70s Makeup Looks: Retro Glam & How To Get Them

The 70s were a time of radical change, self-expression, and bold fashion statements – and makeup was no exception. This era embraced a glamorous, yet effortless aesthetic, with iconic looks that continue to inspire beauty trends today. From the smoky eye to the fresh-faced glow, 70s makeup was all about enhancing natural beauty and making a statement. This article will explore the key elements of 70s makeup, providing step-by-step guides on how to recreate these iconic looks and tips for adapting them to modern tastes.

The Rise of the 70s Makeup Trend

The 1970s saw a shift in societal norms, with women embracing a more natural and individualistic approach to beauty. This was reflected in the makeup trends of the era, which moved away from the heavy, structured looks of the 1960s. Instead, 70s makeup focused on enhancing natural features with soft textures and muted colors.

One of the key influences on 70s makeup was the rise of the disco era. The vibrant nightlife and focus on self-expression led to the use of bold colors, shimmering textures, and glamorous looks that made a statement on the dance floor. However, 70s makeup wasn't just about disco glamour. The hippie movement also played a significant role, with its emphasis on natural beauty, earthy tones, and a carefree spirit.

70s Makeup Essentials: Products and Tools

Before diving into specific looks, it's essential to understand the key products and tools commonly used in 70s makeup. These include:

Foundation:

Lightweight formulas: 70s makeup favored a natural, dewy finish rather than heavy coverage. Products like tinted moisturizers and light-coverage foundations were popular.
Creams: Cream foundations were popular choices, offering a natural, buildable coverage and a slight sheen.

Concealer:

Creamy textures: Cream concealers were used to cover blemishes and imperfections, offering a natural finish.

Powder:

Loose or pressed: Powder was used sparingly to set foundation and prevent shine.

Eyeshadow:

Shimmery textures: 70s eyeshadow palettes featured shimmering textures that captured the disco spirit. Popular shades included gold, silver, bronze, and copper.
Matte shades: For a more natural eye look, matte eyeshadows in earthy tones like brown, green, and blue were used.

Eyeliner:

Liquid eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner gained popularity in the 70s, allowing for precise lines and dramatic wings.
Kohl eyeliner: Kohl eyeliner was used for a smoky eye effect.

Mascara:

Volume-enhancing: Mascara was used to create full lashes, emphasizing the eyes.

Blush:

Cream or powder formulas: 70s blush came in both cream and powder formats, offering natural-looking color. Popular colors included peach, coral, and apricot.

Lipstick:

Glossy textures: Glossy lipsticks were popular, adding a touch of shine and plumpness to the lips.
Neutral shades: Nude, peach, and beige lipsticks were commonly worn for a natural look.
Bold colors: Bold shades like red, orange, and plum were popular for evening wear.

Tools:

Brushes: Soft, natural-bristle brushes were essential for blending and applying makeup.
Sponge applicators: Sponges were used to apply cream foundation and concealer evenly.

Iconic 70s Makeup Looks: Step-by-Step Guides

Now that you have the essentials, let's explore some iconic 70s makeup looks and how to recreate them:

1. The Smoky Eye

The smoky eye is a timeless classic that originated in the 70s. Here's how to get the look:

Start with a base: Apply a neutral eyeshadow to the entire eyelid.
Define the crease: Use a dark, matte eyeshadow (brown, gray, or black) to define the crease of the eye. Blend it outwards and upwards.
Add shimmer: Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid.
Line the eyes: Use a black or dark brown eyeliner to line the upper lash line.
Apply mascara: Apply several coats of volumizing mascara to both lashes.

2. The "Disco Queen" Look

This bold look was inspired by the glitz and glamour of the disco era:

Prepare the skin: Start with a light foundation and concealer.
Add shimmer: Apply a shimmery eyeshadow in bronze, gold, or copper to the entire eyelid.
Define the crease: Use a darker eyeshadow to define the crease, extending it outwards and upwards.
Line the eyes: Line the upper lash line with liquid black eyeliner, creating a winged shape.
Apply mascara: Apply several coats of mascara to both lashes.
Highlight: Use a highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow.
Embrace color: Use a bold lipstick in red, orange, or plum.

3. The Natural "Hippie Chic" Look

This look embodies the carefree spirit of the hippie movement:

Keep it clean: Start with a light-coverage foundation and concealer.
Soft eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow to the entire eyelid.
Define the lashes: Use a soft brown eyeliner to line the upper lash line. Apply a few coats of mascara.
Fresh cheeks: Apply a cream blush in a peach or apricot shade.
Natural lips: Use a nude or beige lipstick or lip gloss.

4. The "Studio 54" Look

This look is inspired by the glamorous nightlife of Studio 54, a famous disco club in New York City:

Prepare the skin: Apply a light foundation and concealer.
Shimmery eye: Apply a shimmery eyeshadow in a bold color like gold, silver, or blue to the entire eyelid.
Line the eyes: Use a black or dark blue eyeliner to line the upper lash line.
Apply mascara: Apply several coats of mascara to both lashes.
Dramatic lashes: Consider adding false lashes for extra drama.
Bold lips: Choose a bold lipstick in red, orange, or plum.

5. The "Bold Brow" Look

Thick, defined brows were a key feature of 70s makeup:

Shape your brows: Define your brow shape using a brow pencil or powder.
Enhance the brow: Use a brow gel to keep the brows in place and add volume.

Tips for Modernizing 70s Makeup Looks

You can adapt these iconic 70s looks for a more modern feel by:

Using a lighter hand: Opt for lighter coverage foundations and concealers.
Blending seamlessly: Blend eyeshadows and liners carefully for a softer effect.
Adding a modern twist: Experiment with different colors and textures. For example, try a metallic eyeshadow instead of a shimmery one.
Focusing on one feature: If you're going bold with a smoky eye, keep the lips simple using a nude lipstick.

FAQ

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when recreating 70s makeup looks?

Overdoing it: Don't overdo the makeup. Remember, 70s makeup was all about enhancing natural beauty.
Using too much shimmer: Too much shimmer can make the look appear dated.
Not blending properly: Blending is key to creating a cohesive look.

Q: How can I make my 70s makeup look more modern?

Opt for softer colors: Use lighter shades of eyeshadow and lipstick than the original 70s looks.
Focus on one feature: Highlight one feature, like the eyes or lips, instead of emphasizing everything.
Experiment with modern textures: Try using metallic eyeshadows or matte lipsticks for a more contemporary finish.

Q: Are there specific products that help achieve that classic 70s look?

Creamy textures: Cream foundations, concealers, and blushes offer that natural, dewy finish that was popular in the 70s.
Shimmery eyeshadows: Shimmery eyeshadows are essential for recreating the disco era glam.
Liquid eyeliners: For precise winged eyeliner, use a liquid liner.

Conclusion

70s makeup, with its embrace of natural beauty and bold statements, offers a timeless source of inspiration for modern makeup looks. Whether you're drawn to the smoky eye, the disco queen glam, or the natural hippie chic, there's a 70s makeup look for every taste. By understanding the key products, tools, and techniques, you can recreate these iconic looks and adapt them to your personal style. So, embrace your inner disco diva and channel the spirit of the 70s!