What Makes 80s Makeup So Iconic?
The 80s were a decade of color, glamour, and unapologetically bold choices. 80s Makeup was a form of self-expression, with vibrant colors and exaggerated styles ruling the scene. The essentials? Bright eyeshadow, heavy blush, defined brows, and bold lips.
How to Recreate Classic 80s Makeup Looks
1. Electric Eyeshadow
- The Look: Bright, often neon colors like electric blue, hot pink, and bold purple swept across the lid.
- How to Get It: Use a creamy, pigmented eyeshadow base, then layer on a bold color, extending it slightly past the brow bone for an exaggerated effect. For extra drama, add a contrasting color to the crease or inner corners.
- Modern Twist: Try one bold color with a softer, blended edge. Electric blue or purple works great for a statement lid without feeling overwhelming.
2. Dramatic Blush
- The Look: Blush was intense and strategically placed, often extending from the cheekbone up to the temples.
- How to Get It: Choose a vibrant blush, like pink or peach, and apply it generously to the cheeks, blending upward toward the hairline for that “draped” effect. Don’t be afraid to go bold!
- Modern Twist: Keep the bold blush but soften the application. Use a cream blush for a dewy finish and blend for a diffused, rosy glow.
3. Bold Brows
- The Look: Brows in the 80s were full, natural, and defined—think Brooke Shields vibes.
- How to Get It: Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in your brows, focusing on creating a natural shape with a strong arch. Brush them up with a clear brow gel for that extra fullness.
- Modern Twist: Skip the ultra-defined arch and go for a softer, feathery brow look. Use a tinted brow gel for an easy, natural finish.
4. Vibrant Lips
- The Look: Lips in the 80s were bold and colorful—red, fuchsia, and even bright orange were popular.
- How to Get It: Start with a lip liner to define the shape, then apply a bright lipstick for full coverage. For extra 80s vibes, choose a semi-matte or satin finish.
- Modern Twist: Opt for a bright lip in a matte or satin formula and keep the rest of your makeup simple to make it the focal point.
5. Blue Eyeliner and Mascara
- The Look: Blue eyeliner and mascara were everywhere in the 80s and added a playful pop of color.
- How to Get It: Line your upper and lower lashes with a blue pencil liner, then add a coat of blue mascara to finish the look.
- Modern Twist: Use blue eyeliner only on the lower lash line for a subtle hint of color or stick to a blue mascara for a touch of vibrancy.
80s Makeup Essentials
- Neon and Bold Shadows: Shades like turquoise, hot pink, purple, and green are must-haves.
- Blush: Vibrant shades like bubblegum pink or peach to recreate that high-intensity flush.
- Bold Lipsticks: Red, fuchsia, and orange are iconic 80s colors.
- Blue Eyeliner: Add a playful twist with a bright blue liner or mascara.
Tips for Making 80s Makeup Wearable Today
- Pick One Feature to Highlight: Try a bold eye or a bright lip but keep the rest of your makeup simple to avoid looking overdone.
- Use Softer Formulas: Cream shadows, blushes, and lipsticks can help blend bold colors for a more natural finish.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: To modernize these looks, blend colors well to avoid harsh lines, especially with blush and eyeshadow.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the 80s Vibe
80s makeup is all about confidence, creativity, and having fun with color. Whether you go for a full retro look or a subtle nod to the era, adding a bit of 80s flair to your makeup routine is a fun way to switch things up. So grab that neon shadow or bold lipstick, and let your inner 80s icon shine!
Pro Tip: For a real 80s touch, pair your makeup with a fluffy blowout or a high ponytail with a scrunchie for a complete retro vibe!
