1970s Makeup Disco: Glam Looks & Tutorials

1970s makeup disco

1970s Makeup: Disco Glam Looks & Tutorials

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation and self-expression, and makeup was no exception. The disco era saw the rise of dramatic, glamorous looks that celebrated individuality and a touch of theatricality. From shimmering shadows to bold lips, 1970s makeup was all about making a statement.

This article will delve into the iconic makeup trends of the 1970s, exploring the techniques and products behind these glamorous looks. We'll also guide you through some easy-to-follow tutorials to recreate the spirit of disco at home. Whether you're a makeup enthusiast or simply curious about the fashion of this vibrant era, prepare to be swept away by the dazzling world of 1970s makeup.

The Rise of Disco Glam

The 1970s saw a cultural shift towards self-expression and individuality, and makeup became a powerful tool for showcasing this. The disco movement, with its vibrant music and energetic dance scene, further fuelled this trend towards bold, glamorous beauty.

Key Makeup Trends

• Shimmering Eyes: Shimmering eye shadow was a staple of the 1970s makeup look. From metallic golds and silvers to vibrant blues and greens, these iridescent shades were used to create a dramatic effect, often applied across the entire lid.
• Bold Eyeliner: Thick, dramatic eyeliner was another key trend, with options ranging from liquid liner for a sharp, defined look to kohl pencil for a softer, smoky effect. Eyeliner was used to create exaggerated cat-eye shapes or to accentuate the outer corners of the eyes for a more dramatic appeal.
• Flushed Cheeks: Rosy cheeks were a must-have in the 1970s, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy to the face. Blush was typically applied in a circular motion on the apples of the cheeks, creating a natural and youthful flush.
• Glossy Lips: The 1970s embraced glossy lips, adding a touch of shine and volume. Lipsticks in bold colors like orange, red, and berry were popular, often paired with a shiny gloss for added dimension.

Essential Products for 1970s Makeup

To achieve the signature 1970s makeup look, you'll need a few essential products:

• Shimmering Eyeshadow Palette: Choose a palette with a mix of metallic and matte shades in warm and cool tones. Popular colors include gold, silver, bronze, copper, blue, green, and purple.
• Liquid Eyeliner: Black or brown liquid eyeliner is crucial for creating those dramatic cat-eye looks.
• Kohl Pencil: A black or brown kohl pencil allows for a softer, smoky eye look and can also be used to line the inner rim of the eye.
• Blush in a Rosy or Peach Tone: Opt for a cream or powder blush to add a natural flush to your cheeks.
• Bold Lipstick: Choose from a wide range of bold colors, such as red, orange, plum, or berry.
• Lip Gloss: A clear or lightly tinted gloss adds shine and volume to the lips.

1970s Makeup Tutorials: Step-by-Step

Tutorial 1: Shimmering Eye & Soft Lip

This tutorial combines the iconic shimmering eye with a softer lip for a balanced look.

1. Prepare Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face and apply your usual foundation and concealer.
2. Shimmering Eye:
   
   • Apply a light, neutral eyeshadow as a base across your entire lid.
   • Choose a metallic eyeshadow in gold, silver, or bronze and apply it to the center of your eyelid, blending outwards.
   • Add a touch of a darker metallic shade to the crease for added dimension.
   • Blend the edges of the shadows seamlessly.
3. Soft Eyeliner: Use a kohl pencil to line the upper lash line, smudging it slightly with a brush for a soft, smoky effect.
4. Rosy Cheek: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending outwards to create a natural flush.
5. Soft Lip: Apply a light pink or peach lipstick and top it off with a clear lip gloss.

Tutorial 2: Dramatic Cat-Eye & Bold Lip

This tutorial features a dramatic cat-eye and a bold lip, ideal for evening events or a night out on the town.

1. Prepare Your Skin: As before, start with a clean, moisturized face and apply foundation and concealer.
2. Dramatic Cat-Eye:
   • Use a black or brown liquid eyeliner to create a sharp cat-eye shape.
   • Extend the line beyond the outer corner of your eye, creating a winged effect.
   • Apply a few coats of mascara to emphasize your lashes.
3. Bold Lip: Choose a bold lipstick in a red, orange, or berry shade. Apply it evenly and use a lip liner to define the edges.
4. Subtle Highlight: Apply a touch of highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for a subtle glow.

1970s Makeup: Beyond the Basics

While shimmering eyes and bold lips were staples of the 1970s, there were many variations and sub-trends within this era.

The 70s Makeup Look: Beyond Disco

• Smoky Eye: The smoky eye, characterized by a dramatic blend of dark eyeshadows, was also popular in the 1970s. This look was often paired with a nude or light lip to balance the intensity of the eyes.
• Grunge Makeup: The emergence of punk and grunge music in the late 1970s brought darker, more rebellious makeup trends, including dark purple eyeshadow, heavy liner, and pale lips.
• Natural Makeup: Despite the emphasis on glam, natural makeup was also embraced by some during the 1970s. This look focused on enhancing natural features with light foundation, a touch of blush, and mascara.

FAQ: 1970s Makeup

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid with 1970s makeup?

A: Avoid going overboard with powder, which can make the look too heavy and dry. Be careful with shimmer, ensuring you blend it well to avoid a patchy or overly glittery appearance.

Q: Was there a common color palette used in 1970s makeup?

A: The 1970s makeup palette was bold and vibrant, featuring warm tones like gold, bronze, copper, and orange, as well as cool tones like silver, blue, green, and purple.

Q: What kind of hair styles were popular during the 1970s?

A: Hairstyles of the 1970s ranged from sleek and straight to voluminous and curly. Popular styles included the shag, the Farrah Fawcett flip, and long, flowing waves.

Conclusion: Reliving the Glam of the 1970s

The 1970s makeup era was a celebration of individuality and self-expression. With its bold colors, shimmering textures, and dramatic looks, it became a defining style of the decade. By understanding the key trends and techniques, you can recreate the spirit of disco glam at home, adding a touch of vintage style to your modern makeup routine.

Ready to step back in time and embrace the glamorous world of 1970s makeup? Start experimenting with these tutorials and find your own unique vintage glow!

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