80s Makeup Images: Retro Glam Looks & Styles

The 1980s were a vibrant and colorful era, and makeup trends reflected that spirit. From bold eyeshadows and dramatic eyeliner to bright blush and bold lips, 80s makeup was all about making a statement. This article explores the iconic 80s makeup looks and styles, diving into the key products, techniques, and inspirations that defined this decade's beauty aesthetic.

The Rise of the 80s Makeup Trend

The 80s makeup trend was heavily influenced by the decade's fashion, music, and culture. Think big hair, neon colors, and a strong sense of individualism. This era saw a surge in celebrity icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Grace Jones, who popularized the bold, experimental makeup styles that became synonymous with the decade.

Iconic 80s Makeup Looks

1. Power Brows

The power brow was a defining feature of 80s makeup. Think thick, arched eyebrows that were meticulously shaped and often drawn on with a pencil or powder. The goal? To create a strong, confident look that emphasized the eyes.

2. Bold Eyeshadows

The 80s were all about color, and eyeshadow palettes reflected this. Think vibrant blues, greens, purples, and pinks. Many women embraced the "color blocking" technique, applying bold colors in distinct areas around the eye for a dramatic effect.

3. Dramatic Eyeliner

Eyeliner was a key element in creating the 80s makeup look. Liquid liner was favored for its precision, and winged eyeliner was a popular choice, creating wide-eyed, feline effects. Eyeliner was also used to create "smoky eyes," where a dark shade was blended across the entire eyelid.

4. Bright Blushes

Blush played an essential role in the 80s makeup look. Women embraced bright, rosy hues, often applying blush high on the cheekbones for a "fresh-faced" or "sun-kissed" look. Blush was also sometimes used on the lids to create a cohesive color scheme.

5. Bold Lips

Red lipstick was a staple in the 80s, but other bold colors like fuchsia, coral, and even black were also popular. Women wanted to make a statement with their lips, and lip liner was often used to create a defined and dramatic pout.

Products Used in 80s Makeup

Eyeshadow: While the 80s saw a wide variety of colors, cool metallics and vibrant neon colors were especially popular.
Eyeliner: Liquid liner was popular for its precision, but pencils and kohl were also used.
Mascara: Mascara was used to enhance lashes, and volumizing formulas were particularly popular.
Blush: Creamy or powder blush was used to add color to the cheeks.
Lipstick: Bold colors like red, pink, and fuchsia were popular choices.
Lip Liner: Lip liner was essential for defining the lips and creating a dramatic pout.

80s Makeup Techniques

Color Blocking: A popular technique for eyeshadow, color blocking involved applying distinct colors in different areas of the eyelid.
Winged Eyeliner: This technique involved creating a lengthened cat-eye shape with liquid liner.
Smokey Eyes: This technique involved blending a dark eyeshadow across the entire eyelid, creating a smoky effect.
Contouring: While not as popular as today, contouring was used sparingly to accentuate cheekbones and nose.
Highlighting: Highlighter was used to accentuate certain areas of the face like the brow bone, cheekbones, and cupid's bow.

80s Makeup Inspiration

The 80s makeup aesthetic was inspired by a blend of influences, including:

Music: The bold and colorful makeup of music icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Prince influenced many women.
Fashion: The bold colors, geometric shapes, and patterns of 80s fashion were mirrored in makeup.
Movies: Films like "Flashdance" and "Working Girl" featured strong, independent female characters sporting bold makeup looks.
Culture: The social and cultural changes of the 80s, including the rise of feminism and the emergence of new subcultures, played a role in shaping the decade's makeup trends.

Bringing Back the 80s Look

The 80s makeup trend has seen a resurgence in recent years, with many celebrities and fashion influencers embracing the decade's iconic looks. Here are some tips for recreating the 80s aesthetic for a modern twist:

Choose your signature color: Whether it’s a vibrant blue, bold pink, or a classic red, pick a color that reflects your personality and complements your skin tone.
Emphasize the eyes: Bold eyeshadows, winged eyeliner, and dramatic lashes are key elements of the 80s look.
Don't be afraid to experiment: The 80s were all about individuality and self-expression, so don't be afraid to try different looks and styles.
Embrace the bold lips: A signature red or bright pink lipstick can instantly elevate any 80s-inspired look.
Keep it modern: While you can embrace the key elements of the 80s makeup trend, don't be afraid to update it with a modern twist. You can achieve this by using more muted shades or softer textures for a less dramatic effect.

FAQs About 80s Makeup

1. What were the most common colors used in 80s makeup?

Eyeshadow: Cool metallics, bright neons, and vibrant blues, greens, purples, and pinks were popular.
Lipstick: Red, pink, fuchsia, coral, and black were popular choices.
Blush: Rosy hues and shades of pink were popular.

2. What were some of the key tools used in 80s makeup?

Liquid Eyeliner: Essential for creating winged eyeliner looks.
Mascara: Volumizing formulas were popular for enhancing lashes.
Blush Brush: Used to apply blush to the cheeks.
Lip Brush: Used for applying lipstick and lip liner.

3. Was 80s makeup only for women?

No, 80s makeup was just as popular with men, who embraced the decade's bold and colorful trends.

Conclusion

80s makeup represented a time of bold experimentation and self-expression. From iconic looks like the power brow and the smoky eye to the use of vibrant colors and textures, 80s makeup was a true statement of the decade's vibrant culture. While the trend has seen a resurgence in recent years, 80s makeup still inspires us with its timeless allure, serving as a reminder of the power of makeup to elevate self-confidence and creativity.

Call to Action: Ready to embrace your inner 80s icon? Explore our collection of 80s makeup images for inspiration and discover how to recreate these timeless looks with a modern twist. Don't forget to check out our blog for more articles on vintage makeup trends!