70s Makeup How To: Achieve the Iconic Look

The roaring 70s, a decade known for its psychedelic vibes, disco grooves, and bold fashion, also brought with it a distinct makeup aesthetic. Think shimmering eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and a touch of blush for a youthful glow. Recreating this iconic look isn't as intimidating as it seems. Follow our guide to master the art of 70s makeup and embrace its timeless appeal.

The Evolution of 70s Makeup

The 70s makeup scene wasn't just about one singular style. It evolved throughout the decade, reflecting the shifting cultural influences. Early 70s makeup leaned towards a more natural, bohemian look, while the later half embraced the disco fever with vibrant colors and dramatic accents.

Early 70s:

Influences: The earthy, natural aesthetic of the hippie movement.
Key Looks: Barely-there makeup, shimmering eyeshadows, and a focus on enhancing natural beauty.

Mid to Late 70s:

Influences: The rise of disco and the glamorous, high-fashion look.
Key Looks: Bold eye makeup, heavy eyeliner, colorful eyeshadows, and a focus on creating a glamorous, dramatic effect.

Essential Products for 70s Makeup

To achieve the perfect 70s makeup look, you'll need a few key products:

Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and has a matte or satiny finish. (Avoid heavy coverage, as the 70s embraced natural skin.)
Concealer: Use a concealer to cover blemishes and imperfections.
Powder: A translucent powder will set your foundation and prevent shine.
Eyeshadow: Choose a palette of shimmering eyeshadows in shades like bronze, copper, gold, and emerald green. (Experiment with different textures like shimmer, matte, and satin.)
Eyeliner: Black or brown liquid eyeliner is essential for creating dramatic eyeliner wings.
Mascara: Black mascara will enhance your lashes and complete the 70s eye look.
Blush: A peachy or rosy blush will add a healthy flush to your cheeks.
Lipstick: Opt for nude, peach, or coral lipsticks for a natural look. For a bolder vibe, try a plum or berry shade.

Step-by-Step Guide: Mastering the 70s Makeup Look

Follow these steps to recreate the iconic 70s makeup look:

Prepare your skin: Start with a clean face. Apply a light moisturizer and let it absorb.
Apply foundation: Use a foundation brush or your fingertips to apply a light layer of foundation. Blend it well into your skin and neck for a seamless finish.
Conceal imperfections: Use a concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Blend it out carefully with a sponge or brush.
Set with powder: Dust a light layer of translucent powder over your face to set your foundation and prevent shine.
Define your brows: Brush your eyebrows into place and fill in any sparse areas using a brow pencil or powder.
Create a shimmering eye look: Select your choice of colors from your eyeshadow palette. Use a brush to apply a light shimmery eyeshadow, like a copper or champagne, all over your eyelids.
Define your crease: Choose a darker shade, such as bronze or emerald green, and apply it to your crease using a small blending brush. Blend it carefully to create a soft, diffused line.
Enhance your lash line: Apply a black liquid eyeliner to your upper lash line, creating a dramatic wing. If you're feeling bold, try a double wing by adding a second wing to your lower lash line.
Lash it up: Apply mascara to your upper and lower lashes. Use several coats to create a voluminous effect.
Add a touch of blush: Use a blush brush to apply a peach or rosy blush to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it out carefully for a natural flush.
Finish with lipstick: Choose a nude, peach, or coral lipstick for a natural look. Or, for a bolder statement, try a plum or berry shade.

Variations on the 70s Makeup Look

While the basic principles of 70s makeup remain constant, there are several variations you can explore:

Bohemian Chic: This version emphasizes natural beauty with minimal makeup. Keep it simple with a touch of bronzer, mascara, and a nude lip.
Disco Diva: Embrace the bold, glamorous look with heavy eyeliner, vibrant eyeshadows, and a bold lip color.
Punk Rock: Add a rebellious edge with black eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, and a heavy dose of mascara.

Tips for Mastering the 70s Makeup Look

Less is more: Don't overdo it with foundation and concealer. Embrace a natural, dewy finish.
Master the wing: Practice creating a thin line with your liquid eyeliner to achieve the perfect wing.
Experiment with colors: Don't be afraid to play with bold colors and shimmering textures.
Embrace the 70s vibe: Accessorize with a vintage headband, oversized sunglasses, or a flowy scarf to complete the look.

FAQ: 70s Makeup

Q: What are the key ingredients in 70s makeup?
A: Shimmering eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and a focus on creating a glamorous and bold eye look are the key ingredients.
Q: Can I still wear 70s makeup today?
A: Absolutely! You can adapt the 70s makeup look to suit your personal style and create a modern interpretation.
Q: How do I find 70s-inspired makeup products?
A: Look for products that have a shimmering, glittery finish, or explore vintage makeup shops for authentic 70s products.
Q: What are some popular 70s makeup brands?
A: Popular brands during the 70s included Max Factor, Revlon, and CoverGirl. You can find vintage products from these brands online or at antique stores.
Q: How can I achieve a natural 70s look?
A: Keep your makeup minimal with a focus on natural skin tones. Use a bronzer or blush for a healthy flush and select a nude or peach lipstick.

Conclusion

The 70s makeup look is a timeless classic that continues to inspire beauty trends today. By embracing the bold eye looks, shimmering textures, and a focus on creating a glamorous effect, you can recreate this iconic aesthetic. So, gather your favorite 70s-inspired makeup products and channel your inner disco diva – get ready to turn heads and strut your stuff!

Call to Action: Do you have any favorite 70s makeup looks or tips? Share them in the comments below!