80s Eye Makeup Tutorial: Bold Looks For Every Occasion
80s Eye Makeup Tutorial: Bold Looks For Every Occasion
Readers, have you ever wondered how to recreate those iconic 80s eye makeup looks that still turn heads today? From the dramatic smoky eyes to the vibrant colors and bold eyeliner, 80s makeup was all about making a statement. It wasn't just about being fashionable; it was about expressing yourself and embracing individuality. As an expert in the world of makeup trends, I've spent countless hours studying the techniques and products that define this era. I'm excited to share my knowledge with you and guide you through recreating these timeless looks.
The Essence of 80s Eye Makeup
The defining characteristics of 80s makeup were bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and a focus on creating depth and dimension. Think vibrant blue eyeshadows, thick black eyeliner, and eye-catching false eyelashes. The goal was to enhance the eyes and make them the focal point of the face. Those who have mastered the art of 80s makeup know that the key is to create a balanced look. Remember, it's about making a statement, not about looking overdone.
Essential Tools for 80s Eye Makeup
To recreate those iconic 80s eye makeup looks, you'll need a few essential tools and products at your disposal. Here's your starter kit:
Eye Shadow Palette
A vibrant eyeshadow palette is a must-have for 80s eye makeup. Look for a palette with a wide range of colors, from bold blues, greens, and purples to neutral browns and black. It's important to choose a palette that has a good mix of matte and shimmery shades. Matte shades are great for creating depth and definition, while shimmery shades add a touch of glamour.
Eyeliner
Thick black eyeliner is another essential for 80s makeup. A good eyeliner will help you create bold lines and dramatic wing shapes. You can choose from a variety of eyeliner formulas, including pencils, gels, and liquid liners. Experiment to find the formula that works best for you. You'll also want to choose a liner that will last all day without smudging or fading.
Mascara
Mascara is essential for adding volume and length to your lashes. Look for a mascara that will give you long, dramatic lashes. You can also use a lash curler to curl your lashes before applying mascara for an extra lift.
False Lashes
False eyelashes were a staple in the 80s, and they're still a popular choice today. They can add a touch of drama to your eyes and help you achieve a truly iconic 80s look. There are so many different types of false eyelashes available, from natural-looking to dramatic and extra-long. Choose a pair that suits your personal style and the occasion.
Brushes
You'll also need a few brushes to help you apply your eyeshadow, eyeliner, and other products. Be sure to have a variety of brushes on hand, including blending brushes, eyeliner brushes, and eyeshadow brushes. Also, don't underestimate the importance of a good makeup sponge.
80s Eye Makeup Looks for Every Occasion
The Classic Smoky Eye
The smoky eye is a timeless look that is always trendy, and it was a popular choice in the 80s. To create the smoky eye look, start by applying a neutral eyeshadow base. Then, use a dark eyeshadow like charcoal gray or brown to create a smoky effect on your eyelids. Blend the eyeshadow carefully to create a smooth, seamless transition from the crease to the lash line. You can also add a touch of shimmer to the center of your eyelid to enhance the look. Lastly, line your eyes with black eyeliner and curl your lashes. Apply a coat or two of mascara. This look creates a sophisticated and mysterious effect.
The Bold Color Eye
If you're looking for a more adventurous look, you can try a bold color eye. 80s makeup was all about vibrant colors like blue, green, and purple. Choose one color or mix and match. Apply the eyeshadow to your entire eyelid. Use a light shade of eyeshadow as a base and then add a pop of color on the lid or in the crease. The bolder the better. Line your eyes with black eyeliner and add a few coats of mascara. This look is sure to turn heads.
The Graphic Eyeliner
Another popular 80s look is the graphic eyeliner. This look involved using eyeliner to create bold and dramatic lines. You can use a liquid eyeliner to create a thick, precise line, or a pencil eyeliner to create a softer look. Try a thick cat-eye, double winged eyeliner, or a creative geometric pattern.
The 80s Neon Glow
Neon colors were huge in the 80s. If you're feeling adventurous, try a neon eyeshadow look. A pop of neon color on the eyelid can be edgy and fabulous. Start with a neutral eyeshadow base and then apply a bright neon eyeshadow to your eyelid. You can use a single color or mix and match different colors. Don't forget to blend the edges carefully, and line your eyes with black eyeliner to enhance the look. This neon glow will make your eyes stand out.
The Glitter & Glow
The 80s loved glitter. To achieve this glamorous 80s look, use a shimmery eyeshadow or eyeshadow with glitter. Apply the eyeshadow to your eyelid. You can also add glitter to your eyeliner or even put a bit on your cheekbones. It's all about adding a touch of sparkle to your eyes. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal. This look is perfect for a night out or a special occasion.
The Colorful & Creative
The beauty of 80s makeup was that you could experiment with so many different colors and styles. If you're feeling adventurous, try a more creative eye makeup look. You can use a variety of colors, textures, and techniques to create a unique and eye-catching look. Don't be afraid to mix and match different colors, experiment with glitter and shimmer, and create bold and dramatic lines. There are no rules, so have fun and be creative! The most important tip is to be confident and embrace your individuality.
