80s Makeup Brands UK: Retro Looks & Where To Find Them

makeupbrandsukretrolookswheretofindthem">80s Makeup Brands UK: Retro Looks & Where To Find Them

Get ready to unleash your inner Madonna or Boy George! The 1980s was a decade of bold, experimental makeup looks, and thankfully, many of those iconic brands are still around today. Whether you're yearning for a blast from the past or simply curious about the trends that defined a generation, this guide will take you on a journey through the best 80s makeup brands UK and show you where to find their timeless products.

The Rise of 80s Makeup Brands in the UK

The 1980s saw a boom in the UK beauty industry, fueled by a surge in pop culture, music, and fashion. New wave bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode inspired dark, dramatic looks, while the rise of MTV brought vibrant colors and bold makeup trends to the forefront.

This era gave birth to a plethora of makeup brands that catered to the diverse and ever-evolving tastes of British consumers. From cult classics like MAC and Benefit to lesser-known gems that still hold a place in the hearts of retro makeup enthusiasts, the 80s left an indelible mark on the global beauty scene.

Iconic 80s Makeup Brands Still Available Today

1. MAC Cosmetics (1984)

Founded in Toronto, Canada, MAC Cosmetics quickly gained popularity in the UK for its professional-grade makeup and commitment to inclusivity. The brand became a favorite among makeup artists and individuals alike, offering a wide range of products for diverse skin tones and styles.

Key 80s Products:

Ruby Woo Lipstick: This iconic crimson lipstick continues to be a bestseller, embodying the boldness and confidence of the 80s.
Powder Blush: Available in vibrant shades like "Peach," "Pink," and "Plum," MAC's powder blush allowed for a natural-looking flush of color.
Eye Shadow Palette: Experiment with a range of colors and textures with iconic palettes like "Spice" and "Smoky Eyes."

Where to Buy: MAC Cosmetics has its own online store and physical stores across the UK.

2. Benefit Cosmetics (1976)

Benefit Cosmetics, known for its playful packaging and cheeky brand personality, became a staple in the UK beauty scene in the 80s. The brand focused on creating fun and practical products that catered to the needs of everyday women.

Key 80s Products:

Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain: This cult-favorite product provides a natural, rosy glow to lips and cheeks, perfect for creating that 80s "sun-kissed" look.
They're Real! Mascara: Though launched in 2009, this mascara's volumizing and lengthening effects would have been a perfect complement to the bold lashes of the 80s.
The POREfessional Face Primer: This primer, while launched later, would have been a revolutionary addition to 80s makeup routines, creating a smooth canvas for bold foundation and eye makeup.

Where to Buy: Benefit Cosmetics has its own online store and physical stores across the UK, including major department stores like Boots and Debenhams.

3. Estee Lauder (1946)

Estee Lauder, founded in 1946, established itself as a luxury beauty brand in the UK during the 80s. Its focus on innovative formulas and luxurious packaging resonated with women seeking high-quality makeup.

Key 80s Products:

Doublewear Stay-in-Place Makeup (Launched in 1997): This long-wearing foundation would have been a hit for its ability to create a flawless, matte finish, perfect for 80s makeup looks.
Pure Color Envy Lipstick: While launched more recently, the bold, pigmented shades like "Rebellious Rose" and "Carnal" echo the 80s trend of vibrant lipstick colors.
Advanced Night Repair Serum (Launched in 1982): This cult-favorite serum would have been a game-changer for women in the 80s, offering a way to combat signs of aging and maintain youthful skin.

Where to Buy: Estee Lauder has its own online store and physical stores across the UK, including major department stores like John Lewis and Selfridges.

4. Clinique (1968)

Clinique, known for its allergy-tested and dermatologist-developed products, gained popularity in the UK during the 80s. The brand's focus on skincare and its commitment to simplifying routines resonated with a growing consumer base.

Key 80s Products:

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion: This iconic moisturizer, developed in the 70s, was a staple for women in the 80s, providing hydration and a smooth base for makeup.
Almost Lipstick: Available in a range of nude and bold shades, Clinique's Almost Lipstick provided a subtle hint of color with a creamy, comfortable finish.
High Impact Mascara: While launched later, this mascara's volumizing and lengthening effects would have been a perfect complement to the bold lashes of the 80s.

Where to Buy: Clinique has its own online store and physical stores across the UK, including major department stores like Boots and Debenhams.

5. Bourjois (1863)

Bourjois, a French brand with a rich history dating back to the 19th century, found renewed success in the UK during the 80s. Its affordable, high-quality products, particularly its iconic blush, made it a favorite among young women.

