70s Eye Makeup Looks: Retro Glam Inspiration

The 70s were a decade of bold experimentation, particularly when it comes to makeup. Forget the subtle and natural looks of the 60s, the 70s embraced vibrant colors, dramatic lines, and a touch of shimmer. 70s eye makeup captured the era's free-spirited energy and pushed boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on beauty trends today.

This article will delve into the iconic looks that defined the 70s, exploring the key elements, techniques, and products that helped create these timeless styles. Whether you're a makeup enthusiast looking for vintage inspiration or simply curious about the evolution of beauty, this guide will take you on a journey back to the groovy era of disco and glam rock.

The Rise of the 70s Eye Makeup Look

The 70s marked a significant shift in makeup trends, moving away from the pale, natural look of the 60s. The rise of disco, rock music, and the counterculture movement fueled a desire for bold, expressive makeup. From the glitter-dusted lids of disco queens to the smoky eyes of rock stars, the 70s saw a celebration of individuality and self-expression through makeup.

Key Influences:

Disco: The explosion of disco culture in the mid-70s brought with it a love for glitter, shimmer, and bold colors. Eyes were adorned with sparkling shadows, dramatic eyeliner, and even fake eyelashes.
Rock n' Roll: Rock stars like David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Joan Jett inspired edgy, smoky eye looks with heavy eyeliner, kohl-rimmed eyes, and dramatic lashes.
Counterculture: The counterculture movement embraced natural beauty and a rejection of traditional standards. This influence led to more relaxed approaches to makeup, with an emphasis on highlighting natural features.

Iconic 70s Eye Makeup Looks

Here are some of the most iconic 70s eye makeup looks that continue to inspire makeup artists and beauty lovers today:

1. The "Smoky Eye"

The smoky eye is a staple in any makeup enthusiast's repertoire, but the 70s version was particularly dramatic. Featuring a blend of dark shadows, often in shades of black, grey, or brown, smudged along the lash line and into the crease, the smoky eye created a sultry, mysterious look.

Tips for Achieving the 70s Smoky Eye:

Use a creamy, blendable eyeshadow palette. Shadows like "Studio Fix Perfecting Eye Shadow Palette" by MAC or "Naked Smoky Palette" by Urban Decay are perfect for creating this look.
Apply a dark eyeshadow to the crease and blend upwards. Use a fluffy brush for blending and a small brush for precise application.
Use a black or dark brown eyeliner to line the upper lash line and smudge it. This will intensify the look and create a dramatic effect.
Finish with mascara, focusing on the outer corners. A volumizing mascara like "They're Real!" by Benefit or "Lash Paradise" by L'Oreal is ideal for full, dramatic lashes.

2. The "Cut Crease"

This look involved a sharp, defined crease, often accentuated with a contrasting color. The cut crease became a defining feature of 70s makeup, adding a touch of drama and sophistication.

Tips for Achieving the 70s Cut Crease:

Use a cream or gel eye primer. This will prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and help it last longer.
Apply a light eyeshadow to the entire eyelid and blend it out. A neutral shade like "Bone" by MAC or "Milk" by NARS is a good choice for this step.
Use a small angled brush to create a clean line along the crease. This will be your guideline for the cut crease.
Fill in the crease with a contrasting color. Popular choices include navy blue, green, or purple. Use a flat brush to pack the color into the crease.
Finish with a dark eyeliner and mascara. This will enhance the dramatic effect of the cut crease.

3. The "Glitter Glam"

Disco fever fueled the popularity of glitter and shimmer in 70s eye makeup. Glitter-dusted lids, shimmery eyeshadows, and even glitter eyeliner were all the rage.

Tips for Achieving the 70s Glitter Glam Look:

Choose a glitter eyeshadow or eye shadow with a shimmery finish. MAC's "Pigment" in "Gold" or "Copper" are great options.
Apply the glitter shadow to the entire eyelid or just the center of the lid. You can also use a small brush to apply glitter to the corners of your eyes.
Use a glitter eyeliner to line the upper lash line. Try "Glitter Liner" from Urban Decay or "Glitter Eyeliner" from MAC.
Finish with mascara and, if desired, false eyelashes. This will help to create a dramatic and glamorous look.

