1970s Makeup Looks: Retro Glam Guide

The 1970s was a decade of dramatic change and bold self-expression. This rebellious spirit extended to fashion and beauty, where 1970s makeup became a canvas for experimentation and individuality. From disco glamour to earthy bohemian vibes, the era offered a range of looks that reflected the changing social landscape. This guide will delve into the iconic makeup trends of the 1970s, offering a complete breakdown of the essential techniques and products for recreating these timeless styles.

The Evolution of 1970s Makeup: A Timeline

The 1970s makeup scene wasn't a singular trend. It evolved over the decade, influenced by cultural shifts, emerging subcultures, and the rise of new beauty products.

Early 1970s: This period still carried echoes of the 1960s, featuring natural, almost bare-faced looks. Think dewy skin, soft eye shadow, and minimal blush.

Mid-1970s: As the decade progressed, makeup became bolder and more experimental. The rise of disco and glam rock fueled the desire for dramatic looks, with heavy eyeliner, vibrant eyeshadow, and dramatic blush.

Late 1970s: The late 1970s saw a return to natural beauty ideals, but with a sophisticated twist. Emphasis on flawless skin, contoured cheeks, and neutral eye makeup became popular.

Iconic 1970s Makeup Looks

1. The Disco Queen: This iconic look is all about high shine and dramatic drama.

Eyes: Experiment with vibrant eyeshadows in gold, silver, purple, and blue. Apply heavy black eyeliner, creating winged cat eyes or thick lines. Mascara is essential, with false lashes for added impact.
Cheeks: Use a bright blush in shades of peach, pink, or coral, applying with a heavy hand.
Lips: Go bold with high-impact lipsticks in reds, oranges, or browns. Glossy finishes are perfect for that disco-era shine.

2. The Bohemian Beauty: This look embodies the free-spirited spirit of the era.

Eyes: Keep it natural with earthy tones like browns, greens, and golds. Shimmering eyeshadows add a touch of magic. Thick black eyeliner is optional.
Cheeks: Use a bronzer or peach blush for a sun-kissed glow.
Lips: Focus on natural-looking lips with neutral shades or a touch of berry lipstick.

3. The Glam Rock Diva: This edgy look draws inspiration from the glam rock music scene.

Eyes: Heavy eyeliner is key, creating dramatic lines and shapes. Experiment with metallic eyeshadows in silver, gold, and black, creating a smoky eye effect.
Cheeks: Skip the blush and focus on a sculpted cheekbone with contouring powder.
Lips: Keep lips neutral or opt for a bold red lipstick.

4. The Natural Beauty: This look emphasizes flawless skin and a "no-makeup" makeup vibe.

Eyes: Keep eye makeup minimal with brown or nude eyeshadows. Opt for a light coat of mascara.
Cheeks: Use a subtle blush in peach or coral for a natural flush.
Lips: Keep lips soft and natural with nude or light pink lipstick.

Essential 1970s Makeup Products

1. Cream Eyeshadows: These were a go-to for creating vibrant, long-lasting eye looks.

2. Eyeliner Pencils: Thick, dramatic lines were a hallmark of the decade.

3. Mascara: Black mascara, both regular and volumizing, was a must-have for defining lashes.

4. Blush: Blush was used generously, creating a healthy, flushed look.

5. Lipstick: High-impact color was key, with reds, oranges, and browns dominating the scene.

6. Lip Gloss: Glossy finishes added shine to both lips and eyes.

7. Bronzer: Bronzer was used for contouring and creating a sun-kissed glow.

8. Foundation: Foundation, both liquid and powder, was used to create a flawless base.

1970s Makeup Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Skin Preparation: Start with clean, well-moisturized skin. Apply foundation for a smooth, even base, and use a touch of concealer to cover blemishes and dark circles.

2. Eyes:

Eyeshadow: Choose colors inspired by the desired look. Apply a neutral base to the entire lid, then add a bolder shade to the crease.
Eyeliner: Use a pencil to create thick lines, defining the upper lash line, waterline, or inner corner.
Mascara: Apply 2-3 coats of mascara, adding false lashes for an extra touch of drama.

3. Cheeks: Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy flush or use bronzer to contour.

4. Lips: Apply lipstick evenly, focusing on precise lines. Use a lip liner to define the shape if desired.

5. Finishing Touches: Set your makeup with a light dusting of loose powder.

FAQs about 1970s Makeup

1. What were some of the popular eye makeup trends of the 1970s?

Heavy Eyeliner: Cat eyes, graphic lines, and thick eyeliner were essential for creating dramatic eye looks.
Vibrant Eyeshadow: Bold colors like gold, silver, purple, blue, and green were used to create impactful looks.
Smokey Eyes: The smokey eye became popular, with black or gray eyeshadows blended intensely.

2. Were there any unique makeup techniques or tools used in the 1970s?

Cream Eyeshadow: Cream eyeshadows offered a vibrant, long-lasting color, especially for disco looks.
Eyeliner Pencils: Thick eyeliner pencils were crucial for creating dramatic lines and shapes.
False Eyelashes: False lashes, both full strip and individual lashes, were popular for adding volume and drama.

3. What are some modern makeup brands that offer 1970s-inspired products?

Fenty Beauty: Rihanna's brand frequently draws inspiration from vintage makeup trends.
Urban Decay: This brand is known for its bold and edgy makeup, offering products that complement 1970s looks.
MAC Cosmetics: Offers a wide range of classic and modern makeup products that can be used to recreate 1970s styles.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of 1970s Makeup

1970s makeup was more than just a fleeting trend. It was a symbol of self-expression, rebellion, and a celebration of individuality. These iconic looks remain relevant today, inspiring modern makeup lovers to embrace the bold and dramatic. So, channel your inner disco queen, glamorous rock star, or free-spirited bohemian and step back in time with these timeless makeup styles.

Ready to unleash your inner 1970s icon? Start experimenting with vibrant colors, bold eyeliner, and dramatic lashes, and remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Embrace the spirit, recreate the looks, and express yourself!