Get ready to flashback to the decade of decadence and drama! The 1980s were all about bold, eye-catching makeup looks that made a statement. From vibrant colors to over-the-top glamour, you’re about to launch on a journey to recreate the most iconic makeup trends of the era. With your makeup bag at the ready, you’ll learn how to master the art of bright blue eyeshadow, razor-sharp cheekbones, and luscious lashes that will make you the queen of the neon jungle. So, are you ready to bring back the big hair and bigger beauty looks of the 80s?
Types of Iconic 1980s Makeup Trends
While exploring the world of 1980s makeup, you’ll come across a range of iconic trends that defined the decade. From bold and bright to natural and subtle, these trends continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts today. Here are some of the most notable types of iconic 1980s makeup trends:
- Neon Colors and Bold Looks
- Natural and Soft Focus
- Dramatic Eyes and Lashes
- Power Reds and Berry Shades
- Glamorous Metallics
| Trend | Description |
| Neon Colors and Bold Looks | Bright, eye-catching shades and bold application |
| Natural and Soft Focus | Subtle, natural hues and soft, blended application |
| Dramatic Eyes and Lashes | Emphasized eyes with thick lashes and bold liner |
| Power Reds and Berry Shades | Vibrant, bold lip colors and cheek stains |
After exploring these iconic trends, you’ll be ready to recreate the looks that defined the 1980s.
Neon Colors and Bold Looks
Brightening up your makeup routine with neon colors and bold looks is a great way to channel the 1980s. You’ll want to reach for electric blues, hot pinks, and sunshine yellows to make a statement.
Natural and Soft Focus
Assuming you want to tone down the drama, natural and soft focus looks are a great alternative. This trend is all about enhancing your natural features with subtle, earthy tones and soft, blended application.
For instance, you can use light brown eyeshadows to add depth to your eyes, paired with a soft pink lip balm for a natural, effortless look.
Dramatic Eyes and Lashes
On the opposite end of the spectrum, dramatic eyes and lashes are all about making a bold statement. You’ll want to reach for thick, black eyeliner, voluminous mascara, and shimmery eyeshadows to create a look that’s sure to turn heads.
Dramatic eyes were a staple of 1980s makeup, with celebrities like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper rocking bold, graphic liner and voluminous lashes. To recreate this look, start with a thick coat of mascara and line your upper lash line with a black pencil or liquid liner.
Factors to Consider When Recreating 1980s Makeup
Any attempt to recreate iconic 1980s makeup trends requires careful consideration of several key factors that will impact the overall look and feel of your final result. These include:
- Skin tone and complexion
- Face shape and features
- Personal style and preferences
Knowing these factors will help you tailor your 1980s-inspired look to your individual characteristics and ensure a more authentic and flattering result.
Skin Tone and Complexion
Complexion plays a crucial role in determining the most flattering shades and tones for your 1980s-inspired look. Consider your skin’s natural undertones – cool, warm, or neutral – when selecting foundation, blush, and eyeshadow shades.
Face Shape and Features
<p)Little details like the shape of your eyes, nose, and jawline can greatly impact the way certain makeup looks and styles sit on your face. Take stock of your facial features and consider how they might influence your 1980s-inspired look.
Makeup can be used to accentuate or balance out certain facial features, so it’s crucial to understand your face shape and how different styles will interact with it. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to avoid heavy, rounded eyeshadows and instead opt for more angular, linear shapes.
Personal Style and Preferences
To truly pull off an iconic 1980s look, you need to consider your personal style and preferences. Do you lean towards bold and dramatic, or soft and subtle? Are you comfortable with bright colors and flashy accents, or do you prefer a more understated approach?
Plus, think about the era’s signature styles – are you drawn to the glamorous, over-the-top aesthetic of a Madonna or Cyndi Lauper, or the more laid-back, casual vibe of a Tom Cruise or Molly Ringwald? By understanding your personal style and preferences, you can adapt 1980s trends to fit your unique personality and aesthetic.
