80s Rock Makeup For Men: The Ultimate Guide
80s Rock Makeup For Men: The Ultimate Guide
The 80s were a time of excess in music, fashion, and yes, makeup. While women embraced bold eyeshadow palettes and daring lipsticks, men weren't left behind. 80s rock makeup for men, a blend of rebellion and glamour, defined the era's masculine beauty standards. From the heavy metal scene to the pop stars, men used makeup to express their individuality and amplify their stage presence. Today, we're diving into the world of 80s rock makeup, exploring its history, techniques, and how to recreate this iconic look.
The Rise of 80s Rock Makeup
The 80s saw a surge in rock music subgenres, each with its distinct visual aesthetic. Glam rock, with its flamboyant costumes and androgynous style, heavily influenced the early use of makeup by male musicians. David Bowie, a pioneer of this genre, is credited with pushing boundaries and using makeup to express gender fluidity and artistic freedom.
Heavy metal bands, with their dark and rebellious themes, incorporated black eye makeup and bold eyeliner into their look. Bands like Kiss, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard made heavy eye makeup synonymous with their raw and intense musical style.
Key Elements of 80s Rock Makeup for Men
80s rock makeup for men wasn't about hiding imperfections; it was about statement-making and enhancing features. The key elements include:
1. Eyeliner: A bold, theatrical eyeliner is essential for any 80s rock look.
- Classic Black Eyeliner: Thick black liquid eyeliner applied along the lash line and extended outwards into a dramatic wing is the foundation for this style.
- Smoky Eyes: For a more subdued effect, blend black eyeshadow along the lash line and crease, creating a smoky eye with a hint of glamour.
- Colored Eyeliner: Experiment with blue, purple, or green eyeliner for a bolder statement.
2. Eye Shadow: 80s rock makeup embraces color and texture.
- Shimmer and Sparkle: Metallic eyeshadows and glitter in shades of silver, gold, or bronze were popular for adding a touch of drama.
- Bold Colors: Blues, greens, purples, and even pinks were used in a variety of ways, from subtle washes to dramatic sweeps across the lid.
- Matte Shadows: Matte black, grey, or brown shades can be used for a more toned-down smoky eye effect.
3. Blush: Blush wasn't always a must-have in 80s rock makeup, but it could be used for a healthy, flushed look.
- Natural Tones: Peach, pink, or coral shades were used to add warmth and definition to the cheeks.
- Application: Avoid heavy application to maintain a natural appearance.
4. Lipstick: While not typically worn by men in the 80s, some musicians embraced the bold lip look.
- Dark Colors: Black, burgundy, or even brown lipstick could be used to create a statement, often paired with dramatic eye makeup.
5. Hair: Hair played a significant role in the overall 80s rock look.
- Big Hair: Big, voluminous hairstyles with teased and spiked hair were a trademark of the era.
- Mullets: The mullet, a hairstyle with long hair in the back and short hair in the front, was a popular choice for many rock stars.
6. Accessories: Completing the look often included statement accessories.
- Headbands: Leather or fabric headbands were popular for keeping hair in place or adding a touch of style.
- Earrings: Men's earrings, often large and bold, became an essential part of the rockstar persona.
80s Rock Makeup for Men Techniques
Here's a step-by-step guide to recreate the 80s rock makeup look:
1. Prep Your Skin:
- Start with a clean face.
- Apply a moisturizer to hydrate the skin.
- If desired, use a foundation to create a smooth and even canvas.
2. Create the Eye Look:
- Eyeliner: Use a liquid eyeliner to create a thick line along the lash line. Extend the line outwards into a dramatic wing.
- Eye Shadow: Apply a colored eye shadow to the eyelid, blending it outwards towards the crease.
- Blending: Use a brush to blend the eyeshadows and create a smooth transition.
3. Enhance your Features:
- Blush: Apply a blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it outwards.
- Lipstick: If desired, apply a dark lipstick to your lips.
4. Set Your Makeup:
- Use a setting spray or powder to lock in your makeup and prevent smudging.
80s Rock Makeup Brands and Products:
1. Makeup Brands:
- MAC: Known for their high-quality pigments and extensive color range.
- Urban Decay: Popular for their bold eyeshadow palettes and long-lasting eyeliner.
- NARS: Offers a variety of makeup products, including high-pigment blush and eyeshadow.
2. Products:
- Liquid Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.
- Eyeshadow Palettes: MAC Eye Shadow Palette, Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette.
- Blush: NARS Blush, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush.
- Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, MAC Fix + Setting Spray.
Modern Takes on 80s Rock Makeup
While the original 80s rock makeup look is iconic, there are ways to incorporate elements into a more modern context.
- Subtle Eyeliner: Instead of a thick, dramatic wing, use a thin line of eyeliner for a subtle, everyday look.
- Shimmer Eye Shadow: Choose a shimmering eye shadow in a natural shade for a touch of glam without being over the top.
- Matte Lipstick: For a more neutral look, apply a matte lipstick in a nude or brown shade.
FAQ
1. Is 80s rock makeup for everyone?
80s rock makeup is a bold and expressive style, so it's best suited for those who enjoy making a statement. If you're looking for a more natural and subtle look, consider a modern interpretation of the style.
2. What are the best tips for applying eyeliner?
Start with a clean and smooth lash line. Use a steady hand and apply the eyeliner in small strokes. Once you've created the desired shape, blend the edges for a softer effect.
3. How can I find the right shade of eye shadow for me?
Experiment with different shades and textures to find what complements your eye color and skin tone. Consider using a color wheel to identify complementary shades.
Conclusion
80s rock makeup for men was a powerful statement of individuality and artistic expression. Whether you're recreating the iconic look or incorporating elements into your own beauty routine, embracing the bold and dramatic nature of this style can be a fun way to express your unique personality. Remember to have fun with it, experiment, and let your creativity shine!
Call to Action:
Ready to channel your inner rockstar? Start experimenting with 80s rock makeup today! Don't forget to share your creations with us by tagging #80sRockMakeup on social media.
