70s Glam Rock Makeup: The Ultimate Guide

The 1970s was a decade of dazzling excess, and glam rock makeup reflected that perfectly. From the glitter-dusted eyelids of David Bowie to the dramatic winged liner of the New York Dolls, glam rock makeup was all about bold, unapologetic expression. It's a style that continues to inspire today, offering a timeless blend of rebellion and glamour. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of recreating the iconic look, from basic techniques to advanced tips and tricks.

The History of 70s Glam Rock Makeup

Glam rock, emerging in the early 70s, was a fusion of rock and roll, pop, and theatre. With flamboyant costumes, theatrical performances, and androgynous aesthetics, glam rock challenged conventional norms and celebrated individual expression. For many artists, makeup was a crucial part of their persona, amplifying their stage presence and transforming them into larger-than-life figures.

Key Influences:

David Bowie: The "Thin White Duke" was a pioneer of glam rock makeup, experimenting with bright colors, glitter, and dramatic eyeliner.
T. Rex: Marc Boland, the lead singer of T. Rex, sported signature glitter-dusted eyes and a bold, black-lined lip.
Alice Cooper: Known for his theatrical performances and shock-rock persona, Alice Cooper embraced a dramatic, gothic aesthetic with heavy eyeliner and dark lipstick.
The New York Dolls: This American rock band embraced a more androgynous look, featuring bold, winged eyeliner and bright red lips.

Fundamental Elements of 70s Glam Rock Makeup

1. The Eyes:

Heavy Eyeliner: Defined, bold eyeliner is a staple of glam rock makeup. Use black or dark brown liquid liner to create wing-shaped lines that extend outwards and upwards, creating a dramatic, cat-eye effect.
Glitter: Embrace the glitter! Apply it to the eyelids, along the lash line, or even across the brow bone for a dazzling, festive effect.
Bold Colors: Experiment with vibrant eyeshadows in shades like turquoise, emerald green, gold, or silver. Shimmery formulas add to the overall glam factor.

2. The Lips:

Bright Red: Opt for a classic red lipstick, preferably a matte or satin finish, for a bold, statement-making lip.
Dark Lips: If you prefer a more dramatic look, experiment with dark shades like plum, maroon, or even black lipstick.
Gloss: For a touch of shine and extra glam, finish with a clear gloss over your chosen lipstick.

3. The Skin:

Flawlessly Flawless: Glam rock makeup emphasizes a smooth, radiant complexion. Achieve this by using a good primer, foundation, and concealer to even out skin tone and conceal any imperfections.
Blush: A touch of blush in a natural shade can add warmth and dimension to your cheeks.

4. The Hair:

Volume and Texture: The 70s were a time of big hair. Use volumizing products and backcombing to create high-impact hairstyles. Think messy, voluminous waves, bouffants, or even slicked-back hair with a dramatic side part.
Bold Colors: Don't hesitate to add a pop of color to your hair with vibrant streaks or a bold, all-over dye job.

Essential Products for Achieving the Look

1. Makeup Brushes:

Angled Brush: For precise eyeliner application and creating sharp wings.
Blending Brush: To seamlessly blend eyeshadows and create a soft, diffused look.
Flat Brush: For applying glitter or eyeshadow evenly.
Foundation Brush: For a smooth, even foundation application.
Concealer Brush: For precise application around the eyes and other areas where you need coverage.

2. Makeup Products:

Liquid Eyeliner: Black or dark brown liquid liner is crucial for creating sharp, defined lines.
Glitter: Loose glitter, glitter gel, or glitter adhesive for adding sparkle to your look.
Eyeshadow Palette: A palette with a range of colors, including neutrals, shimmery shades, and bold hues.
Foundation and Concealer: Choose a foundation and concealer that match your skin tone.
Blush: A natural-looking blush in a shade that complements your skin tone.
Red Lipstick: Opt for a bold, matte or satin finish red lipstick.
Clear Lip Gloss: For added shine and a glam touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Glam Rock Makeup

1. Prep Your Skin:

Cleanse and Moisturize: Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to hydrate and prepare your skin.
Apply Primer: A primer will create a smooth base for your makeup, helping it stay put throughout the day.

2. Create a Flawless Base:

Apply Foundation: Use a foundation brush to apply foundation evenly to your entire face.
Conceal Imperfections: Apply concealer under your eyes, around the nose, and any other areas that need coverage.
Set with Powder: Dust translucent powder over your face to set the foundation and prevent shine.

3. Define Your Eyes:

Apply Eyeshadow: Choose a light eyeshadow shade for the crease and inner corner of your eye, a medium shade for the lid, and a darker shade for the outer corner. Blend seamlessly.
Create a Wing: Use a liquid liner to create a bold, winged eyeliner.
Apply Glitter: Add a touch of glitter to your eyelids, the lash line, or the brow bone for a dazzling effect.

4. Enhance Your Lips:

Apply Lipstick: Use a lip brush to apply your chosen shade of lipstick for a precise application.
Add Gloss: Top with a clear lip gloss for extra shine.

5. Sculpt Your Face:

Contour: Use a contouring powder or cream to define your cheekbones and jawline.
Highlight: Apply a highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for a radiant, sculpted look.

6. Finish with Mascara and Brows:

Mascara: Apply a few coats of black mascara to your lashes to enhance volume and definition.
Brow Gel: Use a brow gel to tame and set your brows.

Tips and Tricks for Glam Rock Makeup

Practice Makes Perfect: It takes time and practice to perfect the glam rock look, so don't be afraid to experiment.
Embrace Boldness: Don't be afraid to go all out with color and glitter. The bolder, the better!
Don't Be Afraid to Play with Gender: Glam rock makeup was often androgynous, so don't hesitate to experiment with elements of both masculine and feminine styles.
Find Your Inspiration: Look to iconic glam rock artists like David Bowie, T. Rex, and Alice Cooper for inspiration.
Stay True to Yourself: The most important aspect of glam rock makeup is expressing your unique personality and embracing your individuality.

FAQs about 70s Glam Rock Makeup

1. What is the best way to apply glitter for a glam rock look?

The best way to apply glitter is to use a glitter adhesive. Apply the adhesive to your eyelids, lash line, or brow bone, and then press the glitter onto the adhesive. This will help the glitter to stick for a long time.

2. What are some good color combinations for glam rock eyeshadow?

Some good color combinations for glam rock eyeshadow include:

Gold and black: A classic glam combination that is both bold and elegant.
Purple and silver: A bold and eye-catching combination that will add a touch of sparkle.
Blue and green: A cool and refreshing combination that is perfect for a summer look.

3. How can I make my makeup last longer?

To make your makeup last longer, use a primer, set your makeup with powder, and use a setting spray. You can also use a makeup sponge to help blend your makeup and make it less likely to crease.

Conclusion

70s Glam Rock Makeup is a timeless trend that allows you to embrace your inner rock star and express your individual style. By understanding the key elements, essential products, and techniques involved, you can recreate this iconic look and make a statement with your makeup. So, embrace the glitter, experiment with bold colors, and rock your inner glam rock goddess. Don't forget to share your glam rock makeup looks on social media and tag your favorite makeup artists for a chance to be featured!