Makeup Jaren 70: Retro Looks & Tutorials

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation in fashion and beauty, and makeup trends mirrored this spirit of rebellion and self-expression. From the glam rock vibes of David Bowie to the disco-inspired glitter and shine of Donna Summer, the 70s offered a diverse palette of makeup looks that continue to inspire beauty enthusiasts today. This article will dive deep into the world of 70s makeup, exploring iconic looks, key products, and step-by-step tutorials to help you recreate these retro styles.

Get ready to unleash your inner disco queen or glam rock legend as we journey back in time to discover the secrets of 70s makeup!

The Iconic Looks of the 70s

The 70s saw a blend of natural and dramatic makeup styles, reflecting the ever-evolving social landscape. Here are some of the most iconic looks that defined the era:

1. The "Natural Beauty" Look:

This look embraced a more understated aesthetic compared to later decades. Key elements included:

Barely-there foundation: A light, sheer foundation that allowed the skin's natural texture to show through.
Rosy cheeks: Blush was applied to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy flush, often in soft peach, apricot, or coral shades.
Defined brows: Brows were groomed and defined with a brow pencil or powder, but kept natural in shape rather than overly arched.
Neutral lips: Lip colors ranged from sheer glosses to soft nude shades.

2. The "Glam Rock" Look:

Inspired by the rise of glam rock bands like David Bowie and T. Rex, this look was all about bold, dramatic features:

Smoky eyes: Dark, smoky eye makeup was a cornerstone of this look, using black or dark brown eyeshadows to create a dramatic, smudged effect.
Bold liner: Thick, black eyeliner was used to create winged or cat-eye shapes, emphasizing the eyes.
Pale skin: A pale foundation was preferred, often accompanied by a touch of contouring to enhance the cheekbones.
Neutral or nude lips: While the eyes took center stage, lips were kept neutral or nude to avoid overwhelming the face.

3. The "Disco Queen" Look:

With the disco scene reaching its peak in the late 70s, makeup became an integral part of the party atmosphere:

Shimmer and glitter: Glitter eyeshadows, highlighters, and body glitter were embraced to add sparkle and shine.
Bold colors: Bright, vibrant eyeshadow colors like turquoise, emerald green, and purple were incorporated to create eye-catching looks.
Bold lashes: False eyelashes were popular, adding extra drama and volume to the eyes.
Strong brows: Eyebrows were often sculpted with a strong arch and filled in with a dark brow pencil.
Metallic lips: Metallic lipstick shades, like silver, gold, or bronze, were a popular choice for a dramatic and glamorous finish.

Essential Products for 70s Makeup

To achieve these iconic looks, you'll need a few essential products:

1. Foundation:

Sheer, light-coverage foundations: Choose formulas labeled as “sheer,” “natural,” or “light coverage.”
Powder foundations: Powder foundations were popular in the 70s, providing a matte finish.
Concealer: Use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles, choosing a shade that matches your skin tone.

2. Blush:

Cream blushes: Cream blushes blend easily and provide a natural, dewy flush.
Powder blushes: Powder blushes offer a more matte finish and are available in a wide range of shades.
Popular shades: Peach, apricot, coral, rose, and mauve were all popular choices in the 70s.

3. Eyeshadow:

Neutral shades: For natural looks, opt for soft browns, beige, and cream shades.
Bold, vibrant colors: For more dramatic looks, experiment with turquoise, emerald green, purple, and gold eyeshadows.
Glitter and shimmer: Glitter and shimmer eyeshadows were popular in the late 70s, adding a touch of glam to disco-inspired looks.

4. Eyeliner:

Liquid eyeliner: Perfect for creating precise lines and wings.
Pencil eyeliner: More forgiving for smudging and creating smoky eye effects.
Dark brown or black eyeliner: The most popular choices for creating bold, dramatic looks.

5. Mascara:

Volumizing mascara: Choose a mascara that adds volume and length to your lashes.
Black or brown mascara: Black mascara is a classic choice, while brown is a gentler alternative.

