Vintage 70s Makeup Looks & Tutorials

makeuplookstutorialsaguidetoretroglam">Vintage 70s Makeup Looks & Tutorials: A Guide to Retro Glam

The 1970s were a decade of bold experimentation in fashion and beauty, and makeup was no exception. Think disco balls, glam rock, and the rise of natural beauty. If you're looking to channel the free-spirited, vibrant energy of the 70s with your makeup, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through iconic 70s makeup looks, highlighting key techniques and products for a flawless retro glam transformation.

The 70s Makeup Era: A Look Back

The 70s makeup aesthetic was a blend of natural, bohemian vibes and daring, glamorous looks. Influenced by everything from disco to hippie culture, 70s makeup celebrated individuality and self-expression, often pushing boundaries with bold, colorful palettes.

Key Trends & Influences:

Natural Beauty: The rise of the "no makeup" makeup look emphasized dewy skin, flushed cheeks, and natural-looking lashes.
Bold Eyes: Smoky eyes, dramatic eyeliner, and winged liner were staples, often in vibrant colors like blue, green, and purple.
Statement Lips: Glossy lipsticks in nude shades, reds, and browns were popular, often paired with a "barely there" eyeshadow look.
Disco Glamour: Glitter and shimmer were embraced wholeheartedly, adding a touch of extravagance to both daytime and evening looks.
The Power of Bronzer: Bronzer became a key tool for contouring and creating a healthy glow, inspired by the California sun and tan culture.

Iconic 70s Makeup Looks You Can Recreate

Now that you have context for the era, let's dive into some specific looks you can recreate. From the natural, boho vibes to the dramatic disco glamour, there's a 70s makeup look for every mood and occasion.

1. The Natural Bohemian Look:

This look embodies the laid-back, free-spirited essence of the 70s.

Skin: Opt for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural finish. Add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks, and use bronzer sparingly for a subtle contour.
Eyes: Keep the shadows neutral with a focus on definition. Use a light brown or beige shade on the lids and a darker brown in the crease. Finish with a coat or two of mascara.
Lips: Go for a nude or rosy-toned lipstick with a satin or matte finish.

Products to Use:

Foundation: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, bareMinerals Original Foundation
Blush: NARS Orgasm Blush, Milani Rose Powder Blush
Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick
Lipstick: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Candy K", NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "London"

2. The Disco Glam Look:

This is the quintessential 70s party look, perfect for dancing the night away.

Skin: Use a dewy foundation to create a radiant base. Use a contouring palette to sculpt your features and add dimension.
Eyes: This look demands bold, dramatic eyes. Apply a shimmery eyeshadow all over the lid in a color like gold, bronze, or silver. Line the upper lash line with black or brown liquid liner, creating a wing for added drama. Finish with multiple coats of black mascara, and consider adding false lashes.
Lips: Go for a bold red lipstick with a glossy finish, or opt for a nude shade with a shimmery top coat.

Products to Use:

Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, MAKEUP BY MARIO SoftSculpt Shaping Stick
Contour: Kylie Cosmetics Kylighter Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour & Highlight Palette
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, MAC Eyeshadow in "Goldmine"
Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, Maybelline Master Ink Liquid Eyeliner
Lipstick: MAC Lipstick in "Ruby Woo", NARS Audacious Lipstick in "Anita"

3. The Bold 70s Eye Look:

This look is all about experimenting with color and creating a statement eye.

Skin: Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural finish. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and bronzer to your cheekbones.
Eyes: This look allows for a lot of creativity. You can choose a single bold color like blue, green, or purple and blend it all over the lid. Or, you can create a smoky eye using a dark brown or black shadow. Don't forget the winged eyeliner!
Lips: Keep the lips neutral with a nude or light pink lipstick.

Products to Use:

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked2 Palette, Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow Primer
Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner

4. The Bold Lip Look:

This look is perfect for when you want to make a statement with your lips.

Skin: Use a foundation and concealer as usual for a flawless base.
Eyes: Keep the eyes natural with a light dusting of eyeshadow and a coat or two of mascara.
Lips: Apply a bold lipstick in a deep red, burgundy, chocolate brown, or even a bright orange.

Products to Use:

Lipstick: NARS Audacious Lipstick in "Charlotte", Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Posie K"

Tips for Getting the Look:

Start with a Clean Canvas: Cleanse and moisturize your skin. Use a primer to help your makeup last longer.
Embrace the "Less is More" Approach: Don't feel the need to use every product in your makeup bag. Choose a few key items and work with them.
Experiment with Color: Don't be afraid to try different shades of eyeshadows, liners, and lipsticks. Have fun and create your own unique look.
Master the Art of Blending: No matter what kind of eye shadow you choose, blending is key to achieving a seamless, sophisticated look.
Don't Forget the Brows: 70s brows were often thick and defined. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in your brows and shape them.

70s Makeup Must-Haves:

Cream Blush: For a naturally flushed look.
Bronzer: To contour and add a warm glow.
Shimmery Eyeshadows: For a touch of disco glamour.
Liquid Eyeliner: For creating bold wings and dramatic lines.
Mascara: Essential for defined lashes.
Bold Lipsticks: In red, nude, or brown shades.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to achieve a natural 70s look? A: Focus on a light, dewy foundation, cream blush, and a neutral eyeshadow palette with a touch of eyeliner.

Q: How do I make my eyes look more dramatic like in the 70s? A: Experiment with bold colors, winged eyeliner, and lots of mascara. You can also use false lashes for extra drama.

Q: What are some 70s makeup trends I should avoid? A: While some 70s trends are making a comeback, there are some that might not be as flattering today. You can skip the heavy foundation, overly contoured cheeks, or strong dark eye shadow with harsh lines.

Conclusion

Recreating vintage 70s makeup is a great way to tap into the era's bold beauty aesthetic. From the natural bohemian looks to the glamorous disco vibes, there is a 70s makeup look for everyone. Experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques to find your own signature retro glam style. Embrace the spirit of individuality and self-expression that defined the 70s and let your creativity shine!

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