70s Themed Makeup Looks: Retro Glam Guide

70s Themed Makeup Looks: A Retro Glam Guide

Embark on a journey back in time with this comprehensive guide to 70s makeup, where bold colors, dramatic eyes, and a touch of shimmer reign supreme. The 1970s were a decade of rebellious fashion and makeup, departing from the more subdued styles of the previous era. This era saw a rise in experimentation with color, texture, and technique, resulting in a unique blend of glam rock, disco, and bohemian aesthetics.

Ready to channel your inner 70s icon? From the iconic smoky eye to the ethereal glow of the natural look, we'll explore the essential techniques and products to achieve a range of 70s-inspired makeup styles. Get ready to embrace the bold and beautiful world of 70s makeup.

The Foundations of 70s Makeup: Skin Prep & Base

The perfect 70s makeup look starts with a flawless, yet natural-looking canvas. Skin prep is crucial for achieving that radiant, youthful glow.

1. Hydrated Skin is Key

Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin.
Use a hydrating serum or face mist to ensure your skin is plump and dewy, as this was a key characteristic of the 70s aesthetic.

2. Light and Dewy Coverage

Opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. The goal is to achieve a natural, even complexion without heavy coverage.
Consider using a cream-based foundation for a luminous finish.
Don't forget to blend seamlessly around the hairline and jawline for a flawless look.

3. Sculpting and Defining

While contouring wasn't as popular in the 70s, subtle definition can enhance your features.
Use a bronzer a shade or two darker than your skin tone to sculpt the cheekbones and jawline.
Apply lightly for a natural, sun-kissed effect.

The Eyes Have It: Mastering the 70s Eye Look

The eyes were the focal point of 70s makeup, often featuring bold colors, dramatic lines, and a touch of shimmer. Let's explore the key elements of creating iconic 70s eye looks.

1. The Smoky Eye: A Timeless Classic

This staple of the 70s remains a popular choice today.
Use a soft, blendable eyeshadow brush to blend a dark, smoky shade across the crease.
Popular colors included shades of brown, gray, or plum.
Apply a lighter shade to the inner corner of the eye and blend everything together for a seamless look.

2. Shimmer and Shine: Adding a Touch of Glamour

70s makeup embraced shimmery eye shadows and liners.
Consider using a gold, bronze, or silver shade on the eyelids or as a highlight above the brow bone.
A touch of shimmer along the lash line can add extra drama.

3. The Winged Liner: A Dramatic Statement

A winged eyeliner was essential for a 70s-inspired look.
Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to create a precise, elongated wing extending past the outer corner of the eye.
Practice your technique to achieve a sharp, defined line.

4. The "70s" Brow: Natural and Defined

In contrast to the thin brows of the 60s, 70s brows embraced a more natural, groomed shape.
Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and define the brow shape.
Avoid over-plucking and aim for a slightly fuller, more natural brow.

The Finishing Touches: Cheeks, Lips, and More

Beyond the eyes, 70s makeup featured a variety of techniques to enhance the cheeks and lips.

1. Blushing with a Romantic Touch

70s blush trends focused on a natural, rosy glow.
Apply cream or powder blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards towards the temples.
Popular shades included peach, coral, and pink.

2. Lips: From Pops of Color to Nude Glamour

The 70s offered a range of lip styles, from bold colors to subtle nudes.
For a bold statement, try a bright red, orange, or plum lipstick.
Nude lipsticks with a hint of shimmer were also popular choices to complement a smoky eye.

3. The Power of Highlighting

Highlighting was a key element of 70s makeup.
Use a highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow to create a radiant, dewy finish.

70s Makeup Looks: Inspiration from the Icons

Channel your inner 70s fashion icon with these inspiring looks:

1. The Disco Diva: Bold and Glamorous

Embrace vibrant eye shadow shades like teal, purple, or gold.
Apply a thick layer of mascara and create a dramatic winged eyeliner.
Finish with a bold red or orange lipstick.

2. The Bohemian Chic: Earthy and Effortless

Opt for neutral eye shadow shades like browns, beige, and gold.
Create soft wing eyeliner and pair with a natural blush and nude lipstick.

3. The Glam Rock Queen: Smoky and Edgy

Create a dramatic smoky eye using black or dark brown eyeshadow.
Apply a thick layer of mascara and create a dramatic winged eyeliner.
Finish with a nude or dark lipstick.

FAQs about 70s Makeup

Here are some frequently asked questions about 70s makeup.

Q: Is 70s makeup still relevant today?

A: 70s makeup trends continue to inspire modern looks, with elements like smoky eyes, bold colors, and shimmery textures remaining popular.

Q: What are the essential makeup products for a 70s look?

A: Essential makeup products for a 70s look include:

A lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer
Cream or powder blush
A variety of eyeshadow shades, including neutral browns and bold colors
Liquid or gel eyeliner
A variety of lipstick shades, including bold colors and nudes
Mascara
Highlighter

Q: What are some tips for making 70s makeup look modern?

A: To achieve a modern take on 70s makeup, consider using more muted colors, simplifying eye looks, and focusing on creating a fresh, dewy complexion.

Q: How do I make my 70s makeup look last all day?

A: Use a primer to create a smooth base, set your makeup with setting spray, and consider using waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

Q: Where can I find 70s makeup inspiration?

A: Look to magazines, movies, and television shows featuring fashion and makeup from the 1970s.

Conclusion: Embrace the Retro Glam

**By incorporating bold colors, dramatic eyes, and a touch of shimmer, you can recreate iconic 70s makeup looks and embrace the retro glam aesthetic. **From the smoky eye to the natural glow, these techniques offer a variety of styles to suit every taste and personality. So, get ready to experiment, unleash your inner fashionista, and step back in time with the enduring allure of 70s makeup.

Want to elevate your 70s makeup game? Explore our comprehensive guide to 70s fashion, where you'll discover the signature clothing styles and accessories that perfectly complement these iconic looks.