6. Lipstick:

Nude shades: For natural looks, opt for nude, pale pink, or beige lipstick shades.
Bold shades: For dramatic looks, experiment with bold reds, oranges, or magenta shades.
Metallic shades: Silver, gold, and bronze lipsticks were popular in the late 70s, adding a touch of glam to disco-inspired looks.

70s Makeup Tutorials: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to step back in time and recreate these iconic looks? Here are step-by-step tutorials for three popular 70s styles:

1. The "Natural Beauty" Look:

Prep your skin: Start with a clean face and apply a light moisturizer.
Apply foundation: Use a sheer, light-coverage foundation and blend it evenly across your skin using a sponge or your fingers.
Conceal imperfections: Apply concealer to any blemishes or dark circles and blend carefully.
Add a touch of color: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend outwards towards your hairline.
Define your brows: Brush your brows into shape and fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder.
Add a touch of shine: Apply a light dusting of translucent powder or a cream highlighter to your cheekbones and brow bone for a gentle glow.
Finish with a natural lip: Apply a sheer lip gloss or a nude lipstick for a final touch.

2. The "Glam Rock" Look:

Prep your skin: Start with a clean face and apply a light moisturizer.
Apply foundation: Use a pale foundation and blend it evenly across your skin using a sponge or your fingers.
Contour your face: Use a contouring powder or cream to enhance your cheekbones, nose, and jawline.
Create a smoky eye: Apply a dark brown or black eyeshadow to your crease and blend upwards towards your brow bone.
Line your eyes: Use a black liquid or pencil eyeliner to create a winged or cat-eye shape.
Define your brows: Use a brow pencil to fill in and define your brows.
Complete with a neutral lip: Apply a nude lipstick or lip gloss for a final touch.

3. The "Disco Queen" Look:

Prep your skin: Start with a clean face and apply a light moisturizer.
Apply foundation: Use a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it evenly across your skin using a sponge or your fingers.
Highlight and contour: Use a highlighter to emphasize your cheekbones, brow bone, and Cupid's bow. Use a bronzer or contouring powder to define your cheekbones and jawline.
Create a bold eye: Apply a vibrant eyeshadow color to your eyelids and blend upwards towards your brow bone. Add a touch of glitter eyeshadow to the center of your lids for extra sparkle.
Line your eyes: Use a black liquid eyeliner to create a winged or cat-eye shape.
Apply false eyelashes: Optional, but highly recommended for added drama and volume.
Define your brows: Use a brow pencil to fill in and define your brows, creating a strong arch.
Finish with a metallic lip: Choose a silver, gold, or bronze lipstick for a glamorous touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the best makeup products for achieving 70s looks?

A: While many modern makeup brands can be used to recreate 70s looks, some specific brands offer products that are reminiscent of the era.

Urban Decay: Offers a wide range of eyeshadow palettes with both neutral and vibrant colors.
Kylie Cosmetics: Offers bold lip colors, including many metallic shades perfect for 70s looks
Fenty Beauty: Offers highlighters and bronzers that are perfect for creating a radiant, sculpted look.

Q: Are there any specific techniques for applying 70s makeup?

A: While many modern makeup techniques can be used to recreate 70s looks, some specific techniques were popular in the 70s:

Smudging: Using a cotton swab or brush to smudge eyeliner for a smoky, undefined look.
Layering: Applying multiple eyeshadow colors to create depth and dimension.
Feathering: Blending eyeshadows outwards towards the brow bone for a soft, feathered effect.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about 70s makeup?

A: One common misconception is that 70s makeup was always bold and dramatic. While many looks were indeed bold, there were also several understated, natural looks that were popular in the decade.

Conclusion: Embrace the Retro Vibes of the 70s

The 1970s was a defining decade for makeup, offering a diverse range of iconic looks that continue to inspire beauty enthusiasts today. From the natural beauty of the early 70s to the bold glamour of the disco era, there is a 70s makeup look for every taste and personality.

By mastering the key products and techniques, you can recreate these retro styles and unleash your inner disco queen, glam rock legend, or natural beauty. So, grab your favorite 70s playlist, gather your makeup essentials, and get ready to celebrate the bold, expressive beauty of this iconic decade!

Don't forget to share your 70s makeup creations on social media and tag #70sMakeup!