80s New Wave Makeup Looks & Tutorials

80s new wave makeup
80s new wave makeup

80s New Wave Makeup Looks & Tutorials: A Guide to Bold Expression

The 1980s saw a surge in artistic expression, and makeup was no exception. New Wave, with its rebellious spirit and innovative sounds, mirrored a bold new era in beauty. This iconic era embraced bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and a fearless approach to self-expression. If you're looking to channel your inner 80s rockstar, this guide will walk you through 80s New Wave makeup looks and tutorials.

The Defining Features of 80s New Wave Makeup

80s New Wave makeup is all about making a statement. It's about pushing boundaries and celebrating individuality. Here are some key features:

1. Bold Eyes:

  • Smoky Eyes: Deep, smudged eyeshadows, often in shades of black, gray, or navy, were the go-to for an intense, dramatic look.
  • Graphic Eyeliner: Think sharp winged liner, heavy cat eyes, and even colorful lines extending beyond the lash line.
  • False Lashes: Dramatic lashes were a must-have, and a generous application of mascara sealed the deal.

2. Contoured and Sculpted Face:

  • Contouring: Sculpting the cheekbones with bronzer or blush was crucial for creating a defined and chiseled look.
  • Blush: Blush was applied generously, often to the apples of the cheeks and blended upwards towards the temples.

3. Bold Lips:

  • Matte Lips: Matte lipsticks, often in bright shades like red, pink, or even black, were popular, offering a strong and edgy look.
  • Glossy Lips: A clear or colorful gloss could also be layered over lipstick for a high-shine finish.

4. Bright Colors:

  • Neon Colors: The 80s saw an explosion of vibrant neon shades, including lime green, hot pink, and electric blue. These colors were often used for eyeshadow or liner, creating a statement look.
  • Purple Tones: Another popular shade was purple, especially in its more vibrant forms, adding a touch of royalty and mystique.

80s New Wave Makeup Tutorials: Step-by-Step Guides

1. The Classic Smoky Eye:

Products:

  • Eyeshadow palette with black, gray, and white shades
  • Black eyeliner
  • Mascara
  • Blending brush
  • Eyeshadow brush

Steps:

  1. Prep the Eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow primer to your eyelids for longer-lasting wear.
  2. Contour the Crease: Use a dark gray eyeshadow and a blending brush to contour the crease of your eyelid. Blend upwards towards the brow bone for a seamless finish.
  3. Define the Lid: Apply a black eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid, blending outwards towards the crease.
  4. Highlight the Inner Corner: Use a white eyeshadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyes, brightening and opening them up.
  5. Line and Smudge: Using a black eyeliner, line your upper lash line, creating a winged effect. Smudge the liner with a cotton swab or blending brush for a softer, smoky effect.
  6. Apply Mascara: Finish with a generous application of black mascara to both upper and lower lashes.

2. The Graphic Eyeliner Look:

Products:

  • Liquid eyeliner
  • Black eyeshadow
  • Small angled brush

Steps:

  1. Prepare the Lid: Apply neutral eyeshadow to the entire eyelid for a smooth canvas.
  2. Create a Wing: Using a liquid eyeliner, start at the outer corner of your eye and draw a sharp wing, extending it upwards towards the end of your brow bone.
  3. Extend the Line: Continue the line along your upper lash line, connecting it to the wing.
  4. Enhance with Shadow: Dip a small angled brush into black eyeshadow and use it to smudge the liner, intensifying the effect.
  5. Add a Pop of Color (Optional): For an extra touch of 80s flair, use a bright neon eyeliner to draw a line across the inner corner of your eye, extending it outwards towards the brow bone.

3. The Bright Neon Eyeshadow:

Products:

  • Neon eyeshadow palette
  • Blending brush
  • Eyeshadow brush
  • Black eyeliner

Steps:

  1. Prep the Lids: Apply a primer to your eyelids to prevent creasing and ensure long-lasting wear.
  2. Apply the Neon Color: Using a flat eyeshadow brush, pack your chosen neon eyeshadow onto your entire eyelid, blending it outwards towards the crease.
  3. Blend and Define: Use a blending brush to soften the edges of the eyeshadow and create a smooth transition.
  4. Line the Eyes: Use black eyeliner to line your upper lash line and enhance the boldness of the look.
  5. Complete with Mascara: Finish with a generous application of black mascara to both upper and lower lashes.

80s New Wave Makeup Beyond the Eyes: Skin and Lips

1. Flawless Base:

  • Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly and apply it evenly to your face using a brush, sponge, or your fingers.
  • Concealer: Use a concealer to cover dark circles, blemishes, and any other imperfections.
  • Powder: Set your makeup with a translucent powder to prevent shine and make it last longer.

2. Sculpted Cheeks:

  • Bronzer: Use a bronzer to contour your cheekbones, jawline, and temples.
  • Blush: Apply blush generously to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a healthy flush.

3. Bold Lips:

  • Matte Lipstick: Choose a bold matte lipstick in a vibrant color like red, pink, or even black. Apply it evenly with a lip brush for a precise and dramatic look.
  • Glossy Lips: Alternatively, you can layer a clear or colorful gloss over your lipstick for a high-shine finish.

80s New Wave Makeup Inspiration: From the Stars to the Streets

The 80s saw a slew of iconic musicians and actors rocking this bold style.

1. Madonna: Madonna, the Queen of Pop, embraced bold colors and dramatic eyeliner, often paired with vibrant hair and accessories. 2. Cyndi Lauper: Lauper was known for her playful use of color and her signature bright-pink hair. 3. David Bowie: Bowie's androgynous looks often featured bold eyes and a touch of glitter, pushing the boundaries of masculinity and femininity.

FAQ: 80s New Wave Makeup

1. How do I make my 80s New Wave makeup look modern?

To update the look for today, consider using softer colors, blending more seamlessly, and opting for more natural lashes.

2. What are some essential 80s New Wave makeup products I need?

Key products include:

  • Eyeshadow palette with a variety of colors, including neutrals, bold shades, and metallics
  • Black liquid eyeliner
  • Mascara
  • Highlighter
  • Bronzer
  • Blush
  • Matte lipstick in a bold color

3. Where can I find inspiration for 80s New Wave makeup?

There are many resources, including:

  • Old magazines: Look for fashion magazines from the 1980s.
  • Movies: Watch classic 80s films like "Purple Rain" and "Flashdance" for iconic makeup inspiration.
  • Online tutorials: Search for "80s New Wave makeup tutorials" on YouTube or other online platforms.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner 80s Rockstar

80s New Wave makeup is all about expressing yourself through bold and daring looks. Whether you're a seasoned makeup veteran or just starting your makeup journey, embracing this iconic era is a fun and empowering experience. By understanding the key elements - bold eyes, sculpted face, and vibrant lips - you can create captivating looks that are both retro and modern. So, unleash your inner rockstar and let your makeup speak volumes about your unique style!

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Ready to rock your own 80s New Wave look? Share your favorite makeup creations with us in the comments below! We'd love to see your bold and expressive looks!

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