70s Male Makeup Guide: Retro Looks for Men
70s Male Makeup Guide: Retro Looks for Men
The 1970s was a time of bold fashion and cultural change, and men's makeup was no exception. While it might seem strange to us today, the era saw a surge in men embracing a fresh, confident look with a bit of makeup. This wasn't just about trying to cover up imperfections; it was about expressing creativity, individuality, and a willingness to push boundaries – and that's exactly what makes 70s male makeup so captivating.
This guide will delve into the world of 70s male makeup, exploring the key looks, techniques, and products that defined the decade. From the laid-back surfer guy to the glam rock star, we'll uncover the secrets to recreating these retro styles for a modern twist on vintage charm.
The Rise of Male Makeup in the 70s
The 1970s was a period of significant social and cultural change. The counterculture movement, the rise of disco, and the growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles played a significant role in pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms, including those surrounding beauty and masculinity.
As fashion became more flamboyant, men began to experiment with makeup as a way to express themselves. Androgynous looks and the rise of glam rock pushed the boundaries of what was considered "masculine."
Key Trends in 70s Male Makeup
The 70s male makeup scene was characterized by a few key trends:
1. Natural and Effortless
While bold looks were certainly popular, the most common 70s male makeup trend focused on enhancing natural features. This involved using subtle shades of foundation to even out skin tone, a touch of blush for a healthy glow, and a bit of mascara to define the eyes.
2. The "Disco Look"
Disco fever swept the nation, and with it came a more dramatic, glamorous approach to makeup. This trend involved using shimmery eyeshadows in bold colors like gold, silver, and bronze, along with dramatic eyeliner and blush. The goal was to create a striking and dazzling look, perfect for the dance floor.
3. The "Glam Rock" Look
Glam rock stars like David Bowie and KISS spearheaded a bold and extravagant makeup trend that involved exaggerated use of eyeliner, shadow, and glitter. This was all about pushing the boundaries of masculinity through dramatic makeup and elaborate costumes.
4. The "Surfer Look"
California's laid-back surf culture also influenced male makeup trends. The goal was to create a natural, sun-kissed look with bronzer, highlighter, and a touch of mascara.
Products Used in 70s Male Makeup
Here's a rundown of some of the most popular makeup products used by men in the 1970s:
1. Foundation
Foundation was used to even out skin tone and create a smooth base for other makeup products. The foundation selection was often "natural" and offered barely-there coverage.
2. Blush
Blush was used to add a touch of color to the cheeks. Popular shades included peach, rose, and apricot.
3. Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow was a staple in 70s male makeup, used to define the eyes and add a touch of color. Shimmery shades in gold, silver, and bronze were particularly popular for the disco look.
4. Eyeliner
Eyeliner was used to line the eyes and create a dramatic look. Black eyeliner was particularly popular, along with shades of blue, green, and brown.
5. Mascara
Mascara was used to define the lashes and enhance the eyes. Black mascara was the most common choice.
6. Lip Gloss
Lip gloss was a popular choice for adding a touch of shine to the lips. Clear gloss was the most popular, but tinted glosses in shades of pink and peach were also used.
How to Recreate 70s Male Makeup Looks
1. The Natural Look
- Prep your skin: Start with a clean face and apply a moisturizer.
- Foundation: Choose a light, natural-looking foundation. Apply it with a sponge or a brush, blending well.
- Blush: Use a light touch of blush in peach or rose to add a healthy glow to your cheeks.
- Concealer: If you're using concealer, choose a shade that matches your skin tone. Apply it to any blemishes or dark circles.
- Mascara: Apply a light coat of mascara to your upper eyelashes.
2. The Disco Look
- Prep your skin: Use a foundation that matches your skin tone.
- Eyeshadow: Choose a shimmery eyeshadow in gold, silver, or bronze. Apply it to your eyelids and blend it up towards your brow bone.
- Eyeliner: Use black eyeliner to line your upper lash line and create a wing.
- Blush: Use a rosy blush on your cheeks and a touch of highlight on the cheekbones.
- Glitter: Add a little bit of glitter to your eyelids or cheekbones for a touch of disco sparkle.
3. The Glam Rock Look
- Prep your skin: Use a foundation that evens out your skin tone.
- Eyeshadow: Choose a bold, dramatic eyeshadow color like black or purple. Apply it to your eyelids and create a smoky eye effect by blending it out.
- Eyeliner: Use black eyeliner to line your eyes and create a thick, dramatic line.
- Glitter: Add glitter to your eyelids or your hair for some glam rock flair.
4. The Surfer Look
- Prep your skin: Apply an SPF moisturizer to protect your skin.
- Bronzer: Use a bronzer that matches your skin tone to create a sun-kissed look on your cheeks, temples, and forehead.
- Highlighter: Apply a highlighter to your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose.
- Mascara: Apply a light coat of mascara to your upper eyelashes.
FAQs about 70s Male Makeup
1. Is it okay for men to wear makeup?
The answer is a resounding YES! Makeup is a form of self-expression and has no gender restrictions. It's about enhancing features, expressing your personality, and feeling confident in your own skin.
2. Where can I learn more about applying makeup?
YouTube is a great resource for tutorials and tips on applying 70s male makeup. Many beauty YouTubers specialize in vintage and historical makeup looks.
3. What are good alternative products to recreate the 70s look?
Try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream in place of foundation. For a less intense blush, look for sheer cream blushes. Try eyeshadow sticks for easy application and blending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 70s male makeup was a bold and experimental era, pushing boundaries and demonstrating the power of self-expression. From the natural and effortless looks to the dramatic disco and glam rock styles, the decades offered a diverse range of ways for men to embrace makeup as a way to enhance their features and express their unique personalities. While some trends may seem unconventional today, the 70s male makeup scene serves as a reminder that beauty can be fluid, and a little bit of makeup can go a long way in boosting confidence and embracing the power of individuality.
Call to Action:
Ready to experiment with a little 70s flair? Explore the world of vintage makeup, find some inspiration, and create your own unique retro look! Share your results with us on social media and let us know what you think!
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