For those who lived through the 1980s, it was an exciting time for beauty trends. The decade was all about bold choices, from bright colors to thick eyebrows. Now, 80s makeup is making a big comeback, encouraging today’s generation to step out of their comfort zones.
This revival brings back the era’s daring makeup styles, celebrating individuality and creativity. Think of iconic looks from Whitney Houston, early Madonna, or Cyndi Lauper, all showcasing the bold aesthetics of the 80s.
Exploring the glamorous makeup trends of the 80s, it’s clear that women back then loved experimenting with different products for fun. Let’s take a look at these returning trends that are once again inspiring people worldwide, from costume parties to daily life.
In the 80s, cool meant vibrant eyeshadows. Neutral shades just didn’t cut it. To stand out, you needed bright eye makeup in electric blue, hot pink, and vivid purple. Trendsetters often mixed these colors for a dramatic look.
Thick and natural eyebrows became a beauty staple back then, and it’s back in style now. Stars like Brooke Shields had bold brows to match their voluminous hair. This look remains popular today, thanks to modern icons like Cara Delevingne. To get this look, use a brow gel as part of your morning routine. Bold brows go perfectly with dramatic eye makeup, especially striking blue shades.
The rocker eye, a signature 80s trend by icons like Debbie Harry, is also making a comeback. Use a blendable gel eyeliner to achieve this edgy look. Accentuate the lower lashes for depth. For a vintage feel, try the raccoon eye effect and finish with dark lip liner for extra drama.
Asymmetrical eye makeup, made popular by Cyndi Lauper, involves unique creativity. Apply color above one eyebrow and below the other eye for a striking, unbalanced look.
The ‘raccoon eye’ was a big hit in the past, achieved by lining both eyelids with matte black eyeliner and smudging it for an edgy appearance. Today, gel pots or satin crayon eyeliners are used to achieve this iconic style.
Smokey eyes were synonymous with 80s nighttime glamour, blending dark eyeshadows for a seductive look perfect for evening outings. This look, often paired with softer lips, was well-represented by pop icon Whitney Houston.
Winged eyeliner is a timeless classic. Using liquid or gel eyeliner, draw a precise line that thickens at the outer corners. In the 80s, actresses like Joan Collins paired this with dramatic eyeshadow hues. The iconic flick at the edges adds flair and sophistication to any special event.
Black mascara was the go-to in the 80s, but colored mascara made bold statements. Vibrant hues like electric blue or violet purple added extra pop, reflecting the era’s love for color. Some even mixed and matched mascara shades for a dynamic edge.
Muted lips, gently touched with balm or a hint of color, have been a beauty staple. This approach echoes the 80s aesthetic, combining understated lips with eye-catching eyeshadows in green or gold for a balanced look. This trend is showcased by brands like Urban Decay and Benefit Cosmetics. Muted lips are a deliberate, artful choice, unlike a completely bare mouth suggesting no makeup.
Bright pink lipstick was a massive trend, with shades like magenta and fuchsia stealing the show. Brands like Coty led this trend, offering a range of pink hues that captured the 80s’ playful boldness and femininity.
Bold red lips symbolized confidence and glamour in the 80s. Favored by stars like Tina Turner, this iconic look featured vibrant reds with matte or high-gloss finishes, making the lips stand out. The reds ranged from bright cherry to deep burgundy, each making its unique statement.
The 80s also brought frosted and metallic lips back into popularity. Today’s beauty world offers a wider array of options than the past’s go-to baby pink. This variety allows you to match your lipstick with your eyeshadow, adding a stylish touch to your makeup.
A key technique from the 80s is overlining, used to achieve fuller lips. Outlining slightly outside the natural lip line creates the illusion of plumper lips. Using lip pencils a shade or two darker than your natural color, you can enhance your lips’ fullness and shape. This technique is still relevant today.
Beach outings in the 80s were about bold fashion and sun-kissed makeup. Coral lipsticks and shimmery gold eyeshadows complemented beachwear beautifully. Supermodel Christie Brinkley epitomized this look. Today, beauty lovers are reviving these vibrant, sun-inspired trends for a bronzed goddess aesthetic.
Neon hues were defining elements of 80s makeup, bringing vibrant colors to the scene. Not just for fashion accessories, these vivid tones also revolutionized lip colors with shades like electric pink, adding a fearless pop to any look.
Draping, or contouring with blush, was a standout technique, extending beyond traditional blush application. This method, popularized by icons like Grace Jones, involved blending blush across cheekbones and towards the temples, using vibrant shades for a bold statement.
Using foundation to create a flawless complexion was crucial in the 80s. Brands like Maybelline and Coty provided products that evened out skin tone and offered a signature matte finish, creating a perfect base for vibrant colors and bold styles.
Today, 80s makeup is making a comeback, blending the decade’s boldness with modern techniques. Vibrant eyeshadows in electric blue, neon pink, and rich purple are making waves, and strong eyebrows are back in style with the help of modern brow gels and pomades.
If you want to add an 80s vibe to your makeup, start by mixing retro charm with contemporary cool. Experiment and have fun with the creative process. Try neon eyeshadow or a bold red lip for your next outing.
By blending the 80s’ audacity with modern techniques, we can embrace creativity and fearless self-expression, crafting unique looks that reflect our personal style. 80s makeup is all about celebrating individuality and breaking away from conventional beauty norms.
