The 80s were a decade of bold, unapologetic self-expression, and nowhere was this more evident than in the realm of makeup. From electric eyes to daring lips, the 80s makeup looks were all about pushing boundaries and embracing vibrant colors. This era saw the rise of iconic beauty icons like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Debbie Harry, who fearlessly experimented with dramatic eye makeup, bright blush, and statement lips.
The cultural context of the 80s was one of rebellion and individuality, with punk and rock music influencing fashion and beauty trends. Makeup became a canvas for self-expression, allowing people to showcase their unique personalities and challenge societal norms. Fast forward to today, and we’re witnessing a resurgence of 80s makeup trends, with modern beauty enthusiasts drawing inspiration from this iconic era.
Iconic 80s Makeup Looks
Bold Eyes:
- Electric Eyes:
One of the most iconic 80s makeup looks was the electric eye. Vibrant shades of blue, green, and purple were swept across lids, creating a bold and daring look that defied traditional beauty norms. Celebrities like Cyndi Lauper and Madonna were known for their fearless use of electric eyeshadows, often applying them in a gradient effect from the lash line to the brow bone.
To recreate this look, start with an eye primer to ensure a long-lasting color payoff. Using a flat synthetic brush, pack on the vibrant eyeshadow of your choice, blending outwards towards the temples. Finish with a generous coat of mascara and, if desired, add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes for an extra pop.
Matte Fluid Eye Paint
All About Shadow Duo Eyeshadow
Cream Eyeshadow & Liner
- Smokey Eyes:
While Electric Eyes was all about embracing bold colors, the Smokey Eye was a sultry and mysterious take on 80s eye makeup. Dark shades of black, charcoal, and deep brown were blended to create a smoldering, smudged effect. Celebrities like Joan Jett and Debbie Harry were masters of this look, often pairing it with tousled hair and leather jackets for a quintessential 80s rock chick makeup vibe.
To achieve the perfect smokey eye, start by applying a dark eyeshadow or eyeliner close to the lash line. Using a fluffy blending brush, diffuse the color outwards, creating a soft, hazy effect. Add depth by layering darker shades in the outer corners and along the crease. Finish with a generous coat of black mascara and a touch of kohl liner for added intensity.
Classic Eyeshadow Single
Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Naked2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette
Dramatic Lips:
- Red Lips:
No 80s makeup look was complete without a bold, unapologetic lip. One of the most iconic lip colors of the decade was red, with shades ranging from classic crimson to deep oxblood. Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor made red lips their signature, and the 80s saw a resurgence of this timeless trend.
To recreate this look, start by prepping your lips with a lip scrub and balm to ensure a smooth canvas. Line your lips with a matching lip liner, then fill them in with vibrant red lipstick. For a matte finish, blot with a tissue and reapply. For a glossy look, top with a clear or tinted lip gloss.
M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick
Super Lustrous Lipstick
Chili’s Crew Lustreglass Lipstick
- Dark Lips:
While red lips were a classic, the 80s also saw a rise in darker, more daring lip colors. Deep burgundies, rich browns, and vampy plums were all the rage, adding a touch of edge and drama to any look. Punk icons like Siouxsie Sioux and Nina Hagen were known for their 80s punk makeup looks, featuring dark, statement lips.
To recreate this look, start by lining your lips with a matching lip liner. Then, apply a deep, matte lipstick in your desired shade, blotting and reapplying for maximum intensity. For added dimension, you can also blend a touch of black eyeshadow into the outer corners of your lips.
Suede Matte Lipstick Lightweight Lipstick
Soft Matte Lip Cream Lightweight Liquid Lipstick
SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
Blushing Beauty:
- Bold Blush:
In the 80s, blush was more than just a subtle flush – it was a bold, vibrant pop of color that added warmth and dimension to the face. Bright pinks, oranges, and corals were swept across the apples of the cheeks, creating a youthful, glowing look. Celebrities like Brooke Shields and Molly Ringwald were known for their 80s rocker makeup looks, featuring bold blush and minimal eye makeup.
To recreate this look, start by applying a cream or liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending outwards towards your temples. Layer a powder blush in a complementary shade on top for added intensity. Finish with a touch of highlighter on the high points of your face for a radiant glow.
Cloud Crush Blurring Blush
NUDIES MATTE All Over Face Blush Color
Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint
- Contouring:
While contouring may seem modern, it was a popular technique in the 80s for sculpting and defining the face. Bronzers and highlighters were used to create dimension and depth, accentuating the cheekbones, jawline, and other features. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cher were known for their expertly contoured looks, which added drama and glamour to their overall aesthetic.
To achieve this look, start by applying a matte bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose. Use a highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, and brow bones, and cupid’s bow. Blend seamlessly for a natural, sculpted effect.
