80s Rock Makeup For Women: The Ultimate Guide

80s Rock Makeup: The Ultimate Guide to Channel Your Inner Rock Star

The 80s were a decade of big hair, bold colors, and unapologetic self-expression, and nowhere was this more evident than in the world of makeup. From the glam rock of David Bowie to the edgy looks of Joan Jett, 80s rock makeup was a statement of individuality, rebellion, and pure, unadulterated fun.

If you're looking to channel your inner rock star and embrace the iconic 80s rock makeup aesthetic, this guide will equip you with all the tools and techniques you need to create a truly unforgettable look.

The Evolution of 80s Rock Makeup: From Glam to Grunge

The 80s saw a fascinating evolution of rock makeup, moving from the glam rock excess of the early decade to the grunge-inspired looks of the late 80s.

Early 80s: Glam rock makeup was all about bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and shimmer. Think David Bowie's androgynous style with bright eyeshadows, thick black eyeliners, and red lipstick.
Mid-80s: The rise of hair metal brought heavier makeup looks with even more dramatic eyeliner, smoky eyes, and intense lipstick colors like black, purple, and dark crimson.
Late 80s: Grunge music ushered in a more rebellious, raw, and effortless approach to makeup. Minimalist makeup, smoky eyes, and natural lips were the key elements of this aesthetic, with a focus on creating a "no makeup" makeup look.

Essential 80s Rock Makeup Products

Creating a perfect 80s rock makeup look requires a curated collection of products. Here's a list of must-haves:

Face:

Foundation: Choose a foundation that provides buildable coverage and a matte finish.
Concealer: Opt for a creamy concealer that covers blemishes and dark circles.
Contour & Blush: Contour with a bronzer or cream contour stick to define cheekbones. For blush, choose a peachy or coral shade.
Setting Powder: A translucent powder helps set your makeup and prevent any shine.

Eyes:

Eyeliner: Black liquid or kohl eyeliner is essential for creating dramatic 80s looks. Experiment with different colors like blue, green, or purple.
Eyeshadow: Build your collection with various shades like blues, greens, purples, golds, and browns.
Mascara: Volume-enhancing mascara is a must-have for achieving that dramatic 80s lash look.

Lips:

Lipstick: Choose a bold and bright lipstick color for a glam rock look, or opt for a nude or dark shade for a grunge aesthetic.

Mastering the Techniques: 80s Rock Makeup Tutorials

Now that you've gathered your tools, let's get into the nitty-gritty of applying 80s rock makeup:

1. The Perfect Base:

Apply a primer to create a smooth canvas for your foundation.
Use a foundation brush to apply foundation evenly across your face.
Blend concealer under your eyes and on any imperfections.
Use a contour stick or bronzer to define your cheekbones and jawline.
Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.
Set your makeup with a translucent powder for a lasting finish.

2. Eyeshadow Magic:

Glam Rock Look: Use a light eyeshadow shade as a base on the entire eyelid. Then, apply a darker shade like blue or green to the crease and blend outwards.
Grunge Look: Use a neutral eyeshadow shade on the entire eyelid and blend a darker shade like brown or purple into the crease for a subtle smoky eye.

3. Epic Eyeliner:

Winged Liner: For a classic glam rock look, use liquid liner to create a thick wing on the outer corner of your eye and extend it outwards.
Smoky Eye: Apply black eyeliner to the upper lash line and smudge it upwards for a smoky effect.

4. Voluminous Lashes:

Apply several coats of mascara to your upper lashes.
Consider adding false lashes for extra drama.

5. The Lipstick Finale:

Glam Rock: Opt for bright red, pink, or purple lipstick.
Grunge: Choose a nude, dark red, or black lipstick.

6. Finishing Touches:

Apply a light dusting of powder to your T-zone and other shiny areas.
You can also use a setting spray for extra hold.

80s Rock Makeup Inspiration: Icons and Trends

Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the most iconic 80s rock makeup looks that you can recreate:

1. David Bowie: Bowie's signature look involved bold eyeshadow, thick eyeliner, and red lipstick.

2. Joan Jett: Jett's iconic makeup featured minimal foundation, black eyeliner, and a slight smudge of red or dark lipstick.

3. Madonna: Madonna's looks were often characterized by bold colors, bright eyeshadows, and dramatic eyeliner.

4. Cyndi Lauper: Lauper's signature look involved colorful eyeshadow, eyeliner, and bright lipstick.

5. The Cure: The Cure's Robert Smith's signature look involved black eyeliner, black lipstick, and pale skin.

6. The Smiths: Morrissey's androgynous look included pale skin, black eyeliner, and natural lips.

7. The Clash: The Clash's look was more casual and rebelliously undone.

8. The Ramones: The Ramones' look was simple: minimal makeup, with the focus on their iconic hairstyles.

9. Guns N' Roses: Guns N' Roses' look involved smoky eyes, black eyeliner, and dark lipstick.

10. Motley Crue: Motley Crue's look was characterized by heavy eyeliner, lots of eyeshadow, and dramatic hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colors for 80s rock makeup?

Bold colors like blue, green, purple, pink, and red are great for 80s rock makeup. Darker shades like black, brown, and gray are also popular for creating smoky eyes.

2. How do I create a smoky eye?

To create a smoky eye, use a dark eyeshadow like brown or black and blend it into the crease of your eye. Then, use a lighter shade of eyeshadow to highlight your brow bone.

3. Should I wear eyeliner on both my top and bottom lash lines?

You can wear eyeliner on both your top and bottom lash lines, but it's important to blend it out so it doesn't look harsh.

4. What kind of lipstick should I wear?

You can wear any kind of lipstick you like, but bold lipsticks and dark lip colors are popular choices for 80s rock makeup.

5. Can I wear 80s rock makeup with a modern outfit?

Absolutely! You can easily incorporate elements of 80s rock makeup into a modern outfit.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner Rock Star

80s rock makeup is more than just a trend; it's a powerful expression of individuality and a celebration of style. Whether you're looking to recreate the glam rock looks of Bowie or the grunge aesthetic of Kurt Cobain, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and inspiration to rock your own unique 80s makeup look. So go ahead, unleash your inner rock star and let your creativity flow!

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Ready to dive into the world of 80s rock makeup? Check out our curated list of products [LINK TO RELATED PRODUCTS PAGE] and start creating your own unforgettable looks! You can also explore more tutorials and inspiration on our website.

Video 80'S MAKEUP TUTORIAL | ROBERT PALMER VIDEO