth and definition. Blend well.
Lid: Apply a bright or bold color to the eyelid. You can use a single shade or create a gradient with different colors.
Outer Corner: Add a darker shade to the outer corner of the eye for a more dramatic look.
Brow Bone: Use a highlighting shade on the brow bone to open up the eye and give it a bright look.

Applying Eyeliner:

Liquid Eyeliner: Use a steady hand to apply liquid eyeliner along the lash line. You can create a thin line or a bold wing.
Pencil Eyeliner: Pencil eyeliner is easier to apply and can be blended for a softer look. Use it along the lash line or on the waterline.

Contouring and Highlighting:

Contouring: Use a matte bronzer to contour the cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Blend well to create a natural-looking shadow effect.
Highlighting: Use a highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow to add dimension and brighten the face.

Applying Blush:

Placement: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards the temples.
Color: Choose a blush that complements your skin tone and the rest of your makeup look.

Applying Lipstick:

Preparation: Exfoliate your lips and use a lip liner to define the edges.
Application: Apply lipstick evenly using a lip brush for a precise application.

FAQs

1. What kind of foundation should I use?

A matte foundation is ideal for 80s makeup, as it will help to create a smooth, even canvas for bold colors and contours.

2. How do I get the perfect 80s brow?

Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in your brows, and then use a brow gel to set the shape. Don't be afraid to go for a more dramatic arch!

3. Can I wear 80s makeup for everyday wear?

Absolutely! You can adapt 80s looks for modern times by using lighter shades and softer techniques.

4. How can I make my 80s makeup look modern?

Use a lighter hand with colors and contours. Focus on blending and creating a smooth, natural finish.

5. What are some popular 80s makeup brands?

Popular brands in the 80s included Maybelline, Revlon, and CoverGirl. You can find these brands today, along with many other great options.

Conclusion

80s makeup is a fun and exciting way to explore bold colors and dramatic looks. Whether you're looking to recreate an iconic 80s look or simply add a touch of retro glamour to your routine, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key techniques and products. Remember, the beauty of 80s makeup lies in its playful experimentation and emphasis on individuality.

Call to Action: Ready to unleash your inner 80s beauty queen? Gather your bold colors, embrace the techniques, and experiment to create a look that reflects your unique style. You'll be rocking the 80s in no time!