70s Makeup Trends: Here’s How to Master 5 Key Looks
The 1970s were a great decade—they saw the rise of the disco craze, the birth of the Sony Walkman and the growth of feminism across the world. If I had to pick any decade to go back and live in, it would be this one, hands down. Fortunately, for those of us who are a fan of the groovy decade, there’s no denying that 70s makeup and beauty trends are back and bigger than ever.
While 70s fashion is surprisingly also still trendy, we’re passing on the outfits for now. Instead, we’re focusing on the 70s makeup trends that are so easy to master and add to your usual beauty routine. We’re drawing inspiration from icons such as Lauren Hutton and Farrah Fawcett, who both ruled in the makeup department and are still giving us major makeup inspiration 50 years later.
How to Modernise 1970s Makeup Trends
Trend #1: Blue eyeshadow
Of the 70s makeup looks, blue eyeshadow is probably the most controversial—and also the most challenging to master. While we’ve seen a resurgence of blue eyeshadow lately (thank you, New York Fashion Week), you’ll be relieved to know that it’s come a long way since the powder blue eye makeup of the 1970s. Think: Bold shades, big lashes and neutral lips.
To master this trend at home, opt for a cream eyeshadow rather than a powder, and ensure you use plenty of eyeshadow primer to avoid the colour caking or creasing.
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Trend #2: Orange lips
Make like Farrah Fawcett and try this popular seventies trend. At first, you might be tempted to discount the trend altogether and say, “orange lips don’t suit my skin tone,” but just like red lipstick, there is a bold shade for every skin tone. Pro tip: Maybe avoid wearing this one with your blue eyeshadow.
To master this trend yourself, start with a good lip liner to define the sides, then colour in the rest of your lips with a matte lip colour. If you prefer a bit of shine, apply a clear gloss over the top.
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Trend #3: Winged liner
Hands up who else struggles to get their winged eyeliner perfectly even? ‘Cause same. While this trend has been floating around for a while now, you might not have realised that it originated back in the 1970s.
To master this seventies makeup trend, try a standard winged liner—with a twist. Use coloured liner pencil to make blue and green eyes pop, and make sure your lashes are big with lots of mascara. Feel free to apply a strip of false lashes for extra drama.
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Trend #4: Rosy cheeks
Remember when your mum taught you to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks—before the makeup gurus swooped in and told us we were doing it wrong and everybody started contouring again? Chances are, she took her cues from this 70s trend, where rosy cheeks were all the rage.
Well, they’re back—kinda. Instead of matte blusher, modernise this 1970s makeup trend by adding plenty of highlighter along the top of your cheekbones.
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Trend #5: Shimmer eyeshadow
Towards the late 1970s, eye makeup started to veer away from the matte shades and shimmer eyeshadow became a thing. With so many shimmer eyeshadows available to buy these days, you won’t struggle to find a shade that suits you—I’m a huge fan of pink.
To master this trend, opt for a bright colour and add in some bold, winged eyeliner for a dramatic 1970s makeup look.
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