80s Makeup Looks Simple: Easy Tutorials for Beginners

Hey there, readers! Do you find yourself drawn to the vibrant and bold makeup trends of the 1980s? If so, you're not alone. The 80s are experiencing a resurgence of popularity in fashion, music, and, of course, makeup. But recreating those iconic 80s looks can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. Don't worry! This guide has everything you need to master the art of 80s makeup, from basic techniques to advanced tips and tricks. We've analyzed the key elements of the 80s aesthetic and created easy-to-follow tutorials that will help you achieve those legendary looks. Get ready to embrace the power of color, glitter, and bold brows!

The Power of Color: 80s Makeup Trends

The 80s were a time of experimentation and self-expression, and this was reflected in the makeup trends of the era. Bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and vibrant eyeshadows reigned supreme. Think bold eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and a healthy dose of blush and bronzer. These trends weren't just about looking good; they were about making a statement, pushing boundaries, and expressing individuality through makeup. The 80s makeup scene is full of innovative looks that continue to inspire modern makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts.

Creating the Perfect Base: 80s Foundation & Concealer

The foundation of any great makeup look is a flawless base. In the 80s, achieving that perfect base often involved a dewy, radiant finish. To emulate this look, start with a hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas. Choose a foundation that provides medium to full coverage, but don't be afraid to embrace a bit of natural skin texture. The goal is to create a flawless but not overly matte finish. A touch of concealer on any blemishes or dark circles will enhance the overall radiance. Remember, a little goes a long way, so work gently with the foundation and concealer to avoid a caked-on appearance.

The Art of Blush & Bronzer: Adding Dimension & Color

Blush and bronzer were key ingredients in the 80s makeup arsenal, adding warmth, dimension, and a healthy glow to the face. For blush, choose a vibrant shade like peach, pink, or coral, and apply it generously to the apples of your cheeks. Don't be afraid to go bold! A little bit of extra color will give you that iconic 80s flush. Bronzer, on the other hand, was used to sculpt and contour the face, creating a more defined look. Apply it lightly along your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. The key is to use both blush and bronzer to create a healthy, radiant complexion that reflects the energy of the 80s.

Eyeshadow Techniques: Creating Dramatic Looks

The 80s were all about dramatic eye looks, and eyeshadow played a crucial role in achieving this. From bold colors to shimmery textures, the possibilities were endless. One popular technique was to apply a single, bright eyeshadow color over the entire eyelid, blending it out gently. This technique allowed the color to really pop and create a statement-making look. Another popular choice was to create a gradient effect, using two or more colors to transition from light to dark. For instance, you could apply a light pink or peach shade to the inner corner of the eye, blending it out with a darker pink or purple shade toward the outer corner. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and blending techniques.

Eye Liner: The Ultimate 80s Power Move

Eye liner was a must-have in the 80s, adding definition, drama, and a touch of allure to any look. Thick, bold lines were a popular choice, while winged eyeliner was a favorite among many. To achieve the signature 80s winged liner, use a liquid liner or a felt-tip pen, starting from the inner corner of the eye and drawing a thin line along the lash line. As you reach the outer corner, gradually extend the line upwards and outwards to create a wing shape. You can adjust the thickness of the line and the angle of the wing to your preference. Pro tip: If you find it hard to draw a perfect wing at first, use a small piece of tape to help guide your hand.

Mascara: Lash-tastic Volume for a Bold Look

To complete those mesmerizing 80s eye looks, you need mascara that offers ample volume and curl. The 80s were all about big, bold lashes that made a statement. Using a volumizing mascara with a defining wand, apply multiple coats to your lashes, focusing on the roots for maximum volume. If your lashes are naturally straight, consider using an eyelash curler before applying mascara to enhance their curl. You can even use a lash comb to separate and define your lashes for a more polished look. The goal is to create full, dramatic lashes that complement your eyeshadow and eyeliner.

Iconic 80s Makeup Looks: Step-by-Step Tutorials

Now that you've got a grasp of the basics, let's delve into some classic 80s makeup looks you can easily recreate at home. These tutorials are designed for beginners and focus on simple techniques, but they can be customized to your personal style.

