70s Hair & Makeup: Iconic Looks & Tutorials
70s Hair & Makeup: Iconic Looks & Tutorials
The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, particularly in the realm of fashion and beauty. From the disco-fueled glamour to the bohemian rebellion, 70s hair and makeup offered a spectrum of styles that continue to inspire and influence trends today. This article delves into the iconic looks that defined the era, providing step-by-step tutorials and insider tips to help you recreate these timeless styles.
The Rise of 70s Hair & Makeup
The 70s was a period of social and cultural upheaval, and this revolutionary spirit extended to fashion and beauty. Emerging from the conservative 60s, women embraced self-expression through bold makeup and voluminous hair. The rise of the feminist movement, the glam rock scene, and the disco era all contributed to the development of the iconic 70s aesthetic. From the feathered hairstyles to the dramatic eye makeup, 70s beauty celebrated individuality, confidence, and a love for all things maximalist.
Iconic 70s Hair Styles
1. The Feathered Hairstyle
This signature 70s look was all about effortless volume and soft, feathered layers. It was popularized by icons like Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs. The feathered style could be worn long, short, or even in a shag cut, allowing for versatility and individual interpretation.
How to Recreate the Feathered Hairstyle:
- Cut: Ask your stylist for a layered haircut with long, feathered layers. The key is to create movement and texture.
- Styling: Use a volumizing mousse or spray to add lift at the roots. Blow dry your hair with a round brush, flipping the ends outward to create the feathered effect.
- Finishing Touch: To add shine and hold, spritz with a light hairspray.
2. The Afro
The Afro was a powerful symbol of Black pride and beauty in the 1970s. Icons like Angela Davis and Diana Ross made it a cultural touchstone. The Afro embraced natural texture and celebrated the beauty of Black hair.
How to Style an Afro:
- Prep: Wash and condition your hair with products designed for natural hair.
- Defining: Apply a curl defining cream or gel to enhance your natural texture.
- Drying: Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer for gentle drying.
- Finishing Touch: You can use a pick to add volume and lift to your afro.
3. The Shag
The shaggy cut was another popular 70s look that embraced a messy, effortless vibe. It was often accompanied by bangs and layers to create texture and volume.
How to Style a Shag:
- Cut: A shaggy cut involves layering and texturizing the hair for a choppy, imperfect look.
- Styling: Use a texturizing spray or mousse to enhance the shag's texture. Blow dry using a diffuser to encourage volume and shape.
- Finishing Touch: Style your hair using your fingers to create a messy, effortless look.
Iconic 70s Makeup Looks
1. The Disco Queen
The disco era brought on bold, glamorous makeup looks that emphasized shimmer, sparkle, and drama.
How to Recreate the Disco Queen Look:
- Eyes: Use a shimmery eyeshadow in gold, silver, or bronze on the lids and inner corners for a dramatic effect. Apply a black liquid eyeliner for a winged look.
- Cheeks: Apply a peachy blush to the apples of your cheeks.
- Lips: Opt for a bold lip color, like a bright red, pink, or berry shade. You can even try a gloss or shimmer for added shine.
2. The Bohemian Chic
This look embodied the free-spirited and rebellious spirit of the 70s. It featured natural-looking makeup with a focus on glowing skin and subtle accents.
How to Recreate the Bohemian Chic Look:
- Skin: Use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to create a natural, dewy complexion.
- Eyes: Apply a light brown or golden eyeshadow to the lids. You can also add a touch of mascara to define the lashes.
- Cheeks: Use a bronzer or peach blush for a sun-kissed glow.
- Lips: Opt for a nude or light pink lipstick.
**3. The ** "**70s *"* Smoky Eye**
The smoky eye was a staple look in the 70s and remains popular today. It involved blending dark eyeshadows to create a smoky, dramatic effect.
How to Recreate the 70s Smoky Eye:
- Eyes: Choose a dark eyeshadow color and blend it across the crease and lash line, gradually fading it outward. Use a lighter eyeshadow on the inner corner and brow bone.
- Eyeliner: Use a black liquid eyeliner to line the upper lash line and create a winged effect.
- Lashes: Apply a few coats of mascara to complete the look.
70s Makeup Products & Techniques
1. Eyeshadow:
- Colors: The most popular eyeshadow colors in the 70s were gold, silver, bronze, brown, and plum.
- Techniques: Blending was key to the 70s smoky eye. Use a fluffy blending brush to soften the edges of your eyeshadow.
2. Eyeliner:
- Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner was essential for creating the iconic winged liner look.
- Pencil Eyeliner: Pencil eyeliner was used for a softer, more subtle effect.
3. Blush:
- Colors: Peach, pink, and coral blush were popular colors.
- Application: Blush was applied to the apples of the cheeks for a natural, healthy glow.
4. Lipstick:
- Colors: Bold colors like red, pink, berry, and brown were popular choices.
- Lip Liner: Lip liner was used to define the lips and prevent lipstick bleeding.
5. Hairspray:
- Purpose: Hairspray was essential for holding hairstyles in place and creating volume.
- Types: Hairspray came in a variety of formulas, from strong hold to light hold.
FAQs
1. What are some of the best 70s hair products to use today?
- Volumizing Mousse: These products can help you achieve the big, bouncy hair styles of the 70s.
- Texturizing Spray: These sprays help add texture and definition to shag cuts and other 70s styles.
- Hairspray: Hairspray is essential for holding your 70s hairstyle in place. Look for products with a strong hold and a natural finish.
2. How can I adapt 70s hair and makeup to a modern look?
- Hair: You can update 70s hairstyles by using modern techniques like layering and texturizing for a softer, more contemporary look.
- Makeup: You can adapt 70s makeup styles by using lighter, more natural colors and focusing on defining features. For example, a modern take on the smoky eye might use a blend of brown and gray eyeshadow instead of black.
3. What are some of the most common 70s makeup mistakes to avoid?
- Overdoing it: Too much makeup can look dated and unnatural.
- Using outdated colors: Some popular 70s colors, like bright blue eyeshadow, are not in style anymore.
- Ignoring skin care: Skin care is essential for achieving a flawless 70s makeup look.
Conclusion
The 70s was a transformative decade for fashion and beauty, and its influence continues to be felt today. By exploring these iconic hair and makeup looks, you can gain a deeper understanding of this influential era and rediscover timeless styling techniques. Whether you're recreating a classic look or embracing a modern interpretation, remember that 70s beauty is all about expressing yourself and celebrating your individuality. So, try your favorite 70s look and channel your inner disco queen or bohemian goddess!
Call to Action: Are you ready to try a 70s style? Do you have a favorite 70s look? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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