80s Makeup Inspired by Cyndi Lauper

80s makeup cyndi lauper

80s Makeup Inspired by Cyndi Lauper: A Guide to Bold, Colorful Glamour

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic singer, songwriter, and actress, is synonymous with the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the 1980s. Her music, her fashion, and her makeup all embodied the era's bold, playful, and unapologetically colorful aesthetic. This article delves into the world of 80s makeup, exploring the key trends that defined the decade, and how you can recreate the electrifying looks inspired by Cyndi Lauper herself.

The Evolution of 80s Makeup:

The 1980s saw a dramatic shift in makeup trends, moving away from the natural looks of the 70s and embracing a bold, experimental, and often theatrical approach. This change was fueled by several factors:

• The rise of MTV: MTV's arrival in 1981 brought music videos to the forefront, showcasing elaborate and colorful makeup styles. Artists like Madonna, David Bowie, and Cyndi Lauper became fashion icons, influencing millions.
• The rise of the "power woman": The 80s saw a growing emphasis on women's empowerment and independence, reflected in their bold makeup choices. Bright colors, dramatic eye looks, and heavy eyeliner became symbols of confidence and self-expression.
• The influence of fashion: The 80s saw a resurgence of bold patterns, oversized silhouettes, and neon colors in fashion, which inspired a similarly vibrant approach to makeup.

Key Elements of 80s Makeup:

1. Bold Eyes:

• Heavy Eyeliner: The signature look of the 80s involved thick, dramatic eyeliner, often extended into a winged shape or a long, dramatic cat eye. Liquid liners, especially waterproof, were the preferred tools for achieving sharp, defined lines.
• Bright Eyeshadows: Bold eyeshadows were a staple, with vibrant colors like turquoise, electric blue, pink, and purple being popular choices. Eyeshadows were often applied in a single color, covering the entire eyelid for a dramatic effect, or blended into a gradient look for a more nuanced approach.
• False Lashes: False lashes and lash extensions added drama and volume to the eye look, accentuating the already bold eye makeup.

2. Striking Blush and Bronzer:

• Contoured Cheeks: Blush and bronzer were applied liberally to create a sculpted and contoured look. Blush was often applied high on the cheekbones, adding a youthful flush, while bronzer was used to define the hollows of the cheeks and create a sun-kissed glow.
• Bold Color Choices: Blush and bronzer came in a variety of shades, from soft peach and rose to vibrant coral and brick red.

3. Emphasis on the Lips:

• Bright Lipstick: Bold lipstick colors were essential in 80s makeup. Popular choices included red, pink, coral, and even purple.
• Glossy Finish: Glossy lipsticks and lip glosses were popular, adding a touch of shine and dimension to the lips.

4. Complexion: Flawless and Matte:

• Matte Foundation: 80s makeup demanded a flawless and matte complexion, and foundation was applied liberally to achieve this look. Matte foundations were preferred, as they helped to control shine and create a smooth, velvety finish.
• Heavy Powder: Loose powder was also used generously to set the foundation and prevent shine.

Cyndi Lauper's Influence:

Cyndi Lauper's makeup style played a significant role in popularizing the bold and colorful aesthetic of the 80s. Her signature look involved:

• Vibrant Eyeliner: Lauper frequently sported thick black liquid eyeliner, creating dramatic winged shapes and dramatic cat eyes.
• Bold Eyeshadows: She experimented with bright eyeshadows in a range of colors, including electric blue, turquoise, pink, and purple.
• Heavy Blush: Lauper often applied blush generously, creating a high-impact flush on her cheeks.
• Statement Lips: Lauper's lips were often bold and colorful as well, with bright reds, corals, and even purple being prominent choices.

Recreate the Look:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face. Apply a primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
2. Flawless Base: Use a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly across your face. Set your foundation with a loose powder.
3. Bold Eyes:
   • Eyeliner: Use a liquid eyeliner to create a bold wing or cat eye shape.
   • Eyeshadow: Choose a bright eyeshadow in a shade you love (pink, blue, or green). Apply it generously across your entire eyelid.
   • False Lashes: Apply a pair of false lashes for added drama.
4. Flush of Color: Apply a vibrant blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it towards your temples.
5. Statement Lips: Choose a bright lipstick in a color that complements your eyeshadow and blush.
6. Finishing Touches: Set your makeup with a light mist of setting spray.

Tips for Modernizing 80s Makeup:

• Keep It Balanced: While the 80s were all about boldness, you can modernize the look by keeping one feature as the focal point. If you're going for a bold eye look, choose a more neutral lip and vice versa.
• Choose Soft Colors: Modernizing the look also means choosing softer shades. Opt for muted pinks, blues, and greens rather than harsh, neon colors.
• Blur the Lines: Soften sharp lines by blending edges and using more muted colors.

FAQ:

Q: Is 80s makeup flattering on all skin tones?

A: Yes, 80s makeup can be flattering on all skin tones. The key is to choose colors that complement your skin tone. For example, cool-toned individuals might choose blues, purples, and pinks, while warm-toned individuals might opt for greens, oranges, and yellows.

Q: Can I wear 80s makeup to work?

A: While 80s makeup is certainly bold, you can adapt it to be more work-appropriate. Choose softer shades, focus on one feature, and keep the overall effect less dramatic.

Q: Is 80s makeup appropriate for everyday wear?

A: 80s makeup can be worn for everyday wear, but it's important to choose a look that suits your personal style and the occasion. You can tone down the boldness by using muted colors and a more subtle application.

Conclusion:

80s makeup, especially the styles inspired by Cyndi Lauper, remains a vibrant and iconic trend. It's a testament to the era's bold spirit and its willingness to experiment with color and creativity. While some may find it over-the-top, others embrace its fun and playful nature. With a bit of practice and some modern tweaks, you can channel the spirit of Cyndi Lauper and create your own unique 80s-inspired makeup look.

Call to Action:

Ready to embrace the bold and colorful world of 80s makeup? Explore our collection of vibrant eyeshadow palettes [Link to eyeshadow palette] and daring lipsticks [Link to lipstick] to create your own statement-making look.

Video Halloween: Cyndi Lauper Look