Butter Bronzer Murumuru Butter Bronzer
NUDIES MATTE All Over Face Bronze Color
Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer
III. Recreating the Looks:
Now that you’re familiar with the iconic 80s makeup looks, it’s time to recreate them yourself! Here are step-by-step instructions for achieving each look, along with tips and tricks for adapting them to suit your style and preferences.
Electric Eyes:
- Start with an eye primer to ensure long-lasting color payoff.
- Using a flat synthetic brush, pack on a vibrant eyeshadow of your choice (blue, green, purple, etc.) across your entire lid, blending outwards towards the temples.
- Add depth by applying a slightly darker shade in the crease and outer corners of your eyes.
- Finish with a generous coat of mascara and, if desired, add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes.
Smokey Eyes:
- Apply a dark eyeshadow or eyeliner close to your lash line, focusing on the outer corners.
- Using a fluffy blending brush, diffuse the color outwards, creating a soft, hazy effect.
- Add depth by layering darker shades in the outer corners and along the crease.
- Finish with a generous coat of black mascara and a touch of kohl liner for added intensity.
Red Lips:
- Prep your lips with a lip scrub and balm to ensure a smooth canvas.
- Line your lips with a matching red lip liner.
- Fill in your lips with vibrant red lipstick, blotting with a tissue and reapplying for maximum intensity.
- For a matte finish, leave as is. For a glossy look, top with a clear or tinted lip gloss.
Dark Lips:
- Line your lips with a matching dark lip liner (burgundy, brown, plum, etc.).
- Apply a deep, matte lipstick in your desired shade, blotting and reapplying for maximum intensity.
- For added dimension, blend a touch of black eyeshadow into the outer corners of your lips.
Bold Blush:
- Apply a cream or liquid blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending outwards towards your temples.
- For added intensity, layer a powder blush in a complementary shade on top.
- Finish with a touch of highlighter on the high points of your face for a radiant glow.
Contouring:
- Apply a matte bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose.
- Use a highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow.
- Blend seamlessly for a natural, sculpted effect.
Remember, the beauty of ’80s makeup was all about experimentation and self-expression. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these looks or add your unique twist to them. Whether you opt for electric eyes, bold blush, or a daring lip, the key is to have fun and embrace your individuality.
Jumbo Eye Pencil All-In-One Eyeshadow Eyeliner Pencil
Le 8 Hypnôse Serum-Infused Volumizing Mascara
All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray
Modernizing the 80s Makeup:
While recreating iconic 80s makeup looks can be a fun and nostalgic experience, you may also want to incorporate these trends into a more modern context. Here are some tips for updating and adapting these looks for a fresh, contemporary vibe:
- Subtle Pops of Color: Instead of going all-out with electric eyeshadows, try incorporating pops of bold color more subtly. Use vibrant eyeliner or apply a wash of color on the lids for a modern twist on the electric eye trend.
- Diffused Smokey Eyes: For a softer take on the smokey eye, try diffusing the color outwards for a more diffused, hazy effect. This can create a sultry yet wearable look that’s perfect for everyday wear.
- Tinted Lip Balms: If bold, matte lipsticks aren’t your thing, try tinted lip balms or glosses in shades of red, burgundy, or plum. These can add a subtle hint of color while keeping your lips hydrated and comfortable.
- Cream Blush: Instead of heavy, powder blushes, opt for cream or liquid formulas. These can create a natural, dewy flush that looks fresh and modern.
- Subtle Contouring: While the 80s were all about dramatic contouring, you can adapt this technique for a more subtle, natural-looking effect. Use a sheer bronzer and highlighter to gently sculpt and define your features.
Remember, the key to modernizing 80s makeup trends is to find the right balance between bold and wearable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your style and preferences.
Diorshow 5 Couleurs High Color Eyeshadow Wardrobe – Limited-Edition
Diorshow Stylo 24h-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner – Intense Color – Creamy Texture And Smooth Glide
Rouge Premier Haute Couture Lipstick – Refillable
Dior Forever Natural Bronze Glow – Limited Edition
Dior Forever Natural Bronze Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder
The 80s were a decade of fearless self-expression, and the makeup trends of the era reflected this spirit of individuality and rebellion. From electric eyes to bold blush and daring lips, the iconic 80s makeup looks continue to inspire and influence contemporary beauty trends.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 80s or simply appreciate the art of makeup, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of these iconic looks. So why not embrace your inner rock chick or punk princess and experiment with recreating these bold and daring makeup styles?
Remember, the beauty of 80s makeup is all about having fun and expressing your unique personality. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements, or to put your spin on these iconic looks. After all, the true essence of 80s makeup is about breaking rules and embracing your individuality.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your boldest eyeshadows, brightest blushes, and most daring lipsticks, and let’s take a trip back in time to the glamorous and unapologetic world of 80s makeup!
