70s Costume Makeup: Retro Looks & Tutorials

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, and makeup trends reflected this spirit. From the glam rock scene to disco fever, the 70s brought a whirlwind of iconic looks, defined by vibrant colors, shimmering textures, and a carefree attitude. Whether you're attending a themed party, channeling your inner disco queen, or simply embracing the vintage vibes, mastering 70s costume makeup can be both fun and rewarding. This guide will delve into the key elements of 70s makeup, providing tutorials and tips for recreating these timeless looks.

The Essence of 70s Makeup

The 70s makeup aesthetic was all about enhancing natural features with a touch of drama and a lot of personality. Key features include:

Bold Eyes: Eyes were the focal point, with dramatic eyeliner, colorful eyeshadow, and long, fluttery lashes.
Contoured & Sculpted: Contouring and highlighting were used to define cheekbones and create a more sculpted look.
Glowy Skin: A healthy, radiant complexion was key, achieved with blush, bronzer, and shimmery highlighters.
Statement Lips: From bold reds to deep plums, lips were a canvas for experimentation with bold color.

Iconic 70s Makeup Looks

Several iconic looks emerged from the 70s, each capturing a different facet of the decade's style. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Disco Fever Glow:

Skin: A dewy, bronzed base with a focus on highlighting cheekbones and brow bones.
Eyes: Smoky eyes in warm tones like browns, golds, and oranges.
Lips: Shiny, peachy pink or coral shades.

Tutorial:

Prep your skin: Apply a lightweight foundation and concealer for an even base.
Contour & Highlight: Use a bronzer to sculpt the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline. Add shimmery highlighter to cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow.
Eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow base, followed by a blend of warm browns and golds on the lids. Use a black or brown eyeliner to create a subtle cat-eye flick.
Lashes: Apply multiple coats of mascara for volume, or use false lashes for added drama.
Lips: Finish with a shiny lip gloss in a peachy pink or coral shade.

2. Glam Rock Goddess:

Skin: Pale, almost ghostly base with a matte finish.
Eyes: Heavy black eyeliner, dramatic winged eyes, and dark, smoky hues.
Lips: Bold red lipstick, often with a matte finish.

Tutorial:

Prep your skin: Apply a matte foundation and concealer and set with powder.
Eyes: Use a black pencil or liquid liner to create a thick, winged eyeliner. Blend a black or dark grey eyeshadow on the lids and crease for a smoky effect.
Lashes: Apply false lashes for added drama, or use mascara for a more subtle look.
Lips: Apply bold red lipstick and blot for a matte finish.

3. Bohemian Chic:

Skin: Natural, fresh, and minimal coverage.
Eyes: Neutral eyeshadow with a touch of glimmer, and mascara for definition.
Lips: Nude or light pink lipsticks, with a hint of shine.

Tutorial:

Prep your skin: Apply a tinted moisturizer or light foundation for minimal coverage.
Eyes: Use a neutral eyeshadow palette in earthy tones like browns, beige, and copper. Apply a light shimmer eyeshadow to the center of the lids for a subtle glow.
Lashes: Apply a coat of mascara for natural definition.
Lips: Apply a nude or light pink lipstick with a touch of gloss for a natural finish.

Makeup Products to Recreate the 70s Look

Foundation: Matte formulas, or lightweight, tinted moisturizers.
Powder: Translucent setting powder for a matte finish.
Bronzer: Warm toned bronzers for sculpting and contouring.
Highlighter: Cream or powder highlighters with a shimmery finish.
Eyeshadow: Shimmery colors and textures, especially in warm tones like browns, golds, and oranges.
Eyeliner: Black or brown liquid or pencil liner for bold lines.
Mascara: Volumizing mascara for dramatic lashes.
False Eyelashes: For added lash volume and drama.
Lipstick: Bold reds, deep plums, peachy pinks, coral shades, and nude lipsticks.
Lip Gloss: For a shiny finish.

70s Hair & Accessories

No 70s look is complete without the iconic hairstyles and accessories to complement the makeup.

Hair: Consider voluminous waves, long, straight hair with a center parting, or big curls with a side parting.
Accessories: Headbands, scarves, large hoop earrings, and chunky necklaces are all popular 70s accessories.

Tips for Mastering 70s Costume Makeup

Practice: Practice your chosen 70s look beforehand for a polished final look.
Embrace the Bold: Don't be afraid to play with color and experiment with different looks.
Less is More (Sometimes): While many 70s looks are bold, remember that sometimes a subtle approach can be more effective, especially for daytime events.
Use Quality Products: Investing in quality makeup products will ensure a long-lasting and vibrant look.

FAQs

1. Are there specific 70s makeup techniques I should know?

Cut Crease: This involves creating a sharp line between the crease and eyelid to create a dramatic effect.
Winged Eyeliner: Winged eyeliner is key to creating a 70s eye look, and can be achieved with both liquid and pencil liner.
Overlining Lips: Overlining the lips with liner can create a fuller, more dramatic look.

2. How can I achieve that iconic 70s glow?

Use a liquid highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow for a subtle shimmer.
Add a bit of bronzer to the high points of your face.
Invest in a hydrating foundation for a dewy finish.

3. How do I choose the right 70s makeup look for me?

Consider the event you're attending and choose a look that reflects the occasion.
Consider your personal style and choose a look that complements your features.

Conclusion

Mastering the 70s makeup look is all about embracing creativity and having fun with bold colours, textures, and techniques. Whether you're channeling a disco diva, a glam rock goddess, or a free-spirited bohemian, with a little practice and the right products, you can recreate these iconic looks and transport yourself back to the groovy decade. So grab your favorite 70s tunes, gather your makeup essentials, and get ready to unleash your inner retro queen!

Call to Action: Try out one of these tutorials and share your stunning 70s look on social media with the hashtag #70sMakeup!