80s Power Look: Bold Eyeshadow & Dramatic Liner

This look is all about making a statement with vibrant eyeshadow and bold eyeliner. We'll use a combination of colors to create a dramatic eye look. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prep the Base

Start with a clean face and apply your favorite hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas. Then, apply your foundation and concealer, ensuring that your skin is even and flawless. Don't forget to set your base with powder to prevent any oiliness.

Step 2: Create a Flawless Base

Apply your favorite foundation and concealer. Don't be afraid to embrace a bit of natural skin texture. The goal is to create a flawless but not overly matte finish. Use a blending sponge or brush to work the foundation and concealer into your skin seamlessly.

Step 3: Define the Brows

Fill in your brows with a brow pencil or powder, matching the color to your natural hair shade. Use a brow brush to blend and soften the edges for a natural look. Remember, full brows are key to the 80s aesthetic.

Step 4: Time for the Eyeshadow

Choose your favorite vibrant eyeshadow color. We'll apply this all over the eyelid. Use a small brush or sponge applicator to apply the eyeshadow evenly, blending it outwards to create a soft, diffused effect. You can use a darker shade in the crease for added depth. Try a combination of blue, green, purple, pink, or teal for the ultimate 80s vibe. Remember, don't be afraid to go bold with the color!

Step 5: Add a Touch of Shimmer

For a little extra sparkle, apply a shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the center of your eyelid. This will add a touch of glam to your look and help your eyes pop. Use a small brush or your finger to apply it gently.

Step 6: The Iconic Winged Liner

Draw a thick line of liquid liner or felt-tip pen along your upper lash line. Extend the line out at an angle to create a dramatic wing shape. You can adjust the thickness of the line and the angle of the wing to your preference. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and angles. The goal is to create a bold, statement-making wing.

Step 7: Mascara Magic

Apply multiple coats of volumizing mascara to your lashes, focusing on the roots for maximum volume. Use a lash comb to ensure that your lashes are separated and defined.

Step 8: Add Blush & Bronzer

Apply a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending outwards to create a natural flush of color. Then, lightly contour your cheekbones, temples, and jawline with bronzer to add dimension and definition. These touches will complete the look.

80s Glam Look: Shimmery Eyeshadow & Subtle Glitter

This look is all about capturing the glitz and glamour of the 80s with subtle shimmering eyeshadows and a touch of glitter. This look is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.

Step 1: Start with a Clean Canvas

Prepare your face by applying moisturizer and primer before applying your foundation and concealer. Remember, setting your base with powder will help prevent oiliness. Once you have a flawless base, you can move on to the eyes.

Step 2: Time for the Eyeshadow

Choose a shimmering eyeshadow in a neutral shade like gold, champagne, or bronze. Apply this all over the eyelid, blending it outwards to create a smooth, even finish. For added glamour, use a darker shade in the crease to add a subtle touch of depth.

Step 3: Emphasize the Center of the Lid

Using your finger or a small brush, apply a touch of shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the center of your eyelid. This will create a focal point and help your eyes pop. Choose a shade that complements your base eyeshadow color.

Step 4: Subtle Glitter

For a subtle touch of glitter, apply a tiny bit of loose glitter to the center of your eyelid. This will add a little extra sparkle and glamour to your look but won't make it too overwhelming. Use a small brush or your finger to apply the glitter gently.

Step 5: Line the Eyes

Line the upper lash line with a black or brown eyeliner. You can choose a liquid liner, gel liner, or pencil for the desired effect. For a glamorous look, consider creating a small wing at the outer corner of your eye. Don't go overboard with the wing, as the focus is on the shimmery eyeshadow and glitter.

Step 6: A Pop of Color

To tie in with the 80s aesthetic, add a touch of color to your cheeks with a bright blush. You can also use a bronzer to sculpt and contour your face. Remember, the goal is to create a healthy, radiant glow.

Step 7: Mascara Magic

Apply two coats of mascara to your lashes. Consider using a volumizing mascara to create a dramatic and defined look. Be sure to apply mascara evenly to both upper and lower lashes for a balanced look. Avoid clumping by combing through your lashes with a clean lash comb.

80s Retro Look: Bold Lips & Minimal Eye Makeup

This look is all about making a statement with a bold lip color and keeping the eye makeup minimal. It's a perfect example of how balance and contrast can create a statement-making look.

