Disco 70s Makeup & Hair: The Ultimate Guide
Disco 70s Makeup & Hair: The Ultimate Guide
Readers, do you ever find yourself yearning for the vibrant and dazzling era of the 1970s? The disco era wasn’t just about grooving to funky beats and dazzling dance moves; it was a time of bold self-expression, where individuality reigned supreme. And what better way to encapsulate this spirit than through the iconic makeup and hair trends of the era?
Think shimmering eye shadows, dramatic winged eyeliner, and voluminous, gravity-defying hair that dared to stand out. We’ve delved deep into the world of Disco 70s makeup and hair, analyzing the key trends and techniques. Join us as we unveil the secrets to recreating these timeless looks, from the classic smoky eye to the legendary feathered hair.
Embracing the Glamour: Key Makeup Trends
The 70s makeup scene was all about embracing bold hues and dramatic looks that celebrated individuality. It was a time of experimentation, where women played with colors and textures, defying conventional beauty norms. From shimmering eye shadows to dramatic winged eyeliner, the makeup of the era was designed to make a statement, both on and off the dance floor.
The Shimmering Smoky Eye
The smoky eye was a staple of the disco era, but with a twist. Instead of relying on dark, sultry shades, 70s smoky eyes embraced shimmering textures and vibrant colors. Emerald green, deep purple, and shimmering gold were popular choices, creating a look that was both dramatic and playful. The key to achieving this look was blending the eyeshadow seamlessly, creating a soft, diffused effect that emphasized the eyes without being overpowering. To complete the look, a touch of highlighter on the brow bone and a swipe of mascara were all that was needed to enhance the eyes’ natural sparkle.
Dramatic Winged Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner look of the 70s was all about making a statement. Thick, dramatic lines that extended outwards from the outer corners of the eyes were the hallmark of the era. These lines were often drawn with liquid eyeliner or kohl pencils, creating a sharp, defined edge that contrasted beautifully with the soft, shimmering eye shadows. To achieve this look, start by creating a thin line along the lash line, then gradually extend it upwards and outwards, creating a wing that extended beyond the outer corner of the eye. The key was to keep the line smooth and precise, giving a sleek and sophisticated finish.
The Glow-From-Within Complexion
The Disco 70s aesthetic celebrated a healthy, radiant complexion. Rather than striving for a matte finish, 70s makeup focused on creating a natural, dewy glow. This was achieved through the use of cream-based foundations and blushes, which imparted a luminous sheen to the skin. The key was to apply these products in a light, airy manner, blending them seamlessly into the skin for a natural, radiant effect. A touch of bronzer on the cheekbones and a dusting of highlighter on the brow bone added to the overall glow, giving the complexion a vibrant, healthy appearance.
Bold Lips
The disco era was all about bold colors and vibrant expressions, and lips were no exception. From deep reds to vibrant pinks, the 70s lips embraced a spectrum of bold shades that complemented the era’s flamboyant style. Matte lipsticks were the preferred choice for a strong, statement-making look. To achieve a truly 70s lip, consider pairing a bold lipstick with a contrasting lip liner for a defined, sculpted look.
Hair That Dares To Be Different: Iconic Styles
The hair trends of the 70s were as daring and expressive as the makeup. It was a time of experimentation and liberation, where women played with textures, shapes, and colors, embracing styles that were both bold and unique. From feathered bobs to voluminous afros, the 70s hair scene celebrated individuality and the power of a killer hairstyle.
The Feathered Bob
This iconic look, characterized by its textured layers and soft, feathered edges, was a true favorite of the era. Popularized by fashion icons like Farrah Fawcett, the feathered bob was a versatile style that could be worn straight, wavy, or even curly. The key to achieving this look was layering the hair to create a sense of movement and texture. The feathered edges added a touch of softness and femininity, while the overall style exuded a sense of effortless chic. The feathered bob was a statement of individuality that allowed women to express their personal style with confidence.
The Voluminous Afro
The afro was a powerful symbol of Black pride and individuality during the 70s. Women embraced the natural texture of their hair, creating voluminous, statement-making styles that celebrated their heritage. The afro was a testament to the beauty of diversity and a celebration of natural hair. It was a powerful statement that made a bold impression, both in the world of fashion and in society at large.
