Retro 70s Makeup Looks: Tutorials & Tips

Embrace the bold, glamorous vibes of the 70s with these timeless makeup looks. Learn about the iconic trends, essential products, and step-by-step tutorials.

The 1970s was a decade of self-expression, and makeup mirrored this spirit. Bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and natural-looking skin were defining characteristics of the 70s makeup scene. From disco queens to bohemian chic, the era offered a wide array of looks that remain relevant today. This article will guide you through recreating those iconic 70s styles, providing step-by-step tutorials and tips for achieving the perfect vintage glam.

1. Understanding the 70s Makeup Aesthetic

The 70s makeup look was all about bold colors, natural-looking skin, and a touch of effortless glamour. It celebrated individuality and encouraged experimentation with different styles. Key elements included:

Natural-looking skin: The focus was on healthy, radiant skin, often achieved with minimal foundation and a touch of bronzer.
Bold eyes: Dramatic eyeliner, shimmering eyeshadow, and colorful mascara were staples.
Statement lips: From nude to bold reds and browns, lips were often the focal point of the look.
Flawless brows: Thick, natural-looking brows were highly sought after.

2. Essential 70s Makeup Products

Re-creating the 70s makeup look requires gathering a few key products:

For the Eyes:

Creamy Eyeshadows: In shades of browns, golds, peaches, and blues.
Shimmery Eyeshadows: For a touch of disco-era glam.
Black Eyeliner: Liquid or pencil, for that iconic winged liner look.
Mascara: Thick, volumizing mascara in black or brown.
False Eyelashes: For a dramatic, glamorous effect.

For the Skin:

Foundation: Light to medium coverage, in a shade that matches your skin tone.
Powder: Loose or pressed, to set foundation and achieve a matte finish.
Bronzer: To create a healthy glow.

For the Lips:

Lipsticks: Nudes, reds, browns, and pinks.
Gloss: For a subtle shine.
Lip Liner: To define the lip shape and prevent feathering.

For the Brows:

Brow Pencil: To fill in sparse areas and define the brow shape.
Brow Gel: To keep brows in place.

3. Getting the 70s Skin: A Natural Approach

The 70s skin aesthetic emphasized a natural, healthy glow. This means minimal foundation and a focus on highlighting the skin's natural beauty.

Step 1: Preparation:

Cleanse & Exfoliate: Start with a gentle cleanser and exfoliate to remove dead skin cells for a smooth canvas.
Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
Primer: Apply a primer to create an even surface for foundation and help makeup last longer.

Step 2: Foundation & Concealer:

Choose a light to medium coverage foundation: In a shade that matches your skin tone. Apply it sparingly, focusing on areas that need coverage.
Concealer: Use concealer sparingly to cover any blemishes or dark circles.

Step 3: Contour & Highlight:

Bronzer: Apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline for a subtle contour.
Highlighter: Add a touch of highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow for a radiant glow.

4. The Iconic 70s Eye Makeup: Bold & Dramatic

The 70s eye makeup was all about creating a dramatic and glamorous look. Here's how to achieve the iconic winged liner, shimmering eyeshadow, and voluminous lashes.

Step 1: Eyeshadow:

Creamy Eyeshadow: Apply a creamy eyeshadow in a neutral shade to the entire eyelid as a base.
Shimmery Eyeshadow: Add a touch of shimmering eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid for a disco-era sparkle.

Step 2: Eyeliner:

The Winged Liner: Create the iconic winged liner look by drawing a thin line along the upper lash line, extending it outwards in a wing shape.
Tightlining: Line the inside of the upper lash line to make lashes appear fuller.

Step 3: Mascara:

Voluminous Mascara: Apply 2-3 coats of volumizing mascara to both upper and lower lashes for a thick, dramatic lash look.
False Eyelashes: For a truly glamorous effect, apply a pair of false lashes.

5. Lip Looks: From Nudes to Bold Colors

Lips played a prominent role in 70s makeup. From natural nudes to bold statement reds, the options were varied and reflected the era's embrace of self-expression.

Step 1: Lip Liner:

Lip Liner: Use a lip liner in a shade matching your lipstick to define the shape of your lips and prevent feathering.
Overlining: You can slightly overline the lips for a fuller look, but ensure it looks natural.

Step 2: Lipstick:

Choose a Lipstick: Browse through various lipstick shades to find a 70s-inspired color. Popular options include nude, brown, red, berry, and pink.
Application: Apply lipstick evenly, blending the edges for a seamless finish.

Step 3: Gloss:

Gloss: For a subtle shine, apply a clear or tinted gloss over your lipstick.

6. The Perfect 70s Brows: Thick & Defined

Thick, natural-looking brows were a defining characteristic of 70s makeup. Focus on enhancing their natural shape rather than creating a perfectly sculpted look.

Step 1: Define Your Brow Shape:

Use a brow brush: To brush your brows upwards and outwards to define their natural shape.

Step 2: Fill in Sparse Areas:

Brow Pencil: Use a brow pencil in a shade that matches your brow hair to fill in any sparse areas. Apply lightly, mimicking the natural hair growth pattern.

Step 3: Set Your Brows:

Brow Gel: Use a clear or tinted brow gel to hold your brows in place and create a polished look.

7. 70s Makeup Looks: Popular Styles

The 70s offered a variety of makeup looks, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the most popular styles:

1. Disco Queen:

Focus: Shimmering eyeshadow, dramatic eyeliner, and voluminous lashes.
Colors: Metallic gold, silver, bronze, and blue eyeshadows.
Lips: Nude or light pink lipstick.

2. Bohemian Chic:

Focus: Natural skin, subtle eye makeup, and a touch of color on the lips.
Colors: Warm browns, peaches, and soft pinks.
Lips: Peach, pink, or red lipstick.

3. Glam Rock:

Focus: Dark eyeliner, heavy mascara, and bold lips.
Colors: Black and smoky brown eyeshadows.
Lips: Red, burgundy, or brown lipstick.

4. Country Chic:

Focus: Natural skin, subtle eye makeup, and a touch of blush.
Colors: Peach and brown eyeshadows.
Lips: Peach, pink, or coral lipstick.

8. Tips for Achieving the Perfect 70s Makeup Look

Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different colors and styles until you find what works best for you.
Focus on the Eyes or Lips, Not Both: Choose to highlight either your eyes or lips, as going too bold on both can create an overwhelming look.
Use a Light Hand: Apply foundation and concealer sparingly for a natural look.
Embrace Imperfection: Don't be afraid of a little smudging or imperfection - it adds to the vintage charm.
Use Quality Products: Invest in high-quality makeup products for a more polished and long-lasting look.

FAQs

1. Is 70s makeup still in style?

Yes, many elements of 70s makeup have seen a resurgence in recent years. The bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and natural-looking skin are all popular trends that can be adapted to contemporary styles.

2. How can I make my 70s makeup look modern?

While embracing the key elements of the 70s, you can modernize the look by incorporating lighter shades, using less product, and focusing on achieving a softer, more diffused finish.

3. What mistakes should I avoid when recreating a 70s makeup look?

Avoid using too much foundation or concealer, as this can result in a cakey, unnatural look. Also, avoid over-contouring, as this can create harsh lines and make your face appear too sculpted.

Conclusion

The 70s makeup scene was a celebration of individuality and self-expression. Its bold colors, dramatic looks, and emphasis on natural-looking skin continue to inspire modern makeup trends. Recreating these vintage styles requires understanding the key elements, choosing the right products, and practicing the techniques. Remember, the key to achieving a successful 70s makeup look is to embrace your own unique style and have fun experimenting!

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