80s Makeup Tips & Tricks
To create the ideal 80s makeup look, there are a few things you can do to take your artistry to the next level:
Prep the Skin
Before applying any makeup, it's important to prep your skin. Start with a clean face, then use a primer to create a smooth and even base. This will help your makeup last longer and look more flawless. Don't forget to apply a moisturizing base to prevent your skin from looking dry and flaky.
Use a Light Hand
When applying eyeshadow and other makeup, use a light hand. You don't want to overdo it and create a cakey or uneven look. Build up the color gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Blending is essential. Use blending brushes to create a smooth and seamless transition between colors.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment
One of the best things about 80s makeup is that there are no rules. Have fun with it and experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques. You can create a bold and dramatic eye look that is unique to you. Go for bold colors, shimmery textures, and graphic eyeliner. Experiment with different looks and techniques to find what works best for you.
Less is More
While 80s makeup was all about making a statement, it's important to remember that less is sometimes more. You don't want to overdo it and overwhelm your features. If you're using a bold eyeshadow, keep your lips minimal. Or, if you're using a lot of eyeliner, use a light hand with your eyeshadow.
Accessorize
The 80s were all about accessories, and that includes makeup accessories. Consider adding a pair of colorful fake eyelashes or a bold headband to complete your 80s look. Use brightly colored hair ties, barrettes, or hairspray to style your hair. Embrace the bold, colorful, and playful aspects of the era. Don't be afraid to experiment and express your own unique style.
80s Makeup Trends
Here are some popular 80s makeup trends to inspire your next look:
Bold Eyeliner
Thick black eyeliner was a staple in the 80s, and it was used to create bold and dramatic lines. From winged eyeliner to graphic lines and double-winged looks, the possibilities were endless. This trend is still popular today, and it's a great way to add a touch of drama to your eye makeup.
Colorful Eyeshadow
The 80s were all about vibrant colors, and eyeshadow was no exception. Blue, green, purple, and pink eyeshadow were all popular choices. People loved to use bright and bold colors to create a statement look. You can still rock this trend today by using colored eyeshadows to accentuate your eyes.
Powder Blush
Powder blush was another popular makeup trend in the 80s. Women loved using blush to add a touch of color to their cheeks. The goal was to create a natural-looking flush of color. You can still recreate this look today by applying powder blush to the apples of your cheeks and blending it outwards.
Matte Lipstick
Matte lipsticks were also popular in the 80s. Women loved using matte lipsticks in shades of red, brown, and pink to create a sophisticated and elegant look. You can still find matte lipsticks in a variety of colors today, so you can choose one that suits your personal style.
Contouring
Contouring was a popular technique in the 80s, and it's still a popular technique today. Contouring is used to define the cheekbones, the jawline, and other features of the face. In the 80s, women used darker shades of foundation or powder to contour their faces. You can recreate this look today by using a contouring palette or a contouring brush. Apply the contouring product to the hollows of your cheekbones, the sides of your nose, and the edges of your jawline. Then, blend the product carefully to create smooth lines.
80s Eye Makeup Inspiration
For some visual inspiration, search for celebrities like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston. These iconic women were known for their bold and colorful makeup looks. Watch 80s music videos, movies, and fashion shows to understand the era's makeup trends. You can also find numerous online tutorials and videos that demonstrate various 80s eye makeup looks. From classic smoky eyes to vibrant colors and bold eyeliner, there are so many options to choose from.
FAQs About 80s Eye Makeup
How do I create a winged eyeliner look?
To create a winged eyeliner look, start by lining your upper lash line with a liquid eyeliner. Then, extend the line out at an angle, creating a wing. The angle of the wing should follow the shape of your lower lash line. Adjust the angle of the wing to your preference, and make sure the lines are symmetrical. You can use a thin brush to create a precise and defined wing, or a thicker brush for a more dramatic look. Remember to blend the edges of the wing to create a seamless transition.
What are the best colors for 80s eye makeup?
Popular 80s eyeshadow colors include blue, green, purple, pink, and brown. You can use a single color or mix and match different colors to create a unique look. Remember, the bolder the color, the more dramatic the look.
How do I create a smoky eye look?
To create a smoky eye look, start by applying a neutral eyeshadow base to your eyelid. Then, use a dark eyeshadow like charcoal gray or brown to create a smoky effect on your eyelids. Blend the eyeshadow carefully to create a smooth, seamless transition from the crease to the lash line. You can also add a touch of shimmer to the center of your eyelid to enhance the look. Lastly, line your eyes with black eyeliner and curl your lashes. Apply a coat or two of mascara. This look creates a sophisticated and mysterious effect.
Conclusion
As you've seen, 80s eye makeup is about embracing boldness and individualism. It's about experimenting with colors, textures, and techniques to create a look that reflects your personal style. So, go ahead and create a dramatic smoky eye or a vibrant color look. Embrace the power of eyeliner and don't be afraid to add a touch of sparkle or glitter. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself through makeup! If you're looking for more makeup tips and tutorials, be sure to explore other articles on our site!
