70s Style Makeup And Hair: Retro Looks To Try Now

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, and that spirit extends to the era's iconic makeup and hair trends. From the groovy glam of disco to the earthy bohemian vibes, 70s beauty offers a range of looks that can still be rocked today. If you're looking to channel your inner disco queen or embrace a more natural, free-flowing aesthetic, this guide will explore the key elements of 70s makeup and provide easy-to-follow tips for creating your own retro-inspired looks.

The Foundation of 70s Makeup: A Natural Canvas

The 70s saw a shift away from the heavy, caked-on makeup of the 60s. The focus was on creating a natural-looking base with a dewy finish.

Skin Prep:

Moisturize: Start with a hydrating moisturizer to ensure a smooth canvas for makeup application.
Primer: Use a lightweight, silicone-based primer to minimize pores and create a flawless finish.
Foundation: Opt for a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer with a light-reflecting formula to achieve a natural, radiant complexion.

Eye Makeup: From Subtle to Shimmering

The 70s offered a spectrum of eye looks, ranging from subtle daily options to dramatic evening styles.

The Natural Look:

Neutral Eyeshadows: Choose earthy tones like browns, tans, and greens to enhance the natural eye shape without overpowering it.
Liner: Apply a thin line of brown or black eyeliner along the upper lash line for a subtle definition.
Mascara: Use a volumizing mascara to add definition and length without creating a clumpy look.

The Disco Glamour:

Shimmer & Glitter: Embracing the disco era, 70s makeup embraced shimmer and glitter. Apply a shimmering eyeshadow to the lids and blend it out towards the brow bone for a glamorous look.
Bold Eyeliner: Create a dramatic winged liner with a liquid or felt-tip liner for a statement look.
False Lashes: Add extra drama with a pair of false lashes for a full, glamorous lash line.

The Bohemian Vibe:

Smoky Eyes: Use a combination of brown, gray, and black eyeshadows to create a soft, smoky eye look.
Kohl Liner: Enhance the smoky eye effect with a black kohl eyeliner applied along the upper and lower lash lines.

The Power of Blush:

Cheeks played a starring role in 70s makeup, with blush being a key element in achieving a healthy, glowing complexion.

Cream Blush: Apply a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards the temples for a natural flush.
Powder Blush: For a more pigmented look, opt for a powder blush in a warm pink, peach, or coral shade.

Defining the Lips:

Lip styles in the 70s were about embracing natural shades and enhancing the natural lip shape.

Glossy Lips: Choose a tinted lip gloss or a clear gloss for a natural, shiny finish.
Nude Lips: Embrace the natural lip look with a nude lipstick or lip liner.

The Final Touches

Brows: Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and define the brow shape.
Highlighting: Apply a touch of highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow for a radiant glow.

Hair Styles: 70s Icons From Long Waves to Chic Bobs

The 70s offered a variety of iconic hairstyles that complemented the makeup trends.

Long, Flowing Waves:

The Farrah Fawcett: Think effortless, voluminous curls. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create soft, loose waves.
The Shag: This popular style featured layers and texture with a choppy, layered look.

Short & Chic:

The Bob: From blunt bobs to layered bobs, this style was versatile and timeless.
The Pixie: For a bold, androgynous look, opt for a short, choppy pixie cut.

The Essential Accessories:

Headbands: Add a touch of chic to any hairstyle with a headband.
Barrettes: Use barrettes to secure braids or create intricate updos.
Hairspray: Essential for holding your style in place.

70s Makeup & Hair: Modern Twists

While embracing the retro feel, you can still personalize 70s looks to suit your modern style.

Modernize Your Hair: Opt for a more polished version of iconic 70s hair styles. Embrace a modern shag with more refined layers, or try a sleek bob with subtle volume.
Play with Color: While nude and natural shades were popular in the 70s, don't be afraid to add a pop of color to your lips or eyes. Experiment with bold reds, vibrant oranges, or even a touch of playful blue eyeliner.
Embrace the Minimalist Approach: If you prefer a more understated look, focus on highlighting your natural features with subtle makeup.

FAQs:

Q: How do I create the perfect 70s hair wave without heat?

A: There are several heatless options, including braiding your hair damp and letting it air dry, using rollers overnight, or applying damp hair in pin curls.

Q: What products were used in the 70s for 70s makeup?

A: Popular products included cream blush, shimmery eyeshadows, liquid eyeliners, and volumizing mascara.

Q: How do I know if my 70s makeup look is too much?

A: Start with one bold element and add additional accents gradually. If you feel uncomfortable, tone it down by reducing the intensity of the makeup.

Q: Can I wear 70s makeup and hair on a daily basis?

A: Absolutely! You can create a modern, everyday look from the 70s by choosing more subtle shades and opting for a polished, updated version of the iconic styles.

Conclusion:

70s makeup and hair offer a vibrant and nostalgic look that's truly timeless. By embracing the era's key elements – natural beauty, bold colors, and effortless volume – you can create a unique and stylish look that's sure to turn heads. From the disco glamour to the bohemian chic, there's a 70s style perfect for every personality.

Call to Action: Ready to embrace your inner 70s icon? Take a step back in time and try creating a retro-inspired look today!