80s Wedding Makeup: Glamour Retro Looks

Readers, have you ever wondered how to achieve the iconic 80s wedding makeup look? The decade of big hair, bold colours, and power shoulders was a haven for glamorous beauty trends. If you're planning a retro-inspired wedding, mastering the 80s makeup look is a must!

Think bold eyeshadow, sculpted cheekbones, luscious lashes, and a touch of shimmer. I've spent countless hours researching and experimenting with 80s wedding makeup to bring you the ultimate guide.

The Essence of 80s Wedding Makeup

The 80s makeup aesthetic is all about embracing bold colours, dramatic accents, and a touch of extravagance. It's a celebration of individuality and self-expression, perfectly capturing the spirit of the era.

Think of it as a way to unleash your inner rock star and showcase your confidence.

Whether you're channeling the glamorous power of a Madonna or the edgy chic of a Debbie Harry, the 80s wedding makeup look is sure to make you a memorable bride.

Key Elements of 80s Wedding Makeup

To achieve a truly authentic 80s wedding makeup look, there are a few key elements you need to master.

Let's dive into each aspect, from bold eyeshadows to perfectly sculpted cheekbones, to create your own 80s glam masterpiece.

Bold Eyeshadow Palettes

The 80s were all about bold, dramatic eye looks. Think vibrant colours, shimmery textures, and intricate designs.

From bright blues and greens to rich purples and pinks, the possibilities are endless.

Remember, the key is to embrace colour and experiment with different combinations until you find a look that suits your style and your wedding theme.

Sculpted Cheekbones

Sculpted cheekbones were a defining feature of the 80s makeup aesthetic. Achieving this look involves using contouring techniques and highlighting to create a defined and chiseled appearance.

Apply bronzer or contour powder along the hollows of your cheeks, blending it outwards towards your hairline. Then, highlight your cheekbones with a shimmery highlighter for a radiant glow.

Remember to blend the contour well to avoid harsh lines.

Luscious Lashes

The 80s were all about big, bold lashes. Think layered mascara, dramatic falsies, and plenty of eyeliner.

Whether you prefer a natural or dramatic look, luscious lashes are a must-have for the 80s wedding makeup aesthetic.

To create an ultra-bold look, you can even layer two or three coats of mascara and add a pair of false lashes.

Shimmering Lips

Shimmering lips were a common trend in the 80s, adding a touch of glamour and extravagance to the look.

Try a shimmering lipstick, gloss, or even a touch of highlighter on your Cupid's bow for a subtle shimmer effect.

Remember to choose a shade that complements your skin tone and overall makeup look.

80s Wedding Makeup Inspiration

Looking for inspiration? Check out these iconic 80s looks to get you started.

The Power of Pink

Channel your inner Madonna with a vibrant pink eyeshadow look. Use a bright pink shadow on your lids and blend it out towards your crease.

Add a touch of shimmer for extra dimension and finish with a coat of black mascara.

Pair it with a soft pink blush and a shimmery pink lip for a complete 80s glam vibe.

Smoky Eye Magic

Smoky eyes are a classic that never goes out of style, and they were a quintessential 80s trend.

Start with a dark eyeshadow, like a deep brown or black, and blend it onto your crease and outer corners.

Then, use a lighter shadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyes and blend everything out for a seamless transition.

Finish with a dramatic cat-eye liner for a timeless look.

Blue Rhapsody

Want to add a touch of colour? Go for a striking blue eyeshadow look.

Apply a bright blue shadow across your lids and blend it into your crease.

You can use a darker blue shade for added depth or finish with a touch of shimmer.

Pair it with a neutral blush and a nude lip for a balanced look.

Tips for Achieving the 80s Wedding Makeup Look

Now that you have a basic understanding of 80s wedding makeup, let's dive into some key tips to help you achieve a flawless look.

Prep Your Skin

A flawless base is crucial for any makeup look, especially for a dramatic 80s style. Start with a hydrating moisturizer to prep your skin.

