70s Mod Makeup: Retro Glam Guide for Beginners

makeupretroglamguideforbeginners">70s Mod Makeup: Retro Glam Guide for Beginners

Step back in time and embrace the bold, graphic, and effortlessly cool makeup trends of the 1970s mod era. This guide will walk you through the key elements of 70s mod makeup, providing step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving a retro-inspired look that’s both chic and timeless.

The 70s mod makeup look was all about clean lines, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on the eyes. It was influenced by the changing social and cultural landscape of the decade, with a rebellious spirit and a desire to express individuality. Think Twiggy, Jane Birkin, and the iconic models of the era – all embodying the effortless cool and confidence of 70s style.

The Foundation of 70s Mod Makeup: Skin

The perfect base for 70s mod makeup is a flawless, luminous complexion. Forget heavy foundation – the focus is on a natural, barely-there finish that allows your skin to breathe.

1. Prep Your Skin

Cleanse and moisturize: Choose a gentle cleanser and moisturizer that suits your skin type. This ensures a smooth canvas for makeup.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote a radiant glow.

2. Achieve a Dewy Finish

Hydrating Primer: Apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth surface for makeup and enhance the longevity of your look.
Lightweight Foundation: Opt for a sheer, lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone without masking your natural radiance.
Concealer: Use concealer sparingly to cover blemishes or dark circles.

3. Add a Touch of Highlight

Cream Highlighter: Lightly dab a cream highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow for a subtle, natural glow.

Eyes: The Defining Feature of 70s Mod Makeup

The eyes are the focal point of 70s mod makeup. Think bold eyeliner, dramatic lashes, and vibrant eyeshadow colors.

1. Master the Eyeliner

Liquid Eyeliner: Create a sharp, graphic wing using liquid eyeliner. Start with a thin line along the lash line, then gradually thicken it as you reach the outer corner of the eye. This creates a dramatic cat-eye effect.
Gel Eyeliner: For a softer line, use gel eyeliner with an angled brush.

2. Embrace Bold Colors

Neutral Palette: Neutral eyeshadows like beige, brown, and cream are ideal for creating a natural base.
Pop of Color: Add a pop of color to the crease or lid using vibrant shades like turquoise, lavender, or teal.
Shimmer and Shine: Enhance your look with shimmery eyeshadows or a touch of glitter on the lids.

3. Enhance Your Lashes

Mascara: Apply several coats of black mascara to create dramatic, elongated lashes.
False Lashes: Consider adding a pair of falsies for an extra touch of drama.

70s Mod Makeup: The Lips

70s Mod makeup often featured bold, colorful lips, but you can also opt for a more natural look.

1. Choose Your Lip Color

Bold and Bright: Embrace the vibrant lip colors of the era, such as cherry red, coral pink, or deep plum.
Nude and Natural: Opt for a nude or natural lip shade for a more subtle look.

2. Define Your Lips

Lip Liner: Outline your lips with a lip liner to define the shape and prevent lipstick bleeding. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick or a shade slightly darker.

70s Mod Makeup: The Cheeks

70s mod makeup often featured minimal blush, but you can always add a touch of color to your cheeks.

1. Choose a Blush Color

Cream Blush: Use a cream blush that blends easily for a natural flush.
Powder Blush: Opt for a powder blush in a soft pink or peach shade.

2. Apply Blush Strategically

Apply on the apples of your cheeks: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward towards your temples.

70s Mod Makeup: The Hair

70s mod makeup pairs perfectly with the iconic hairstyles of the era. Think sleek bobs, voluminous blowouts, and long, flowing hair with center parts.

1. Sleek and Straight

Blow Dry: Blow out your hair using a round brush for volume and shine.
Straighten: Use a flat iron to create sleek, straight locks.

2. Voluminous Blowout

Blow Dry: Blow dry your hair using a round brush for volume and lift at the roots.
Teasing: Add volume to the crown of your head by backcombing your hair gently.

3. Center Part

Part Your Hair: Create a center part for a classic mod look.

70s Mod Makeup: Tips and Tricks

Experiment with color: Embrace your creativity and play with different shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner.
Less is more: Start with a light hand and build up the intensity of your makeup gradually.
Use a primer: Primer helps your makeup last longer and prevents creases.
Practice makes perfect: Practice applying your makeup until you find a look that you feel confident and comfortable with.

70s Mod Makeup: FAQs

Q: What is the difference between 60s and 70s mod makeup?

A: 60s mod makeup embraced a more graphic, geometric look, with sharp cat eyes, bold eyebrows, and a focus on clean lines. 70s mod makeup was more relaxed and natural, featuring soft, dewy skin, dramatic lashes, and a touch of color on the eyes and lips.

Q: How can I make my 70s mod makeup look more modern?

A: You can update the iconic 70s mod look by using more muted colors, experimenting with different textures, and focusing on a more natural, effortless finish.

Q: What are some iconic looks to try for a 70s mod aesthetic?

A: Channel Twiggy with her iconic thick black eyeliner and dramatic lashes. Try a colorful eye look inspired by Jane Birkin, or experiment with different colored lipsticks to create a statement look.

Conclusion

Mastering 70s mod makeup is all about embracing bold colors, defined eyes, and a touch of retro glam. By following these steps and incorporating your own personal flair, you can achieve a look that is both timeless and effortlessly cool. So go ahead and get ready to turn heads with your own 70s mod makeup masterpiece!

CTA: Do you have any tips for creating a 70s mod makeup look? Share your expert advice in the comments below!