80s Editorial Makeup: Trends Techniques and Looks
80s Editorial Makeup: Trends, Techniques, and Looks
The 1980s was a decade of bold experimentation, and makeup was no exception. From vibrant eyeshadow palettes to dramatic contouring, 80s editorial makeup pushed boundaries and defined a distinct era of beauty. This article delves into the iconic trends, techniques, and looks that captured the essence of 80s editorial makeup, exploring how modern makeup artists continue to draw inspiration from this era.
The Dawn of a Bold New Era
The 1980s saw a shift in beauty ideals, with a focus on strong, expressive features. The rise of powerful women in music, film, and fashion fueled this trend, leading to a celebration of individualism and self-expression through makeup. 80s editorial makeup wasn't just about enhancing features, it was about creating a statement, showcasing personality, and pushing creative boundaries.
Key Trends in 80s Editorial Makeup
1. The Power of Color
The 80s were a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues, and this extended to makeup. Bold eyeshadow palettes in neon shades like pink, blue, green, and purple were a staple.
Eyeshadow Techniques: The focus was on creating dramatic, multi-dimensional looks. Layering multiple colors, applying shimmery textures, and using bold eyeliner were key techniques.
Color Combinations: Popular combinations included:
- Blue and green: Think teal and sapphire, or electric blue and turquoise.
- Pink and purple: From lavender to magenta, the possibilities were endless.
- Orange and yellow: Bright tangerine and sunshine yellow added a high-impact pop.
2. The Defined Brow
Unlike the thin, arched brows of the 70s, 80s brows embraced a more defined, natural look. This trend mirrored the overall "power brow" aesthetic, emphasizing strong, structured features.
- Pencil or Powder: Makeup artists used pencils or powders to create a defined shape and fill in any gaps.
- Brow Gel: Brow gel was a crucial element for setting and taming unruly hairs, ensuring a polished finish.
3. The Contoured Cheeks
Contouring emerged as a key technique in 80s editorial makeup, emphasizing the natural structure of the face.
- Bronzer and Blush: Bronzer was used to sculpt cheekbones, while blush added a natural flush of color.
- Placement: Bronzer was typically applied strategically to hollow areas below the cheekbones and along the temples, creating a defined shadow effect. Blush was placed on the apples of the cheeks for a vibrant, healthy glow.
4. The Bold Lip
80s editorial makeup embraced bold lip colors with a focus on high-impact pigment and dramatic finishes.
- Matte or Glossy: From matte, vibrant reds to glossy, metallic pinks, the options were vast.
- Lip Liner: Lip liner became a crucial step in achieving a defined, long-lasting look.
- Dark Lip Colors: Dark, rich shades like burgundy, plum, and brown were also popular choices.
5. The Power of Eyeliner
Eyeliner was a cornerstone of 80s editorial makeup, used to accentuate and enhance the eyes.
- Liquid Liner: Sharp, precise lines were created with liquid eyeliner, making it a popular choice for creating bold cat eyes.
- Gel Liner: Gel liner offered a more versatile formula, perfect for creating both subtle and dramatic looks.
- Colored Liners: Colored eyeliners, such as bright blue or green, were also popular for adding a pop of color.
Techniques Used in 80s Editorial Makeup: A Deeper Dive
1. Layering Eyeshadow
80s editorial makeup prioritized layering eyeshadows to create depth and dimension. This involved blending multiple colors to achieve a smooth gradient effect.
- Base Color: A light, neutral eyeshadow was often used as a base to even out the eyelid and provide a smooth canvas for other colors.
- Crease Color: A darker eyeshadow was applied to the crease to create a subtle shadow effect.
- Lid Color: A bright, vibrant color was applied to the eyelid for a bold statement.
- Highlight: A shimmery eyeshadow was often used to highlight the brow bone, adding a touch of sparkle.
2. The Art of Contouring
80s makeup artists embraced contouring to enhance facial structure and create a chiseled look.
- Bronzer Placement: Bronzer was strategically applied to the hollow areas below the cheekbones, around the temples, and along the jawline to create a subtle shadow effect.
- Blush Placement: Blush was applied to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy glow and to add dimension.
3. The Importance of Skin Prep
80s makeup artists understood the importance of a smooth canvas for makeup application.
- Moisturizer: Hydrated skin is crucial for achieving a smooth, flawless finish.
- Primer: Primer helps to create a barrier between the skin and makeup, creating a smoother base and helping makeup to last longer.
- Foundation: Lightweight, creamy formulas were often used to create a natural, radiant finish.
The 80s Makeup Look: Iconic Examples
- Madonna: Madonna was a true icon of 80s style, embracing bold makeup looks that were both edgy and glamorous. Her signature looks included vibrant eyeshadow, defined brows, and a statement red lip.
- Debbie Harry: As the lead singer of Blondie, Debbie Harry embodied the 80s punk rock aesthetic. Her signature look featured bold, black eyeliner, a chiseled contour, and bright red lipstick.
- Cyndi Lauper: The queen of neon, Cyndi Lauper's makeup was synonymous with vibrant colors and bold experimentation. She often wore bright eyeshadows, neon eyeliner, and a bold lip.
Modern Interpretations of 80s Editorial Makeup
While the 80s are long gone, many of its makeup trends continue to inspire modern makeup artists. Here are some ways in which contemporary makeup looks draw inspiration from the past:
- Bold Color Palettes: Modern makeup artists use vibrant eyeshadow palettes, inspired by the 80s, to create striking eye looks, often focusing on monochromatic shades or complementary colors.
- The Defined Brow: The "power brow" trend has made a comeback, with many modern makeup artists embracing the defined, natural brow look that was popular in the 80s.
- Contouring Techniques: Contouring is a staple technique in modern makeup artistry, with artists using techniques inspired by the 80s to create a sculpted, chiseled look.
FAQs
- Q: Did 80s makeup use a lot of mascara?
- A: While mascara was definitely used, it wasn't as emphasized as other aspects like eyeliner or eyeshadow. The focus was on creating a defined, dramatic eye shape, rather than simply amplifying lashes.
- Q: What kind of foundation was popular in the 80s?
- A: Lightweight, creamy formulas were favored over thick, matte foundations. The goal was to create a natural, radiant finish, rather than a heavy, mask-like look.
- Q: What were the popular colors for lip liner?
- A: Lip liner colors matched the lip color or were slightly darker to enhance the shape and create a defined look.
Conclusion
80s editorial makeup was a dynamic and expressive era, influencing beauty trends for decades to come. From vibrant color palettes to bold eyeliner and impactful contouring, this decade embraced individuality and pushed creative boundaries. Modern makeup artists continue to draw inspiration from the bold aesthetic of the 80s, adapting these iconic trends to create fresh and exciting looks for today's beauty scene.
Call to Action:
Want to explore more of the fascinating world of 80s makeup? Check out these resources for more in-depth information and inspiring visuals:
- [Link to an article about 80s fashion]
- [Link to a video tutorial on recreating an 80s makeup look]
- [Link to an online makeup retailer selling 80s-inspired products]
