70s Eye Makeup Tutorial: Get the Iconic Look

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, especially in the beauty world. While 70s fashion is making a major comeback, its signature eye makeup remains a popular choice for those who want a dramatic, yet timeless look.

This tutorial will guide you through creating a stunning 70s eye look, highlighting key elements like winged eyeliner, colorful eyeshadow, and dramatic lashes. We'll also explore the history of 70s makeup and delve into some of the most popular trends.

The History of 70s Eye Makeup

The 1970s saw a shift in beauty ideals, moving away from the pristine, pale look of the 60s. The counterculture movement encouraged self-expression and individuality, which manifested in bold makeup choices.

Key Influences

Disco Fever: The vibrant nightlife scene of the 70s fueled a desire for glamorous makeup. Glittery eyeshadow, bold eyeliner, and long, dramatic lashes were essential for standing out on the dance floor.
Rock and Roll: Iconic rock stars like David Bowie, Blondie, and Joan Jett embraced androgynous looks with heavy eyeliner and dramatic eye makeup.
The Rise of Makeup Artists: Makeup artists began playing a more prominent role in the fashion and beauty industries, experimenting with new techniques and products.

Essential 70s Eye Makeup Tools and Products

To achieve this look, you'll need a few key tools and products:

Eye Primer: A primer will create a smooth base for your eyeshadow and help it stay put.
Eyeshadow Palette: A wide range of colors is ideal, with a focus on bold, contrasting shades like brown, green, blue, and gold.
Eyeshadow Brushes: A variety of brushes will be needed for blending, shading, and applying color.
Liquid Eyeliner: A black liquid liner is essential for creating precise lines and dramatic wings.
Mascara: Choose a volumizing mascara that adds length and definition.
False Lashes: Long, dramatic lashes are a fundamental element of 70s eye makeup.
Eyeliner Pencil: A brown or black eyeliner pencil will help soften and define the eye.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a 70s Eye Makeup Look

Step 1: Prep Your Eyelids

Apply Eye Primer: This creates a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow and helps it stay put.
Conceal: Use a concealer to cover any dark circles or imperfections around the eyes.

Step 2: Create a Dramatic Winged Eyeliner

Apply Black Liquid Eyeliner: Start with a thin line along your lash line, carefully extending it to create a wing.
Tips for the Perfect Wing: [Link to internal article: "7 Tips for Flawless Winged Eyeliner"]
Smudge the Lower Lashline: Use a black eyeliner pencil to smudge the bottom lash line, creating a smoldering look.

Step 3: Choose and Apply Your Eyeshadow

Neutral Base: Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow on the entire eyelid as a base.
Add Depth: Select a darker eyeshadow shade (brown, green, blue, etc.) and blend it into the crease of your eyelid for depth.
Highlight the Inner Corners: Use a shimmery white or gold eyeshadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyes.

Step 4: Enhance Your Lashes

Curl Your Lashes: Use an eyelash curler to lift and accentuate your lashes.
Apply Mascara: Apply two to three coats of volumizing mascara, focusing on the outer corners of your lashes.
Consider False Lashes: Apply a set of dramatic, long false lashes for a truly iconic 70s look.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Blend, Blend, Blend: Gently blend all the eyeshadow shades together so there are no harsh lines.
Set with Setting Powder: Use a translucent setting powder to prevent your makeup from creasing.

70s Eye Makeup Trends to Explore

While the basic 70s eye looks are timeless, numerous sub-trends emerged throughout the decade. Here are some examples:

Bold Colors and Shimmery Accents

Green: A vibrant green eyeshadow was a popular choice for creating a dramatic yet natural look.
Bronze: Shimmery bronze eyeshadow was often paired with a smoky eyeliner for a glamorous, evening look.
Blue: Deep blue eyeshadow was perfect for creating a dramatic and mysterious look.
Glitter: Glitter was a staple in 70s makeup, adding a touch of sparkle to everything from eyeshadow to eyeliner.

The "Smoky Eye"

Dramatic and Smoldering: The smoky eye, with its soft, blended shadows and intense eyeliner, was a popular look in the 70s.
Experiment with Colors: While black was the classic choice, you can experiment with other dark shades like brown, gray, or even navy blue.

The "Cat Eye"

The Essential Wing: The "cat eye," defined by a dramatic, extended winged eyeliner, was a must-have trend in the 70s.
Play with Thickness: You can experiment with the thickness of the wing to personalize the look.

FAQs

1. How can I find the right 70s eyeshadow colors for my skin tone?

Fair Skin: Opt for soft, shimmery neutrals like light browns, peaches, and corals.
Medium Skin: Experiment with warm browns, golds, and greens.
Dark Skin: Embrace deep browns, coppers, and shimmering purples.

2. How do I apply false lashes without looking fake?

Choose Natural Styles: Opt for lashes that are slightly longer than your natural lashes, and with a natural-looking band.
Trim the Lash Band: Carefully trim the lash band to fit the shape of your eye.
Use Lash Glue: Apply lash glue to the band and wait for it to dry slightly before applying the lashes to your lash line.

3. What other makeup elements are important for the 70s look?

Blush: Peachy or rosy blushes were popular for a natural flush.
Lips: Neutral shades like nude, peach, or rose were common choices for lips. However, bold colors like red and orange were also popular.

Conclusion

Recreating the iconic 70s eye look is a fun and exciting way to experiment with bold colors and textures. By following a few key principles, such as winged eyeliner, dramatic lashes, and intense eyeshadow, you can create a glamorous and timeless look that'll turn heads. Embrace your individuality and experiment with color to find your perfect vintage eye look.

Call to Action: Ready to complete your transformation? Explore our other articles on 70s makeup and fashion to create a truly authentic look! [Link to internal article: "70s Makeup Trends: A Complete Guide"]