80s Makeup Tutorial: Retro Glam Looks You Can Recreate

The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion, vibrant music, and, of course, iconic makeup trends. From the power of the power suit to the rise of neon colors, the 80s were all about making a statement. And when it comes to makeup, it's no different. If you're looking to channel your inner Madonna or embrace the glam of the decade, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will explore the key elements of 80s makeup and provide practical tips for recreating the looks that defined the era.

The Power of Color: 80s Makeup Essentials

The hallmark of 80s makeup was the use of vibrant colors. Whether it was bright eyeshadows, bold lipsticks, or blush, the 80s were all about making a statement with color. Here are some of the essential products you'll need to create your 80s makeup look:

Eyeshadow Palette: A vibrant palette with shades of pink, blue, purple, and green is essential for creating the signature 80s eye look. Think bright and bold, with generous amounts of color.
Eyeliner: Thick black eyeliner, both liquid and pencil, was a must for creating dramatic wing-shaped eyes or a smudged look.
Mascara: Long, thick lashes were another defining feature of 80s makeup. Opt for a volumizing mascara to achieve that dramatic flair.
Blush: A bright blush, especially in shades of pink or coral, was used to enhance the cheeks and create a healthy glow.
Lipstick: From bold reds to playful pinks, 80s makeup embraced a variety of vibrant lipstick shades.
Lip liner: Lip liner was crucial for defining the lips and creating a clean, sharp look.

The Classic 80s Eye

The 80s eye was all about drama and defined lines. Here's how to recreate this iconic look:

Step 1: Base and Brow

Prep: Start with a clean face and apply a primer for a smooth canvas.
Foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly to your face and neck.
Concealer: Conceal any imperfections, dark circles, or redness.
Powder: Set your foundation with a translucent powder.
Brows: Define your brows with a brow pencil or powder.
Eyeliner: Apply a thick black eyeliner on your upper lash line, extending it beyond the outer corner of your eye to create a dramatic wing.

Step 2: Colorful Shadows

Choose your colors: Choose two or three bright eyeshadow colors. Think pink, blue, purple, or even green.
Application: Apply the lightest shade to the eyelid, the medium shade to the crease, and the darkest shade to the outer corner of the eye.
Blending: Blend the colors together gently to create a soft, seamless look. Make sure the colors blend into the eyeliner wing.

Step 3: Lashes

Curl: Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler.
Mascara: Apply two to three coats of volumizing mascara to your upper lashes.

The 80s Blush: A Touch of Color

While the 80s eye may have been the star of the show, 80s blush played a crucial role in achieving that healthy, vibrant look.

Step 1: Choose Your Blush

Color: Choose a bright blush in shades of pink or coral.
Finish: Choose a blush that has a matte or cream finish.

Step 2: Application

Smile gently and apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward towards your temples.
Over-application: Don't be afraid to apply a generous amount of blush.

The 80s Lip: Bold and Beautiful

The 80s lip was all about boldness. Red, pink, and even bright purple lipsticks were all popular choices.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lips

Exfoliate: Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to remove any dry skin.
Moisturize: Apply a lip balm to hydrate your lips.

Step 2: Apply Your Lip Liner

Color: Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is a shade darker.
Application: Define your lips with a lip liner, overlining slightly for a fuller look.

Step 3: Apply Your Lipstick

Color: Choose a bold lipstick in red, pink, or even purple.
Application: Apply the lipstick evenly to your lips, using a lip brush for precise application.

80s Hair: The Final Touch

No 80s makeup look is complete without the iconic hairstyles. Here's a rundown of some of the most popular styles:

Big Hair: The 80s were all about volume. Think big, teased hair with hairspray.
Mullets: The mullet, with its long hair in the back and short hair in the front, was a signature hairstyle of the 80s.
Ponytails: High ponytails, often secured with a bright scrunchie, were another popular choice.

The Evolution of 80s Makeup

The 80s makeup scene wasn't static. It evolved throughout the decade, with the early 80s leaning towards a more glam-rock look and the late 80s becoming increasingly playful and colorful.

Early 80s (1980-1985): The early 80s saw a rise in glam rock-inspired makeup. Think smoky eyes, bold eyeliner, and bright lips.
Mid 80s (1985-1988): The mid-80s saw a shift towards more colorful makeup with the rise of the new wave and pop music scenes. Bright eyeshadows, bold blushes, and colorful lipsticks were all popular choices.
Late 80s (1988-1990): The late 80s saw a more playful approach to makeup, with a focus on bright colors and fun looks. Think neon eyeshadows, bright lipsticks, and a more relaxed approach to application.

80s Makeup Inspiration: Celebrities and Movies

For 80s makeup inspiration, look no further than some of the iconic celebrities and movies of the era.

Madonna: Madonna, with her signature bold lips, dramatic eyeliner, and bright eyeshadow, was a true icon of 80s makeup.
Cyndi Lauper: Cyndi Lauper's colorful and playful approach to makeup, featuring bright eyeshadows and bold lipsticks, was another major influence in the 80s.
Movies: Movies like "Pretty in Pink" and "The Breakfast Club" provided a glimpse into the makeup trends of the time.

FAQ

Q: Can I wear 80s makeup on a daily basis? A: While you can definitely incorporate some 80s makeup elements into your everyday look, going full-on 80s glam might be considered too much for most workplaces and social settings.
**Q: Is *80s makeup* only for women?** A: No, 80s makeup can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender identity. There's a growing movement towards more gender-fluid beauty and exploring makeup as a form of self-expression.
**Q: What are some modern adaptations of **80s makeup? A: Many contemporary makeup artists are drawing inspiration from 80s makeup to create modern looks. This includes incorporating bold colors, graphic eyeliner, and a focus on vibrant lips.
**Q: Where can I find *80s makeup* products?** A: Many drugstores and beauty supply stores carry 80s makeup-inspired products. You can also find vintage cosmetics online.

Conclusion: Embrace the Boldness of 80s Makeup

The 1980s was a time of self-expression, bold fashion, and, of course, iconic makeup trends. Whether you want to embrace the playful, colorful looks of the late 80s or recreate the glam-rock styles of the early 80s, there's a 80s makeup look for everyone. With the right products and techniques, you can channel the iconic looks of the era and create a look that's both fun and stylish. So, grab your colorful eyeshadows, bright blushes, and bold lipsticks, and get ready to embrace the boldness of 80s makeup.

Call-to-Action: Try out one of the 80s makeup looks in this tutorial and share your results with us on social media! Don't forget to tag us in your photos.