80s Glam Makeup: The Ultimate Guide to Retro Glamour

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar! The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion and even bolder makeup, and the iconic glam looks of the era are making a major comeback. From the power ballads of Bon Jovi to the neon hues of Miami Vice, 80s glam makeup embodies everything that was glamorous and exciting about the decade.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key elements of 80s glam makeup, providing tips, tricks, and essential product recommendations to recreate the look with a modern twist.

The Foundations of 80s Glam Makeup

The foundation of any great 80s glam look is a flawless base. This signifies a departure from the natural, no-makeup look that dominated the 70s. You're aiming for a radiant, even complexion with a touch of color and dimension.

1. Skin Preparation:

Exfoliate: Start by exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells and create a smooth canvas for makeup application. A gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant is perfect for this step.
Moisturize: Apply a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin supple and prevent dry patches.
Primer: A primer is essential for smoothing out your skin texture and ensuring your foundation stays put all day. Choose a mattifying primer for oily skin or a hydrating primer for dry skin.

2. Foundation and Concealer:

Foundation: Opt for a full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Avoid foundations with a matte finish; instead, go for a dewy or satin finish for that 80s radiance.
Concealer: Use a creamy concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Apply it directly to the areas you want to cover and blend it seamlessly with your foundation.

3. Bronzer and Blush:

Bronzer: Bronzer was a staple in 80s makeup, adding warmth and definition to the face. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and along your hairline.
Blush: Pick a vibrant blush in shades of pink, coral, or peach and apply it generously to the apples of your cheeks, blending it outwards towards your temples.

The Eyes: The Centerpiece Of 80s Glam

80s glam makeup is all about the eyes! Dramatic eye looks were a defining feature of the decade and continue to inspire makeup artists today.

1. Eyeshadow:

Color Palette: The 80s embraced a wide range of bold colors, from vibrant blues and greens to shimmering golds and silver. For daytime looks, try a soft-toned eyeshadow palette with neutral browns, pinks, and mauves. For evening glam, experiment with metallics, neon colors, and bold jewel tones.
Application: One of the most iconic 80s eye looks was the "cut crease," a technique that uses a strong line to create a dramatic split between the crease and the lid. Use a small eyeshadow brush to apply a darker shade to your crease and blend it upwards. Apply a lighter shade to your eyelid and blend it outwards.

2. Eyeliner:

Liquid Liner: Liquid liner was essential for achieving the signature winged eyeliner seen on many 80s icons. Start by drawing a thin line along your lash line and then wing it out at the outer corner.
Pencil Liner: Use a dark pencil liner to line your waterline for extra definition.

3. Mascara:

Volume and Length: 80s glam was all about big, bold eyelashes. Opt for a volumizing mascara to add drama to your lashes.

Brows and Lips: Complementing the Glam

Don't forget the brows and lips! These details contribute to the overall impact of your 80s glam makeup look.

1. Brows:

Shape: The 80s saw sculpted, arched eyebrows that were often a bit bolder than the natural brow shape. Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in your brows and create a defined arch.

2. Lips:

Color: 80s glam embraced bright, bold lipsticks. Opt for colors like red, fuchsia, or coral. For a more understated look, try a nude or peach lipstick.
Gloss: A glossy finish was essential for completing the 80s look. Apply a clear or colored lip gloss over your lipstick to add shine and dimension.

Recreate the Look with Modern Touches

While embracing the iconic elements of 80s glam makeup, you can make it work for your modern style and personal preferences.

1. Modernize the Color Palette:

Muted Hues: While the 80s embraced bold colors, you can create a more modern twist by using muted versions of those shades. Instead of a bright blue, opt for a soft baby blue.
Subtle Shimmer: For a more contemporary approach, choose eyeshadow palettes with subtle shimmer instead of highly metallic finishes.

2. Embrace the Cut Crease with a Soft Touch:

Subtle Transition: Instead of a sharp, defined cut crease, blend the colors seamlessly for a softer look.
Alternative Shapes: Experiment with different eye shapes and eyeliner techniques.

3. Explore New Techniques:

Graphic Eyeliner: Play with graphic eyeliner designs for a contemporary take on 80s glam.

The Final Touches of 80s Glam

1. Hair:

Big Hair: Big, voluminous hair was a hallmark of the 80s. Use volumizing products and a curling iron to create height and texture.
Crimping: Use a crimper for texture and a more rock-n-roll look.

2. Accessories:

Statement Earrings: Large, bold earrings were another key accessory for 80s glam.
Headbands: Headbands were a popular way to add a touch of style to hairstyles.

FAQ

Q: What are some essential makeup products for 80s glam? A: Some key products include: * Full-coverage foundation * Cream concealer * Bronzer * Blush * Eyeshadow palette with a variety of colors * Liquid eyeliner * Mascara * Eyebrow pencil or powder * Lipstick in bold colors * Lip gloss

Q: Can I wear 80s glam makeup for everyday wear? A: Yes! You can create a more subdued version of 80s glam makeup for daily wear by using softer colors and focusing on a few key areas, such as the eyes or lips.

Q: How can I make my 80s glam makeup look more modern? A: Use muted colors, experiment with graphic eyeliner designs, and blend the colors seamlessly for a softer, more contemporary look.

Conclusion: Embrace the 80s Glam

80s glam makeup is more than just a throwback trend. It's an opportunity to express your individuality, embrace bold colors, and celebrate the iconic style of a decade that continues to inspire. With a little practice and creativity, you can master the art of 80s glam and create stunning makeup looks that are both timeless and trendy. So put on your favorite neon leggings, blast some 80s music, and get ready to rock your inner glam goddess!

Ready to dive deeper into the world of 80s glam? Explore these resources for even more inspiration:

[80s Makeup Trends: A Look Back]( [link to an authoritative source about 80s makeup trends])
[How to Do a Modern 80s Makeup Look]([link to a reputable makeup tutorial])

Don't forget to share your own 80s glam makeup looks on social media! #80sglam #makeuplover #retrostyle