70s Makeup Tutorial: Real Looks & Tips

70s Makeup Tutorial: Real Looks & Tips

The 70s was a decade of bold fashion and beauty trends, with makeup playing a major role in defining the era's iconic looks. From disco glam to earthy bohemian vibes, the 70s offered a spectrum of styles, each emphasizing natural beauty with a touch of drama. This guide dives deep into the world of 70s makeup, offering real-life tutorials and tips to recreate these timeless looks.

1. The Foundations of 70s Makeup

The 70s championed a natural, healthy glow, shifting away from the heavy, caked-on foundations of previous decades. Lightweight formulas, like tinted moisturizers and sheer foundations, helped achieve this effortless look.

Skin-Prep:

Hydration is key: Prioritize a well-hydrated canvas. Use a hydrating serum and follow up with a light moisturizer.
Primer for a flawless base: Choose a primer that matches your skin type. Oily skin? Reach for a mattifying primer. Dry skin? Opt for a hydrating primer.

Foundation Application:

Less is more: Select a foundation that's one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Using a damp makeup sponge, apply a thin layer to even out skin tone. Focus on areas like the center of the face and blend outwards.
Concealer for targeted coverage: Apply concealer to areas that need extra coverage, like under the eyes, around the nose, and on blemishes. Blend seamlessly with a small sponge or brush.

Contouring:

Subtle and Natural: Contouring was less about sharp lines and more about adding subtle definition. Lightly contour the cheekbones with a cream or powder bronzer. Blend upwards towards the temples.

2. 70s Eyeshadow: A Palette of Possibilities

The 70s saw a vibrant explosion of eyeshadow colors, from earthy tones to shimmery metallics. Experiment with different shades and textures to create a look that suits your personality.

Eyeshadow Palette:

Neutral Base: Start with a neutral eyeshadow color (beige, cream, or light brown) and blend it across the entire crease.
Shimmer and Shine: Apply a shimmery eyeshadow in a champagne, gold, or bronze shade to the center of the eyelid. Blend well to create dimension.
Color Play: Experiment with bold, contrasting colors like purple, blue, green, or peach on the eyelid and blend softly into the crease.

Eyeliner for Drama:

Winged and Feline: Create a dramatic winged eyeliner look with liquid or gel liner. Start with a thin line and gradually thicken it towards the outer corner. Extend the line upward to create a wing.
Smoky and Sultry: Use a black or brown eyeliner to smudge along the lash line and create a smoky effect. Blend outwards for a soft, diffused look.

3. 70s Eyebrows: Natural and Groomed

The 70s embraced a more natural brow look, favoring defined brows over heavily sculpted ones. Groom your brows for a polished, effortless finish.

Brow Shaping:

Tweezing and Threading: Remove stray hairs to define the shape of your brows.
Brow Brush: Use a spoolie brush to brush your brows upwards and outwards.
Brow Pencil or Powder: Lightly fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color.

4. 70s Blush: The Flush of Health

Blush was key to achieving that healthy glow. Think peachy hues, pink shades, and bronzy tones.

Blush Application:

Cream or Powder: Use a cream blush for a dewy finish or a powder blush for a matte effect.
Placement: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards and outwards towards the hairline. For a more dramatic look, apply a touch of blush to the bridge of your nose and chin.

5. 70s Lips: Bold and Bright

Lips in the 70s were all about bold color and defined shapes. From deep red lipsticks to glossy peach hues, the options were endless.

Lip Prep:

Exfoliate and Hydrate: Exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub to remove dry skin. Apply a lip balm to soften and moisturize.

Lip Color:

Matte Finish: Choose a bold lipstick in red, burgundy, or brown for a classic 70s look.
Glossy Shine: For a more modern take, opt for a glossy lipstick in peach, coral, or pink.

6. 70s Mascara: Lash Length and Volume

Long, luscious lashes were a hallmark of 70s makeup. Reach for a volumizing mascara to enhance your lash volume and length.

Mascara Application:

Wiggle and Curl: Wiggle the mascara wand from the base of your lashes to the tips. Use an eyelash curler to lift and curl your lashes for added drama.

7. 70s Hair: A Symphony of Styles

The 70s were a time of experimentation with hair. From long, flowing locks to bold cuts and voluminous curls, the hairstyles reflected the era's eclectic fashion sense.

Hair Styles:

The Middle Part: A signature 70s look, the center parting created a classic and timeless vibe.
The Perm: Permed hair with bouncy curls added volume and texture.
The Afro: A powerful statement, the afro embraced natural hair texture.
Wavy Hairstyles: Soft waves with long layers were another popular style.

8. The Power of Accessories

Accessories played a crucial role in completing the 70s look. Headbands, scarves, and earrings added pops of color and personality.

Accessories:

Headbands: Wide headbands with floral patterns or geometric designs were a trendy accessory.
Scarves: Tied around the head or neck, scarves brought a bohemian touch to any outfit.
Earrings: Large, statement earrings, like chunky hoops or dangling pendants, were essential for a bold 70s look.

70s Makeup FAQ

Q: What was the main goal of 70s makeup?

The main goal was to enhance natural beauty with a focus on healthy, glowing skin, defined eyes, and bold lips.

Q: What are some essential tools for 70s makeup?

Key tools include makeup sponges, brushes, a good eyeliner (liquid or gel), a volumizing mascara, a lip pencil, and a lash curler.

Q: How can I adapt 70s makeup to modern times?

You can adapt 70s makeup by using modern formulas and experimenting with color combinations. For example, opt for a lightweight foundation and a cream blush for a natural look, and use a metallic eyeshadow for a touch of shimmer.

Q: Is 70s makeup flattering for all skin tones?

While the 70s makeup trends were bold, they can be adapted to suit different skin tones. Experiment with different shades and textures, and use a color palette that complements your natural coloring.

Q: What are some iconic examples of 70s makeup looks?

Some iconic examples include disco glam, bohemian chic, and the classic "Farrah Fawcett" look, which featured long, flowing hair, smoky eyes, and a natural blush.

Conclusion: Embrace the 70s Makeup Vibe

The 70s makeup revolutionized the beauty world, celebrating individuality and a sense of freedom. From bold colors and natural textures to iconic hairstyles, these styles continue to inspire beauty trends today. Channel your inner 70s fashion icon and experiment with these timeless techniques to create your own unique and captivating look.

Call to Action: Share your favorite 70s makeup looks in the comments below! Let's celebrate the bold and beautiful trends of this iconic decade.