70s Disco Makeup Looks: Glam Retro Eye & Lip Ideas

Get ready to boogie back to the 70s! This era was a whirlwind of vibrant colors, bold shapes, and outlandish fashion, and makeup was no exception. If you’re looking to channel your inner Studio 54 queen, ditch the subtle and embrace the dazzling world of 70s disco makeup. This guide will walk you through the iconic looks, key products, and tips to recreate the glam of the decade.

The 70s disco makeup aesthetic was all about:

Bold colors: From vibrant eyeshadows to bright lipsticks, anything went!
Dramatic eyes: Think defined eyeliner, thick lashes, and even glitter!
Shimmer and shine: Metallic eyeshadows, glittery highlighter, and shimmering lip gloss were all the rage.
Emphasis on the eyes or lips: Choose one feature to emphasize and make it the star of the show.

The Must-Have Products for 70s Disco Makeup

Before we dive into specific looks, let’s gather the essential tools of the trade:

Eyeshadows

Metallic shades: Bronze, gold, silver, and copper were popular choices for the 70s disco eye.
Bold colors: Purple, blue, green, and pink were also used liberally, both in single-shade looks and colorful combinations.
Cream eyeshadows: These were popular for a smooth, even application and a more dramatic effect.
Glitter: For a truly dazzling finish, sprinkle some glitter on your lids, or even on the inner corners of your eyes.

Eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner: This was the star of the show, used to create thick, dramatic lines.
Pencil eyeliner: Black and brown pencils were used to smudge out the edges of liquid eyeliner for a softer look.
Gel eyeliner: This offered the best of both worlds – a creamy texture and a bold, defined line.

Mascara

Black mascara: This was the go-to for a dramatic, full-lash look.
Colored mascara: If you wanted to take things up a notch, you could choose a colorful mascara in purple, blue, or green.

Lipsticks

Bright colors: Red, orange, pink, and berry tones were all in style.
Matte finishes: These were favored over glossy lipsticks for a more dramatic and defined look.
Glossy lipsticks: Also popular, especially when paired with a bold eye.
Lip liner: Used to define the lips and prevent lipstick bleeding.

Other essentials

Foundation: A light, natural-looking foundation was preferred.
Powder: Used to set makeup and create a matte finish.
Blush: Choose a neutral or peachy shade for a natural flush.
Highlighter: Cream or powder highlighter was applied to cheekbones and brow bones for a radiant glow.

Iconic 70s Disco Makeup Looks

Now that we’ve got our tools, let’s get into some iconic 70s disco makeup looks you can recreate:

1. The “Seductive Smokey Eye”

This look is all about creating a smoky, alluring eye that’s perfect for a night out.

Here’s how to achieve it:

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base across your entire lid.
Using a black or brown pencil eyeliner, line your upper lash line and smudge it out for a smoky effect.
Apply a dark, shimmery eyeshadow like bronze or copper to the outer corner of your eye and blend it into the crease.
Light up the inner corner of your eye with a shimmering white or champagne eyeshadow.
Apply a few coats of black mascara to your lashes, focusing on the outer corners.
Finish with a nude or pink lipstick.

Variations:

For a more intense look, use a black liquid eyeliner for a sharp, graphic line.
For a bolder color, replace the bronze or copper eyeshadow with a deep purple or navy blue.

2. The “Glam Rock” Eye

This look is all about big, bold colors and statement lashes.

Here's how to achieve it:

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base across your entire lid.
Apply a bright, bold eyeshadow to your entire lid, starting at the lash line and blending it up towards the crease. Purple, blue, green, and pink are all popular choices.
Use a black or brown pencil eyeliner to line your upper lash line, focusing on the outer corner to create a wing.
Apply a few coats of black mascara to your lashes, focusing on the outer corners.
For an extra-dramatic look, add some false lashes.
Finish with a nude or light pink lipstick.

Variations:

Embrace a playful vibe by adding a touch of glitter to your lids or inner corners.
For a more subtle look, try using a lighter shade of eyeshadow.

3. The “Disco Ball” Eyes

This look is all about shimmer and shine.

Here's how to achieve it:

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base across your entire lid.
Apply a shimmery silver or gold eyeshadow to your entire lid, blending it up towards the crease.
Use a black or brown pencil eyeliner to line your upper lash line and smudge it out for a smoky effect.
Apply a few coats of black mascara to your lashes.
For an extra-dazzling touch, add some glitter to your lids or inner corners.
Finish with a nude or light pink lipstick.

Variations:

Try a bold lip color in red, orange, or pink for a contrasting pop.
Use a silver or gold highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones to really amp up the shine.

4. The “Bold Lip” Look

This classic look is all about a statement lip.

Here's how to achieve it:

Apply a light, natural-looking foundation to your skin.
Contour your cheekbones and jawline with a bronzer or blush.
Define your brows with a brow pencil or powder.
Apply a neutral eyeshadow base to your lids.
Line your lips with a lip liner in the same shade as your chosen lipstick.
Apply a bold lipstick in red, orange, pink, or berry.
Finish with a light coat of mascara.

Variations:

Add a touch of shimmer to your eyelids with a metallic eyeshadow.
Use a creamy highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones for a radiant glow.

Tips for Mastering 70s Disco Makeup

Embrace the bold: Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colors and dramatic looks.
Use a light hand: Build up your makeup gradually, starting with a light layer and adding more as needed.
Blend, blend, blend: Blending is key to creating a smooth and seamless look.
Don’t forget the glitter: A little sparkle can really take your look to the next level.
Have fun! 70s disco makeup is all about expressing your personality and having fun with it.

FAQ about 70s Disco Makeup

1. What is the most important aspect of 70s disco makeup?

The most important aspect is the use of bold, statement-making elements, whether it's a dramatic eye, a vibrant lip, or a dash of glitter.

2. How can I achieve a natural-looking 70s disco makeup look?

Use a light hand with your eyeliner and eyeshadow, and blend everything out thoroughly for a softer, more natural effect.

3. Is there a specific way to apply eyeliner in the 70s style?

Yes, the signature 70s eyeliner look involved a thick, dramatic line that extended past the outer corner of the eye. This line might be slightly winged at the end, but it was generally less pointed than a modern cat-eye.

4. What are some popular 70s disco makeup looks for different skin tones?

For fair skin, try a pink or purple eyeshadow with a soft blush. For medium skin, a bronze or gold eyeshadow with a peach or coral blush are excellent choices. Darker skin tones can rock navy blue or emerald green eyeshadows with a deeper burgundy or red blush.

5. Can I still achieve a fun 70s disco look with a minimalist approach?

Definitely! A simple, bright lip with a touch of shimmer on the eyelids and a few coats of mascara can still create a playful and retro vibe.

Conclusion: Embrace the Glam of 70s Disco Makeup

70s disco makeup is a vibrant and exciting way to express your inner star. Embrace bold colors, graphic eyeliner, dazzling glitter, and experiment with different looks until you find your signature style. Whether you're creating a full retro look for a themed party or adding a touch of 70s flair to your everyday makeup routine, the glamour of the disco era is waiting to be unleashed. So, put on your dancing shoes, blast some Donna Summer, and get ready to shine!

Call to action: Share your favorite 70s disco makeup looks in the comments below! Let's celebrate the iconic beauty of the decade together.