Step 1: Start with a Clean Base

Prep your skin with moisturizer and primer. Use a light-coverage foundation and concealer to create a flawless base. Remember, setting your base with powder will help prevent oiliness.

Step 2: Time for the Eyes

Apply a neutral eyeshadow to your eyelid. You can use a light brown, cream, or nude shade. This will create a subtle base for your eye makeup. Remember, the goal here is to keep the eye makeup minimal.

Step 3: Line the Lash Line

Use a black or brown eyeliner to line your upper lash line. You can choose a liquid liner, gel liner, or pencil. The goal is to create a defined and elegant look without going overboard with drama. You can also lightly line the bottom lash line for a more defined look.

Step 4: Curl Your Lashes

Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to create a lifted, dramatic look. This step will help open up your eyes and ensure that your lashes are perfectly defined. Apply mascara to your lashes using a lengthening mascara. A few coats are enough. Avoid going overboard with the mascara, as it can take away from the bold lip color.

Step 5: Time for the Lip Color

This is where the real star of the show comes in! Choose a bold lip color. Red, pink, orange, and even purple were popular choices. You can use a lipstick, lip gloss, or even a lip stain. The key is to choose a color that you feel confident wearing and that complements your complexion. Make sure your lips are clean and exfoliated before applying your lip color. You can create a perfect, defined lip line using a lip liner that matches the color of your lipstick.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a touch of color. Use a bronzer to lightly sculpt and define your face. Remember, the focus of the look should be on the bold lip color, so keep the rest of your makeup minimal and natural.

80s Makeup Tips & Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to master the art of 80s makeup:

Embrace the Power of Glitter

Glitter was a staple in 80s makeup, used to add sparkle and a touch of glam to eye looks and even lips. Use glitter sparingly to avoid an overly dramatic look. You can use glitter glue to hold the glitter in place or sprinkle it on top of a clear lip gloss or eyeshadow.

Experiment with Bold Eyeliner

The 80s saw a wide range of eyeliner styles, from thin lines to thick, dramatic wings. Use a liquid liner, gel liner, or pencil to create different styles and experiment with different colors. Teal, green, purple, and blue were all popular choices for eyeliner in the 80s.

Don't be Afraid to Highlight

Highlighting was a key part of the 80s makeup scene. Use a highlighter to brighten up your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow. You can also use a highlighter on your inner corners to make your eyes pop. Try a shimmery highlighter for a more dramatic look or a subtle shimmer for a more natural finish.

Play with Colored Mascara

While black mascara remained a classic, colored mascara also gained popularity in the 80s. Blue, green, and purple were often used to complement eye looks and add a touch of extra color. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors of mascara to find what works best for you.

Use a Setting Spray

A setting spray will help to lock in your makeup and prevent it from fading throughout the day. Choose a setting spray that is designed for your skin type and apply it to your face once your makeup is complete.

80s Makeup FAQs

What are the key features of 80s makeup?

80s makeup is characterized by bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, vibrant eyeshadows, and a healthy dose of blush and bronzer. Think big, bold lashes, defined brows, and a healthy, radiant complexion. The focus is on creating statement-making looks that celebrate color, expression, and individuality.

What makeup products should I use for 80s makeup?

For 80s makeup looks, you'll need a few key products: a hydrating primer, a foundation that provides medium to full coverage, concealer, blush, bronzer, eyeshadow in vibrant colors, liquid or gel eyeliner, volumizing mascara, and a bold lip color. You can also use a highlighter, glitter, and colored mascara if you wish.

How can I make my 80s makeup look more modern?

To create a more modern look, you can tone down the boldness and embrace a more subtle approach. Instead of using every bold element from the 80s, choose one or two key features to emphasize. For example, you could create a modern look with a bold lip and minimal eye makeup or a dramatic eye look with more natural-looking base makeup. The key is to find a balance that works for you and your personal style.

Conclusion

So there you have it, readers! We've explored the key elements of 80s makeup and provided easy-to-follow tutorials to help you recreate those iconic looks. Remember, the 80s were all about self-expression and having fun with makeup. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and styles to find what works best for you. You can even combine different 80s trends to create your own unique and modern looks. If you want to discover more makeup tips and tricks, be sure to check out our other articles. Get ready to embrace the bold and glamorous world of 80s makeup!

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