70s Everyday Makeup: Easy Looks for Modern Days

The 70s were a decade of bold fashion and beauty trends, and makeup was no exception. From disco-inspired glitter to natural, bohemian looks, the 70s offered a diverse range of styles to explore. While some elements of 70s makeup may seem dated today, the spirit of experimentation and self-expression continues to inspire modern beauty enthusiasts. This article will delve into the key elements of 70s everyday makeup, providing tips and tricks to recreate these iconic looks for the modern world.

The Spirit of 70s Makeup: Beyond the Glitter

The 70s makeup scene was a vibrant mix of contrasting styles. On one hand, it embraced the boldness of disco glam with heavy eyeliner, shimmering eyeshadow, and bold lips. On the other hand, it celebrated a more natural, bohemian aesthetic with earthy tones, minimalist eye makeup, and flushed cheeks.

The defining characteristic of 70s makeup was its focus on enhancing natural features while embracing individuality. Unlike the heavily contoured looks of later decades, 70s makeup aimed to create a fresh, youthful glow. This approach to beauty emphasized self-expression and encouraged experimentation, allowing individuals to find their own unique style.

Key Elements of 70s Everyday Makeup

1. The Fresh-Faced Canvas: Skin Prep and Foundation

The 70s makeup era embraced a healthy, natural look. Skin prep was crucial, focusing on achieving a smooth, even base before applying foundation.

Skin Prep:

Cleansing: Gently cleanse your skin to remove dirt and impurities.
Exfoliating: Remove dead skin cells with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant.
Moisturizing: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to create a smooth surface for makeup.

Foundation:

Lightweight Formulas: Opt for lightweight foundation formulas, like tinted moisturizers or sheer foundation, for a natural finish.
Matching Skin Tone: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone precisely for a seamless finish.
Concealing Imperfections: Use concealer sparingly to cover blemishes or dark circles.

2. The Shimmering Eye: Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

Eyeshadow in the 70s was all about experimenting with color and texture. Whether you're going for a bold disco look or a natural, bohemian vibe, the right eyeshadow can make a statement.

Eyeshadow:

Shimmering Colors: Incorporate shimmery eyeshadows in shades of gold, bronze, copper, or silver for a touch of glam.
Neutral Browns and Earthy Tones: Neutral browns, warm greens, and dusty pinks were popular choices for everyday wear.
Application Techniques: Blend colors softly for a natural, diffused effect, or apply with a wet brush for a bolder, more dramatic look.

Eyeliner:

Winged Eyeliner: Winged eyeliner was a staple in 70s makeup, creating a dramatic and elongated eye shape.
Black or Brown: Black and brown eyeliners were the most popular choices.
Pencil or Liquid: Both pencil and liquid eyeliners were used, depending on the desired level of precision and intensity.

3. The Flush of Color: Blush

Blush was an essential element in 70s makeup, adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy to the complexion.

Blush Colors:

Peach, Rose, and Coral: These shades provided a natural flush, mimicking a healthy glow from within.
Application Techniques: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards the temples for a soft, natural effect.

4. The Defined Lips: Lipstick and Lip Liner

Lipsticks in the 70s ranged from bold, high-shine shades to muted, natural hues. The focus was on creating a well-defined lip shape with a touch of color.

Lipstick Colors:

Bold Reds and Oranges: Bright reds and oranges were popular choices for evening looks, while muted berries and pinks were preferred for everyday wear.
Matte or Glossy Finishes: Both matte and glossy finishes were fashionable, depending on the desired effect.

Lip Liner:

Matching or Slightly Darker: Lip liner was used to define the lip shape and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Application Techniques: Line the lips carefully, following the natural contours, and blend the liner slightly for a smooth, seamless finish.

5. Mastering the 70s Hairstyles: A Guide to Complimenting Makeup

The 70s were known for their iconic hairstyles, ranging from long flowing locks to voluminous curls and sleek bobs. These styles complemented the diverse makeup looks of the era, creating a cohesive and fashionable aesthetic.

Long Hairstyles:

Beach Waves: This effortless style involved loose, tousled waves for a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
Voluminous Curls: Long, flowing curls were a popular choice for evening occasions, adding a touch of glamour.

Short Hairstyles:

Sleek Bobs: The classic bob was often styled straight and sleek, showcasing sharp angles and clean lines.
Shaggy Layers: Short, layered cuts with a shaggy texture were a trending style for a more casual, effortless look.

Adapting 70s Makeup for Modern Times

While embracing inspiration from the 70s, modern interpretations of these looks often prioritize a more refined and wearable approach.

Modern Touches:

Minimalist Foundation: Opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural base, focusing on coverage where needed.
Subtle Shimmer: Opt for a lighter hand with shimmery eyeshadows, using them strategically to enhance eye shape and dimension.
Soft Blush: Opt for a subtle blush, strategically placing it on the apples of your cheeks to create a delicate flush.
Versatile Lipstick Colors: Opt for versatile lipstick shades that can be worn both day and night, emphasizing natural lip color with a touch of warmth.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions About 70s Makeup

Q1: What is the best way to create a subtle 70s makeup look for everyday wear?

A: Focus on a neutral eyeshadow palette with warm brown, beige, and peach tones. Use a soft shimmer shade on the lids for a subtle glow. Apply a light touch of blush and opt for a natural lipstick shade or a tinted lip balm for a fresh, youthful look.

Q2: How can I achieve the iconic 70s winged eyeliner look in a modern way?

A: Instead of a sharp, dramatic wing, aim for a more subtle and elongated flick. Use a thin eyeliner brush and a gentle hand to create a soft, elongated shape that complements your eye shape.

Q3: What are some current trends that complement the 70s makeup aesthetic?

A: The current focus on clean skin, natural makeup, and embracing individual beauty aligns well with the essence of 70s makeup. Trends like "glazed donut skin", minimal foundation, and soft, diffused eyeshadow palettes can be seamlessly incorporated into modern interpretations of 70s looks.

Conclusion: Embracing the 70s Spirit in Modern Beauty

70s makeup was a time of exploration and self-expression. While some elements may seem dated today, the core principles of enhancing natural features and embracing individual style remain relevant. By adopting a modern approach to 70s makeup, you can incorporate these iconic elements into your daily beauty routine, creating fresh, youthful, and on-trend looks. Remember, the key is to experiment, find your own unique style, and celebrate the power of makeup to express your individuality.

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Ready to channel your inner 70s beauty icon? Gather your favorite makeup tools and experiment with these timeless looks. Share your interpretations with fellow beauty enthusiasts and embrace the spirit of self-expression that defined the 70s!