Next, apply a primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup and help it last longer.

Follow with a foundation that matches your skin tone and use concealer to cover any blemishes or imperfections.

Embrace Bold Colour

Don't be afraid to embrace bold colours. The 80s were all about expressing yourself through colour.

Experiment with different shades and combinations until you find a palette that suits your personality and your wedding theme.

Remember, the key is to blend and create seamless transitions for a polished look.

Enhance Your Features

The 80s makeup look is all about emphasizing your features. Use bronzer and highlighter to sculpt your cheekbones.

Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks for a touch of colour.

And don't forget to fill in your brows to create a defined and polished look.

Play with Textures

The 80s were all about exploring different textures. Experiment with shimmery eyeshadows, matte lipsticks, and even a touch of glitter.

Remember to choose textures that complement your skin tone and overall makeup look.

Don't Forget the Hair

No 80s wedding makeup look is complete without a big, bold hairstyle. Think voluminous curls, teased hair, and a touch of hairspray to hold everything in place.

Accessorize with a headband or a stylish hairpiece for a touch of 80s glamour.

80s Wedding Makeup Products

To recreate the iconic 80s wedding makeup look, you'll need to gather a few key products.

Here's a list of essentials to get you started.

Eyeshadow Palette

A vibrant eyeshadow palette with a mix of matte and shimmery shades is essential for creating bold 80s eye looks.

Look for palettes with colours like bright blue, green, pink, purple, and brown.

Some popular options include the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette, and the Natasha Denona Sunset Palette.

Contour and Highlight Palette

A contour and highlight palette is essential for sculpting your cheekbones and adding dimension to your face.

Look for a palette that includes a cool-toned contour powder and a shimmery highlighter.

Some popular options include the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick, the NARS Contour Blush Duo, and the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Palette.

Mascara

A volumizing mascara is a must-have for creating dramatic lashes.

Look for a mascara with a brush that helps separate and lengthen your lashes.

Some popular options include the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and the Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara.

Eyeliner

A black eyeliner is essential for creating sharp, defined eyeliner looks.

Look for a liquid eyeliner or a gel liner that delivers a smooth, precise line.

Some popular options include the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner, and the KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner.

Lipstick

A variety of lipsticks are essential for completing your 80s look.

Choose from bold shades like bright red, pink, and purple.

You can also experiment with shimmery lip glosses or even a touch of glitter on your lips.

Some popular options include the NARS Audacious Lipstick, the MAC Retro Matte Lipstick, and the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color.

80s Wedding Makeup FAQ

What are some iconic 80s wedding makeup looks?

Some iconic 80s wedding makeup looks include:

The Power of Pink: A vibrant pink eyeshadow with a touch of shimmer and a soft pink lip.
Smoky Eye Magic: A classic smoky eye with a dramatic cat-eye liner.
Blue Rhapsody: A bright blue eyeshadow with a touch of shimmer and a nude or pink lip.

How can I apply makeup to achieve the 80s wedding look?

To achieve the 80s wedding makeup look, focus on bold eyeshadows with shimmery textures, sculpted cheekbones, luscious lashes, and a touch of shimmer on your lips.

Remember to blend well and create seamless transitions for a polished look.

What are some essential 80s wedding makeup products?

Some essential 80s wedding makeup products include:

A vibrant eyeshadow palette with bold colours.
A contour and highlight palette to sculpt your cheekbones.
A volumizing mascara to create dramatic lashes.
A black eyeliner for sharp, defined looks.
A variety of lipsticks in bold shades and textures.

Conclusion

So, readers, are you ready to unleash your inner 80s glam queen? With these tips and tricks, you're sure to achieve a truly unforgettable and timeless 80s wedding makeup look.

Ready to explore more? Click here to discover our guide to the most iconic 80s fashion trends, or here for ideas on planning a fabulous retro wedding.

Video 80s Makeup Tutorial: History of Makeup with Sofia Tilbury | Charlotte Tilbury