70s Retro Makeup Looks: The Ultimate Guide

The 70s was a decade of bold experimentation, and makeup was no exception. From the glamorous disco looks to the natural, earthy vibes, 70s makeup offered a diverse range of styles that continue to inspire today. If you're looking to recreate the iconic looks of the era, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key elements of 70s makeup, providing step-by-step instructions, product recommendations, and insider tips. Get ready to channel your inner disco queen or embrace the natural beauty of the decade!

70s Makeup Trends: A Blast from the Past

The 70s makeup scene reflected the social and cultural shifts of the time. From the rise of the counterculture movement to the disco craze, the decade saw a range of styles, from the earthy and natural to the glammed-up and bold.

Key Trends:

Natural Beauty: Embracing the "no makeup" look was a key trend. Think dewy skin, soft brown eyeshadows, and a touch of blush.
Disco Glam: The disco era brought a sense of high-octane glamour, characterized by bold colors, shimmering textures, and dramatic eyes.
Bold Eyeliner: Thick, winged eyeliner was a staple of the 70s look, creating a dramatic and sophisticated effect.
Statement Lips: From vibrant reds to deep plums, bold lips were a key feature of 70s makeup.
Bronzer and Blush: Bronzer and blush were essential for creating a sun-kissed glow, reflecting the era's love for a healthy tan.

The 70s Makeup Essentials

To successfully recreate 70s makeup looks, you'll need a few key products in your arsenal.

1. Foundation:

Dewy Finish: Opt for a liquid foundation with a dewy or satin finish to achieve the natural, healthy glow favoured in the 70s.
Light Coverage: Aim for light to medium coverage to allow your natural skin to shine through. Avoid heavy, matte foundations as these can look too modern.
Color Matching: Find a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone to create a seamless finish.

2. Eyeshadow:

Neutral Tones: For a natural look, stick to warm brown, beige, and peach tones.
Bold Colors: For a disco-inspired look, experiment with vibrant blues, greens, and purples.
Shimmer and Sparkle: Shimmery or glittery eyeshadows were popular in the 70s, especially for evening looks.

3. Eyeliner:

Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid liner is essential for achieving the iconic winged eyeliner look.
Black or Brown: Black liner was the most common choice, but brown liner was also popular.
Thick Line: Apply a thick line along the upper lash line and extend it out into a wing for a dramatic effect.

4. Mascara:

Volumizing: Volumizing mascara was key to creating big, bold lashes.
Black or Brown: Black mascara was the standard choice, but brown could also be used for a softer look.
Multiple Coats: Apply multiple coats for extra volume and definition.

5. Blush:

Cream or Powder: Both cream and powder blushes were popular in the 70s.
Peach, Pink, or Coral: Choose a shade that complements your skin tone, with peach, pink, and coral being popular choices.
Apply to the Apple of Your Cheeks: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush of color.

6. Lipstick:

Bold Colors: Choose bold colors, such as vibrant red, deep plum, or burnt orange.
Matte or Satin Finish: Both matte and satin finishes were popular in the 70s.
Precise Application: Apply the lipstick with a lip brush for a clean and precise line.

7. Bronzer:

Matte or Shimmer: Matte bronzer was more common, but shimmery bronzer was used to create a glamorous glow.
Warm Tones: Choose a bronzer with warm undertones to mimic a natural tan.
Contouring: Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline to define your features.

Mastering the Iconic 70s Makeup Looks

Now that you have the essential products, let's explore some of the most iconic 70s makeup looks.

1. Natural Beauty

Prepping Your Skin: Start by prepping your skin with a light moisturizer and primer.
Foundation: Apply a dewy, light-coverage foundation to even out your skin tone.
Blush: Use a peach or pink blush to add a natural flush of color to the apples of your cheeks.
Eyeshadow: Keep your eyes simple with a neutral shade of brown or beige eyeshadow. Apply it to the crease and blend it out well.
Eyeliner: Define your eyes with a thin line of black or brown eyeliner along the upper lash line.
Mascara: Apply a coat of volumizing mascara to your lashes.
Lips: Opt for a soft, nude or light pink lipstick.

2. Disco Glam

Prepping Your Skin: Start with a dewy foundation and bronzer to create a radiant base.
Eyeshadow: Go for a bold, shimmery eyeshadow in shades like blue, green, or purple.
Eyeliner: Create a thick, winged eyeliner look with a black or brown liquid liner.
Mascara: Apply multiple coats of volumizing mascara to your lashes.
Blush: Use a peach or pink blush to add a touch of color to the apples of your cheeks.
Lips: Complete the look with a bold, statement lipstick in shades like red, plum, or coral.

3. The 70s Smokey Eye

Prepping Your Skin: Begin with a dewy foundation and contour your face with bronzer.
Eyeshadow: Use a dark brown or black eyeshadow to create a smokey eye. Apply the eyeshadow to the crease and blend it out well towards the brow bone.
Eyeliner: Line your upper and lower lash lines with black or brown eyeliner.
Mascara: Apply multiple coats of volumizing mascara to your lashes.
Blush: Add a touch of pink or peach blush to your cheeks.
Lips: Opt for a nude or light pink lipstick to balance out the dramatic eyes.

70s Makeup Tips and Tricks

Practice Makes Perfect: Practice applying 70s makeup looks until you find the techniques that work best for you.
Use a Light Hand: Avoid using too much makeup, as it can look heavy and unnatural.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is essential for a seamless and natural finish. Use a brush to blend your eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer into your skin.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: The 70s was a time of experimentation, so have fun trying different colors and techniques.
Accessorize: Complete your 70s look with accessories, such as a headband, a bandana, or a pair of bell-bottom jeans.

FAQs

Q: What are some popular 70s makeup brands?

A: Some popular brands from the 70s include Revlon, Maybelline, and Max Factor.

Q: How can I get a 70s-inspired look without looking too costume-y?

A: Keep it subtle by focusing on one or two key elements, such as a bold lip color or a hint of shimmer on your eyelids.

Q: Can I use modern products to create 70s makeup looks?

A: Yes, many modern products can be used to create authentic 70s looks. Just choose products that have the right textures and finishes.

Conclusion

The 70s were a time of bold beauty experimentation, and its makeup trends remain relevant today. Whether you're drawn to the natural, earthy vibes or the high-octane glamour of disco, there's a 70s makeup look for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you have all the tools you need to channel your inner 70s icon. Now, go forth and embrace the fabulousness of the decade!

Call to Action: Ready to dive deeper into the world of 70s makeup? Check out our extensive collection of 70s makeup tutorials for step-by-step guidance on creating iconic looks.