Step-by-Step Guides to Recreating Iconic Looks
Not only do we want to inspire you to try out these iconic 1980s makeup trends, but we also want to provide you with the tools and guidance to recreate them with ease. Below, you’ll find step-by-step guides to help you achieve the perfect smoky eye, rock bright lip colors, and master the art of contouring and highlighting.
| Look | Step-by-Step Guide |
| Smoky Eye | Prime your lids, apply a dark eyeshadow all over, blend, and line your eyes. |
| Bright Lip Colors | Choose a bold shade, line your lips, fill in with lipstick, and blot. |
| Contouring and Highlighting | Identify your face shape, choose the right products, and apply strategically. |
How to Achieve the Perfect Smoky Eye
One of the most iconic looks of the 1980s is the smoky eye. To achieve this look, start by priming your lids with a primer or a light eyeshadow. Next, apply a dark eyeshadow all over your lid, blending it well to create a seamless transition. Finally, line your eyes with a pencil or liquid eyeliner to add depth and drama.
Tips for Rocking Bright Lip Colors
For a bold and bright lip color, choose a shade that complements your skin tone. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick.
- Line your lips with a pencil to define the shape.
- Fill in your lips with lipstick, blotting with a tissue to remove excess product.
- Recognizing that less is more, start with a light hand and build up the color as needed.
To take your bright lip color to the next level, try pairing it with a bold eyeshadow look or a subtle contour. This will create a cohesive and dramatic look that’s sure to turn heads.
Mastering the Art of Contouring and Highlighting
Perfect your facial features with contouring and highlighting. Start by identifying your face shape and choosing the right products for your skin tone. Next, apply contour powder or cream to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline, blending well to create a natural-looking definition.
Another key to mastering contouring and highlighting is to use the right tools. Invest in a good contour brush and a highlighting powder or cream that complements your skin tone. With practice and patience, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Pros and Cons of Embracing 1980s Makeup Trends
Many of you may be wondering if embracing 1980s makeup trends is right for you. Before making a decision, it’s imperative to weigh the pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bold and bright colors can add a fun pop to your look | Overly dramatic looks can be overwhelming |
| Experimenting with new products and techniques can be exciting | Some trends may not be suitable for everyday wear |
| You can express your individuality and creativity | Following trends blindly can lead to an unflattering look |
| 1980s makeup trends can be a great way to pay homage to the decade | Not all trends are timeless, and some may look dated |
| You can have fun recreating iconic looks from your favorite 80s celebrities | Some products used in the 80s may not be available or safe to use today |
The Benefits of Bold and Bright Colors
The vibrant colors of the 1980s can add a fun and playful touch to your look. You can experiment with bold lip colors, bright eyeshadows, and colorful blushes to create a look that’s truly eye-catching.
The Drawbacks of Overdoing It
Clearly, the 1980s were all about making a statement with makeup. However, it’s imperative to remember that less is often more.
Trends like heavy metal eyeshadows, thick eyeliner, and bright blue mascara can be overwhelming if not balanced correctly. You want to make sure you’re enhancing your features, not hiding behind a mask of makeup.
Finding a Balance Between Retro and Modern
Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s time to find a balance between retro and modern. You can incorporate subtle nods to the 1980s into your everyday look without going overboard.
Colors like hot pink, electric blue, and sunshine yellow can add a fun pop to your look when used sparingly. Try pairing bold lip colors with natural eyeshadows or using a bright blush to add a touch of color to your cheeks. By finding a balance between retro and modern, you can create a look that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
To wrap up
Upon reflecting on your journey through recreating iconic 1980s makeup trends, you’ve likely discovered that it’s not just about applying bold colors and dramatic looks, but also about embracing the era’s carefree spirit and confidence. You’ve learned how to accentuate your features with vibrant hues, mastered the art of layering products, and experimented with bold, daring styles. As you continue to explore the world of 80s makeup, remember to have fun, be fearless, and make these iconic trends your own.