80s Makeup Looks for Brown Eyes: Step-by-Step Guide

80s Makeup Looks for Brown Eyes: A Step-by-Step Guide

The 1980s was a decade of bold makeup trends, characterized by vibrant colors, dramatic lines, and a focus on enhancing natural features. If you have brown eyes, you're in luck! This decade offered a plethora of looks that beautifully complement brown eyes, adding depth, dimension, and captivating allure. This guide will take you on a journey through the most iconic 80s makeup looks for brown eyes, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to recreate these timeless styles.

The Power of Color: Embracing Vibrant Eyeshadows

The 80s were all about making a statement with color, and eyeshadow played a starring role. Brown eyes are a canvas for a wide range of shades, allowing you to experiment with both warm and cool tones.

Purple Power:

Purple eyeshadow was a staple in the 80s, and it looks mesmerizing on brown eyes. Here's how to achieve this iconic look:

Step 1: Prep your eyelids with a primer to create a smooth base and enhance the longevity of your eyeshadow.
Step 2: Apply a light shimmery eyeshadow all over the lid, extending it slightly above the crease.
Step 3: Using a fluffy brush, blend a rich purple eyeshadow into the crease, creating a soft, diffused shadow.
Step 4: Concentrate the purple pigment at the outer corner of the eye, creating a bold but blended gradient.
Step 5: For a more dramatic look, use a darker purple shade to line the upper lash line and create a wing.
Step 6: Finish with a coat of black mascara and a touch of highlighter on the brow bone.

Emerald Glamour:

Emerald green eyeshadow creates a captivating contrast with brown eyes, making them appear even more alluring.

Step 1: Start with a neutral eyeshadow base all over the eyelid.
Step 2: Using a small brush, apply a rich emerald green eyeshadow to the crease, blending it outwards towards the temples.
Step 3: With a fluffy brush, blend the crease color, creating a soft gradient effect from the crease to the brow bone.
Step 4: Add a touch of emerald green to the lower lash line, blending it softly into the crease.
Step 5: Finish with a coat of black mascara and a touch of highlighter on the inner corner of the eye.

Bold Lines and Defining Eyeliner

Eyeliner was another key element in 80s makeup, with thick, dramatic lines being all the rage.

The Classic Winged Liner:

This timeless look adds instant glamour and definition.

Step 1: Start with a sharp, angled eyeliner brush and a black liquid or gel liner.
Step 2: Begin by lining the upper lash line, creating a thin line as close to the lashes as possible.
Step 3: To create the wing, start at the outer corner of the eye and extend the liner upwards in a diagonal line.
Step 4: Once you've created the wing, connect it to the upper lash line, ensuring the line is thick and bold.
Step 5: For extra definition, consider lining the lower lash line with a black pencil liner, smudging it lightly for a softer effect.
Step 6: Complete the look with mascara and a touch of highlighter on the inner corner of the eye.

The Double Winged Liner:

This dramatic look was often paired with vibrant eyeshadows and was a signature of the 80s.

Step 1: Start with a black gel or liquid liner and a thin-tipped brush.
Step 2: Create the first wing by lining the upper lash line and extending it upwards in a diagonal line.
Step 3: Create the second wing by lining the lower lash line and extending it outwards to meet the first wing, creating a bold V-shape.
Step 4: Connect the wings to the upper and lower lash lines, ensuring the lines are thick and defined.
Step 5: Fill in any gaps in the wings for a clean, bold look.
Step 6: Finish with mascara and a touch of highlighter on the brow bone.

The Blush of Confidence: Mastering the Blush Trend

Blush was a essential part of any 80s makeup look, enhancing the natural flush of the cheeks and giving a youthful glow.

"Just Pinched" Blush:

This look was all about creating a natural, healthy flush.

Step 1: Choose a blush in a shade that complements your skin tone.
Step 2: Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it outwards towards the temples.
Step 3: Avoid applying too much product, as the goal is to create a subtle, natural flush.

The "Bronzed Glow" Blush:

This look was a popular choice for summer and involved using bronzer as a blush.

Step 1: Choose a matte bronzer that's one or two shades darker than your skin tone.
Step 2: Apply the bronzer to the apples of your cheeks, blending it outwards towards the temples.
Step 3: For a more contoured look, apply the bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks and along your jawline.

The Power of Brows: Bold and Defined Brows

Brows were a key feature of 80s makeup, with bold, defined brows being highly sought after.

The "Power Brow" Look:

This look involved creating thick, dramatic brows using pencils, powders, and even stencils.

Step 1: Use a brow pencil to outline the desired shape of your brow, filling in any gaps.
Step 2: Use a brow powder or pomade to fill in the rest of the brow, ensuring the color matches your natural hair color.
Step 3: Using a spoolie brush, blend the brow products for a smooth, natural finish.
Step 4: For extra definition, highlight underneath the brow bone with a light eyeshadow or highlighter.

The "Arched Brow" Look:

This look involved creating a dramatic arch in the brow, often using stencils to achieve the desired shape.

Step 1: Using a brow pencil or powder, define the arch of your brow, creating a sharp, angled curve.
Step 2: Fill in the rest of the brow, ensuring the color matches your natural hair color.
Step 3: Blend the brow products for a smooth, defined finish.

The Perfect Pout: Lip Colors and Trends

Lips were a focal point of 80s makeup, with bold, dramatic colors being favored.

The "Hot Pink" Lip:

This was a classic 80s look, with a bright, vibrant pink lipstick being the star of the show.

Step 1: Apply a lip liner in a similar shade to the lipstick, outlining the lips and defining their shape.
Step 2: Fill in your lips with the hot pink lipstick, using a lip brush for a precise application.
Step 3: For a more dramatic look, blot the lipstick with a tissue and apply a second layer.

The "Red Statement" Lip:

Red lipstick has always been a timeless choice, but in the 80s, bold, statement shades were all the rage.

Step 1: Use a lip liner in a shade that complements the red lipstick, outlining the lips and defining their shape.
Step 2: Fill in your lips with the red lipstick, using a lip brush for a precise application.
Step 3: For a more dramatic look, blot the lipstick with a tissue and apply a second layer.

FAQs

What are some essential 80s makeup products for brown eyes?
- Eyeshadows: Vibrant shades like purple, pink, blue, emerald green, and teal
- Eyeliner: Black liquid or gel liner for bold wings and lines
- Mascara: Volumizing and lengthening mascara
- Blush: Pink, peach, or bronzer in a shade that complements your skin tone
- Lipstick: Bold, statement shades like red, pink, and coral
Can I recreate 80s makeup looks with modern products?
- Absolutely! Many modern eyeshadow palettes offer vibrant color selections reminiscent of the 80s. You can also find high-quality liquid eyeliners and long-lasting lipsticks in a wide range of colors.
How can I make my 80s makeup look more modern?
- You can balance the boldness of 80s makeup with a more modern, minimalist approach. For example, you can opt for softer colors or use thinner eyeliner wings.

Conclusion

The 80s makeup era was a celebration of bold colors, dramatic lines, and expressive beauty. Recreating these looks for your brown eyes is a fun and empowering experience. Whether you’re channeling the power of vibrant eyeshadows, the allure of bold eyeliner, or the confidence of a statement lip, remember that the key is to embrace your individuality and have fun with it! Let your brown eyes shine with the iconic, timeless beauty of 80s makeup.

Video 80'S MAKEUP TUTORIAL | ROBERT PALMER VIDEO