The 1980s were a wild time for makeup. Bright colors, dramatic shapes, and bold statements ruled the day. In this guide, we explore the most popular 80s makeup looks. We show you how to achieve them with simple steps, tips, and tricks. This article is for anyone who loves a retro vibe or wants to add a fun twist to their everyday style.
What Made 80s Makeup Special?
The 80s were known for unique and daring makeup styles. Key features of 80s makeup include:
- Bold Colors: Neon pinks, blues, and greens were common.
- Heavy Blush: Cheeks were often bright and heavily contoured.
- Dramatic Eyes: Bright eyeshadows and winged eyeliner made eyes pop.
- Glam Lips: Lipsticks in bright reds, hot pinks, or even bold purples.
- Glitter and Shimmer: Sparkly products were a must-have.
- Defined Brows: Thick and well-shaped eyebrows completed the look.
Popular 80s Makeup Themes and Trends
When researching top ranking pages on “80s makeup looks,” several key themes emerged:
1. Neon and Bold Colors
Neon makeup was a staple of the 80s. Bright eyeshadows and lipsticks created a fun, energetic look.
- NLP Terms: neon, bright, bold, vibrant, energetic.
- User Questions: “What neon makeup looks are popular from the 80s?” and “How can I wear neon makeup today?”
2. Dramatic Eye Makeup
Dramatic eyes were all about winged eyeliner, heavy mascara, and layered eyeshadows.
- NLP Terms: winged eyeliner, smoky eyes, layered shadows, defined eyes.
- User Questions: “How do I achieve 80s dramatic eye makeup?” and “What eyeliner techniques were used in the 80s?”
3. Heavy Blush and Contouring
Bold blush was used to add life to the cheeks. The 80s style often featured bright, overdone blush with sharp contour lines.
- NLP Terms: heavy blush, contouring, bright cheeks.
- User Questions: “What blush colors were used in the 80s?” and “How do I contour like it’s the 80s?”
4. Glamorous Lips
Lips were not left behind. Bright red, hot pink, or even purple lipsticks were common and gave a polished finish to the overall look.
- NLP Terms: bold lips, bright lipstick, retro lip colors, statement lip.
- User Questions: “What lip colors are iconic from the 80s?” and “How do I get a perfect 80s lip look?”
5. Glitter and Shimmer
Glitter was used on the eyes, cheeks, and even lips to give a fun, festive finish.
- NLP Terms: glitter, shimmer, sparkle, metallic.
- User Questions: “How do I apply glitter for an 80s look?” and “What products help me get a shimmery finish?”
Step-by-Step Guide to 80s Makeup Looks
Below are detailed tutorials for creating iconic 80s makeup looks. Each section is broken into easy-to-follow steps.
Look 1 – Neon Glam
This look is all about neon colors that light up your face.
What You Need
- Neon eyeshadow (bright pink, blue, or green)
- Neon eyeliner or gel liner
- Bold lipstick (neon red or hot pink)
- Mascara
- Primer
How to Achieve Neon Glam
- Prime Your Skin: Apply a light primer to your face and eyes.
- Eyeshadow: Use a neon eyeshadow on your eyelids. Pat it on with your finger for intensity.
- Eyeliner: Draw a thin line along your upper lash line using neon gel liner.
- Mascara: Apply two coats of mascara to open up your eyes.
- Lips: Finish with a bold neon lipstick.
Look 2 – Dramatic 80s Eyes
This style features layered eyeshadows and a winged eyeliner for a classic 80s dramatic eye.
What You Need
- Dark and light eyeshadows (black, dark brown, and a light shimmer)
- Liquid or pencil eyeliner
- Mascara (preferably volumizing)
- Blending brush
How to Create Dramatic 80s Eyes
- Apply a Base Shade: Start with a dark eyeshadow all over your lid.
- Blend a Lighter Shade: Use a lighter shade in the crease to soften the dark color.
- Winged Eyeliner: Draw a precise winged line with your eyeliner.
- Mascara: Apply volumizing mascara on your lashes.
- Optional: Use a small brush to blend the edges for a smoky finish.
Look 3 – Heavy Blush & Bold Lips
This look uses bright blush and bold lip colors to mimic the classic 80s style.
What You Need
- Cream or powder blush in bright shades (peach, pink, or coral)
- Bold lipstick (red, hot pink, or purple)
- Lip liner
- Highlighter (optional)
How to Get Heavy Blush & Bold Lips
- Blush Application: Apply a generous amount of blush on the apples of your cheeks.
- Blend: Use a brush to blend the blush outward.
- Lip Liner: Outline your lips with a matching lip liner.
- Bold Lipstick: Fill in with bold lipstick.
- Highlighter: Optionally, dab a bit of highlighter on the center of your lips for extra shine.
Look 4 – Glitter & Shimmer
For a fun, festive look, add some glitter and shimmer to your eyes and lips.
What You Need
- Shimmery or glitter eyeshadow
- Shimmery highlighter
- Translucent setting powder
- Clear lip gloss or shimmery lipstick
How to Create a Glitter & Shimmer Look
- Base Eyeshadow: Start with a matte base eyeshadow on your lids.
- Add Shimmer: Apply a layer of glitter or shimmery eyeshadow on the center of your lids.
- Blend: Use a small brush to gently blend the edges.
- Highlight: Add highlighter to your inner corners and brow bone.
- Lips: For your lips, apply a clear gloss or a shimmery lipstick.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your 80s Makeup Look
Below are a few extra tips that can help you master 80s makeup at home.
- Start With a Clean Canvas: Always wash your face and use a primer before applying any makeup.
- Use Bold Colors Sparingly: Let one feature shine at a time. For example, if your eyes are very bold, keep your lips neutral.
- Blending Is Key: Use quality brushes to blend your eyeshadows and avoid harsh lines.
- Experiment With Textures: The 80s were all about mixing matte with shimmer.
- Don’t Fear the Glitter: A little glitter goes a long way in creating that fun, retro look.
- Practice Your Wing: A steady hand helps. Practice your winged eyeliner on paper first.
- Set Your Makeup: Use a translucent powder or setting spray to help your look last all day.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Makeup Looks
What are the key features of 80s makeup?
80s makeup is known for bold colors, heavy blush, dramatic eyes, and glitter. It often includes neon eyeshadows, winged eyeliner, and bright lipsticks.
How can I achieve a classic 80s look?
Start with a good primer. Use bold neon eyeshadow, apply a strong winged liner, layer on bright blush, and finish with a vivid lipstick. Blend well and set with powder.
Which products were popular in the 80s?
Popular products include neon eyeshadows, bold lipsticks, and heavy blushes. Many also used glitter and shimmery products to add sparkle to their looks.
Are 80s makeup looks still in style today?
Yes, 80s makeup is making a comeback. Modern twists on the look include soft neon hues and natural glitter for a more wearable, everyday style.
