1970s Makeup Trends: Iconic Looks & How To Recreate Them

makeuptrendsiconiclookshowtorecreatethem">1970s Makeup Trends: Iconic Looks & How To Recreate Them

The 1970s was a decade of bold experimentation, and makeup trends were no exception. From the glamorous disco looks to the natural earth tones embraced by the counterculture, 1970s makeup was all about expressing individuality and embracing a free-spirited attitude. This article delves into the iconic 1970s makeup trends, exploring the inspirations behind them and providing step-by-step guides on how to recreate these timeless looks.

The Rise of Disco Glamour

The 1970s saw the emergence of disco, a vibrant and energetic music scene that heavily influenced fashion and makeup. The signature disco look was all about amplified glamour, with a heavy focus on eyes and a bold, colorful palette.

The Iconic Disco Eye

Smoky Eyes: The smoky eye was a staple of the disco era, applying shadow in shades of black, brown, or gray to create a smudged, dramatic effect. The goal was to create a sultry, mysterious look that perfectly complemented the shimmering attire of the era.
Glitter and Sparkle: Glitter was a must-have for any disco diva. Applying it to the eyelids, brows, and even cheeks added an extra layer of sparkle and captured the vibrant energy of the dance floor.
Bold Eyeliner: Thick, dramatic eyeliner was essential for achieving the disco look. Liquid liner was used to create a bold wing or cat eye, while kohl pencils were favored for smudging and creating a smoky effect.

Other Disco Makeup Essentials

Blush: Blush was applied generously to the apples of the cheeks, often in shades of peach or coral, to create a healthy glow.
Lips: Lips were kept relatively neutral, with sheer gloss or nude lipstick being the go-to choices. This allowed the eyes to take center stage.

The Natural Beauty Movement

While disco glitter and glamour reigned supreme, the 1970s also saw the rise of the natural beauty movement, inspired by the counterculture and a desire for authenticity.

The "No Makeup" Makeup Look

The no-makeup makeup look was all about achieving a fresh-faced appearance, emphasizing natural beauty and minimizing the use of heavy makeup.

Minimal Foundation: Foundation, if used at all, was applied very lightly, aiming to even out skin tone without completely covering it up.
Natural Eyeshadow: Neutral shades of brown, beige, or peach were used on the eyes to enhance natural contours without creating a dramatic look.
Blush and Bronzer: A light dusting of blush and bronzer was applied to mimic a sun-kissed glow, highlighting the natural contours of the face.

Essential 1970s Makeup Products

Several key products were indispensable for achieving the iconic makeup looks of the 1970s.

Eye Makeup

Liquid Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner was key for creating sharp, dramatic lines and defined wings.
Kohl Eyeliner Pencil: Kohl pencils were used to create smoky eyes, defining the lash line, and adding depth to the eyes.
Eyeshadow Palette: Versatile eyeshadow palettes in warm and neutral tones were essential for creating a variety of looks.

Face Makeup

Foundation: Foundation was used sparingly, focusing on creating a sheer, natural finish.
Blush and Bronzer: Blush and bronzer were applied generously to create a healthy glow, enhancing the natural contours of the face.

Lips

Lip Gloss: Lip gloss was a popular choice for creating a hint of shine and volume.
Nude Lipstick: Nude lipstick was used to create a natural, understated look, allowing the eyes to take center stage.

How to Recreate Iconic 1970s Looks

The Disco Queen Look

Eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow base to the entire eyelid. Use a dark eyeshadow like brown or black to create a smoky eye, blending it out for a smudged effect. Apply glitter to the center of the eyelids and brow bone for an extra touch of sparkle.
Eyeliner: Line the lash line with a thick black liquid eyeliner, extending it out to create a wing.
Blush: Apply blush generously to the apples of the cheeks, using a peach or coral shade.
Lips: Complete the look with a nude lipstick or a sheer gloss.

The Natural Beauty Look

Skin Prep: Start with a clean face and apply a lightweight moisturizer.
Foundation: Apply a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone.
Eyeshadow: Use a light brown or beige eyeshadow to define the crease and add depth. Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid for a subtle highlight.
Blush and Bronzer: Apply a touch of blush to the apples of the cheeks and a light dusting of bronzer to the cheekbones and forehead, mimicking a sun-kissed glow.
Lips: Complete the look with a light lip gloss or a nude lipstick.

FAQs

What was the inspiration behind 1970s makeup trends?

1970s makeup trends were heavily influenced by the rise of disco, the counterculture movement, and a general shift towards self-expression and individuality.

What are some common misconceptions about 1970s makeup?

One misconception is that all 1970s makeup was over-the-top and dramatic. While the disco look certainly embraced bold colors and glitter, there was also a strong emphasis on natural beauty during this era.

Are 1970s makeup trends relevant today?

Yes, 1970s makeup trends are still relevant today, as many of the iconic looks have been reinterpreted and incorporated into modern makeup trends.

Conclusion

1970s makeup trends were a reflection of the era's bold spirit of self-expression and individuality. From the glamorous disco looks with their bold colors and glitter to the natural beauty movement embracing understated elegance, these trends offer a timeless inspiration for modern makeup lovers.

Call to Action: Try your hand at recreating some of these iconic 1970s makeup looks! Share your results on social media and tag us to join the conversation.