The Long, Flowing Hair
Long, flowing hair was another popular hairstyle of the 70s. It was often styled in waves or curls, creating a romantic and ethereal look. This style exemplified the era's embrace of natural beauty and carefree spirit. Women were encouraged to embrace their natural hair texture, letting it flow freely and express their individuality.
The Perm
The perm, a chemical process that added volume and texture to hair, was a major hair trend of the 70s. It allowed women to achieve voluminous, bouncy curls, even if their natural hair was straight. The perm was a versatile styling tool, allowing women to create a variety of looks, from tight curls to loose waves. It was a symbol of the era’s obsession with big hair, and the resulting styles exuded a sense of confidence and playful energy.
Essential Products for Creating Disco Era Looks
Recreate the iconic makeup and hair trends of the 70s with a collection of essential products. These timeless tools will help you achieve the perfect retro look, whether you're dressing up for a themed party or simply want to channel your inner disco queen.
Makeup Essentials
- Shimmering Eyeshadow Palette: Choose a palette with a mix of vibrant and neutral shades, including shimmering options for the ultimate 70s eye look. Look for colors like emerald green, deep purple, shimmering gold, and bronze.
- Cream-Based Foundation: Opt for a cream-based foundation that gives a natural, dewy finish. Apply it lightly for a luminous complexion.
- Liquid Eyeliner: A good quality liquid eyeliner is essential for creating those dramatic, winged lines that define the 70s look. Choose a black or brown liner for versatility.
- Kohl Pencil: A kohl pencil is ideal for adding depth and definition to the eyes. Use it to accentuate the lash line or to create a smoky eye effect.
- Bold Lipstick: Embrace the 70s boldness with a selection of bold lipsticks in deep reds, vibrant pinks, and rich browns.
- Bronzer and Highlighter: These products are essential for creating the natural, glowing complexion that was favored in the 70s.
- Mascara: Amplify your lashes with a volumizing or lengthening mascara for a dramatic, eye-catching look.
Hair Essentials
- Volumizing Mousse: Volumizing mousse is essential for achieving the voluminous hair styles favored in the 70s. Apply it to damp hair and style as desired.
- Hairspray: A strong-hold hairspray is necessary to keep your curls and waves in place. Look for a formula that provides firm hold without sacrificing flexibility.
- Curling Iron or Hot Rollers: These tools help to create the waves and curls of the era. Choose a curling iron with a barrel size that complements your desired curl size.
- Hair Brush: A round hair brush is ideal for styling and adding volume to your hair. Use it to shape and smooth your curls or waves.
- Comb: A wide-tooth comb is necessary for detangling your hair and creating the feathered edges of a classic 70s bob.
FAQ:
What are some of the best sources of inspiration for Disco 70s makeup and hair?
Look to iconic figures like Farrah Fawcett, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Cher for inspiration. Their bold looks epitomize the era’s style, and you can find plenty of photos and videos online to help you recreate their iconic makeup and hair styles.
How can I achieve the perfect 70s hair texture without a perm?
You can achieve a similar texture using styling tools and products. Use a volumizing mousse and a curling iron or hot rollers to add volume and curl to your hair. You can also try braiding your hair overnight or using a texturizing spray to create a more textured look.
How can I make my makeup look less “costumey” and more modern?
Instead of going for a full-on 70s look, choose one or two key elements to emphasize. For example, you could recreate the smoky eye or the winged eyeliner while keeping the rest of your makeup more modern. Use a lighter hand with the eyeshadow and eyeliner for a less dramatic look, and consider pairing your bold lip with more neutral eye makeup. The key is to find a balance between the retro and the contemporary to create a look that feels both stylish and relevant.
Conclusion
So, readers, are you ready to step back in time and embrace the vibrant world of Disco 70s makeup and hair? From the shimmering smoky eye to the voluminous afro, these iconic trends continue to inspire fashion and beauty enthusiasts to this day. With a little creativity and the right products, you can easily recreate these timeless looks and channel your inner disco diva. And don’t forget to check out our other articles on 70s style and vintage fashion for more inspiration!