Key 80s Products:

Little Round Pot Blush: Available in a range of vibrant shades like "Rose Ambrée" and "Peach Glow," Bourjois's iconic blush was a staple for creating a rosy flush.
Eye Shadow Palette: Bourjois offered a range of eye shadow palettes with both neutral and bold colors, allowing for a variety of looks.
Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick: While launched more recently, this lipstick's intense, matte finish and range of vibrant colors would have been a hit in the 80s.

Where to Buy: Bourjois products are widely available in the UK, including major drugstores like Boots and Superdrug, as well as online retailers like Amazon.

80s Makeup Looks: Revisiting the Classics

The "Power" Look

Foundation: A matte finish was key, and coverage was preferred over a natural look. Brands like Max Factor and Revlon offered foundations that provided a flawless canvas for the rest of the makeup.
Blush: Bright, vibrant shades were favored. This was the era of "blushing" with bright pink, plum, or peach shades. Popular brands included Bourjois, Max Factor, and CoverGirl.
Lipstick: Red was the ultimate power color. However, bold shades of pink, orange, and even purple were also popular. Brands like MAC, Estee Lauder, and Revlon offered a wide range of lipstick colors that allowed women to express their individuality.
Eyes: The 80s "power" look prioritized both dramatic and subtle eye makeup. Black liquid eyeliner was a staple for creating bold cat-eye looks, while soft shades of brown or blue were used for a more natural eye. Products like Maybelline's Liquid Eyeliner and Max Factor's Eye Shadow were popular choices.

The "New Wave" Look

Foundation: This look embraced a more natural base, often with a lighter coverage. Brands like Clinique and Maybelline offered foundations that provided a dewy, natural finish.
Blush: More subtle shades of rose or peach were used to create a natural, healthy glow, rather than a bold, dramatic flush.
Lipstick: Nude, pale pink, or light berry shades were preferred.
Eyes: The most defining characteristic of the "New Wave" look was the heavy use of eye shadow. Dark, smoky colors like black, grey, and purple were applied to create a dramatic, mysterious effect. Brands like Lancôme and Estee Lauder offered a variety of eye shadow colors and textures.

The "Neon" Look

Foundation: A matte finish was preferred, often with a heavier coverage to create a flawless canvas. Brands like Max Factor and CoverGirl offered foundations that provided a smooth base for bold eye makeup.
Blush: Bold and bright shades were favored, often in the same color family as the eyeshadow.
Lipstick: This look emphasized bold, bright shades of pink, orange, or purple.
Eyes: The "Neon" look was all about vibrant, colorful eye shadow. Bold shades like turquoise, magenta, and electric blue were applied liberally, often with a contrasting shade on the crease.

Where to Find 80s Makeup Brands (and More!) Today

While some of these brands might not have the exact same products available as they did back in the 80s, they continue to offer a wide range of makeup options that are perfect for recreating those nostalgic looks.

Here are some places you can find 80s makeup brands in the UK today:

Department stores: John Lewis, Selfridges, Debenhams, and Harvey Nichols often carry a wide selection of luxury brands like Estee Lauder and Clinique.
Drugstores: Boots and Superdrug carry a range of affordable brands like Bourjois, Maybelline, and Max Factor.
Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, ASOS, and Lookfantastic offer a wide range of makeup brands, including both classic and vintage options.
Vintage stores: Browse online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay to find vintage makeup products from the 80s, although it's essential to research product safety and expiration dates.

FAQs about 80s Makeup Brands UK

1. Are 80s makeup brands still relevant today?

Absolutely! Many 80s makeup brands are still popular today because their products continue to be high-quality and versatile. They offer a wide range of colors, finishes, and formulations that can be used to create both classic and modern makeup looks.

2. What are some of the most iconic 80s makeup looks?

The "Power," "New Wave," and "Neon" looks are just a few of the many iconic 80s makeup looks. These looks were defined by bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and a focus on expressing individuality.

3. Where can I find vintage 80s makeup products?

Vintage makeup products can be found on online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, although it's essential to research product safety and expiration dates before using them.

4. What are some modern brands that offer a similar aesthetic to 80s makeup brands?

Modern brands like ColourPop, Fenty Beauty, and Kylie Cosmetics offer a similar focus on bold colors, playful packaging, and innovative products, echoing the spirit of some 80s makeup brands.

Conclusion: Embrace the 80s Makeup Renaissance

The 80s were a decade of bold, experimental makeup trends that continue to inspire beauty enthusiasts today. From iconic brands like MAC and Estee Lauder to lesser-known gems like Bourjois, 80s makeup offers a nostalgic journey through time. So, embrace the 80s makeup renaissance, experiment with vibrant colors and bold looks, and let your inner Madonna or Boy George shine!

Ready to dive into the world of 80s makeup? Start your journey by exploring the websites of some of the brands mentioned in this article. You'll be surprised at how many timeless products still exist, waiting to be rediscovered!

Video 1980s Beauty Products found on every Vanity