4. The "Bold Eyeliner"

Eyeliner took center stage in the 70s, with thick lines, dramatic wings, and even double-lined looks. This look emphasized the eyes, adding a touch of power and intensity.

Tips for Achieving the 70s Bold Eyeliner Look:

Use a liquid eyeliner or a gel eyeliner with a fine brush. This will allow you to create precise lines and wings.
Line the upper lash line and extend the line out past the outer corner of the eye. This will create a dramatic winged effect.
For a double-lined look, use a lighter eyeliner pencil to line the lower lash line. This will add definition without being too harsh.
You can also experiment with coloured eyeliners. Green, blue, and purple were popular choices in the 70s.

5. The "Rainbow Eye"

The 70s embraced color, and the rainbow eye reflected this vibrant energy. This look involved using multiple colors on the eyelid, creating a playful and artistic effect.

Tips for Achieving the 70s Rainbow Eye:

Start with a neutral eyeshadow base. This will help the colors to pop and create a clean canvas.
Choose a palette of vibrant colors. Think pink, green, blue, purple, and orange.
Apply the colors in stripes or blend them together for a more diffused look.
Finish with mascara and, if desired, a touch of glitter. This will add a touch of sparkle to the look.

Products for Achieving 70s Eye Makeup Looks

1. Eyeshadows:

Shimmery eyeshadows: Look for eyeshadows with a shimmery finish, preferably in shades like gold, copper, bronze, or silver. Popular brands include MAC, Urban Decay, and NARS.
Cream eyeshadows: Cream eyeshadows are ideal for creating smoky eyes, cut creases, and other dramatic looks. Brands like NARS, MAC, and Estee Lauder offer a range of cream eyeshadows.
Matte eyeshadows: Matte eyeshadows help create a smooth, blendable base for other colors. Look for neutral shades like beige, brown, or grey.

2. Eyeliner:

Liquid eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner is perfect for creating precise lines and wings. Choose a black or dark brown liquid eyeliner.
Gel eyeliner: Gel eyeliner allows you to create both precise lines and soft smudged effects. Look for a black or brown gel eyeliner.
Eyeliner pencil: Eyeliner pencils are versatile and easy to use. Look for a black, brown, or colored eyeliner pencil.

3. Mascara:

Volumizing mascara: Volumizing mascara will help to create full, dramatic lashes. Popular brands include Benefit, L'Oreal, and Maybelline.
Lengthening mascara: Lengthening mascara will help to make your lashes appear longer and more dramatic.
Waterproof mascara: Waterproof mascara will help to keep your lashes looking fresh longer.

4. Other Products:

Eyelash curler: An eyelash curler will help to lift and define your lashes.
False eyelashes: False eyelashes are a great way to create dramatic lashes.
Glitter: Glitter is a must-have for achieving the 70s glitter glam look.

FAQ

Q1: What are the essential tools for creating 70s eye makeup looks?

A: Essential tools include a variety of brushes for blending and applying eyeshadow, a gel eyeliner with a fine brush, an eyelash curler, and a mascara wand.

Q2: How can I modify a 70s eye makeup look for a more modern feel?

A: You can tone down the intensity of the look by using lighter shades of eyeshadow, blending edges more softly, and avoiding overly sharp lines.

Q3: How can I find inspiration for 70s eye makeup looks?

A: Look to vintage magazines, photographs from the 70s, and makeup tutorials online for inspiration.

Q4: What are some modern-day makeup brands that offer products inspired by 70s makeup?

A: Brands like MAC, Urban Decay, NARS, and Anastasia Beverly Hills all offer products that can be used to recreate 70s looks.

Conclusion

70s eye makeup embodied the spirit of a decade that celebrated individuality and self-expression. From the dramatic smoky eyes to the glitter-dusted lids, these looks provided a canvas for creativity and a timeless inspiration for modern makeup trends. Whether you're looking to embrace a classic look or simply add a touch of retro-inspired glamour to your routine, these tips and techniques will empower you to channel the spirit of the 70s.

Call to Action: Ready to recreate your favorite 70s eye makeup look? Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #70sEyeMakeup!