Why is everyone talking about the comeback of the 80s makeup trend? Step into a time machine with me and journey back to a decade where fashion and beauty were ablaze with the vibrant spirit of neon lights—the 1980s.
An era where makeup wasn’t just a daily routine; it was a bold statement, an explosion of colors, glitter, and unapologetic audacity.
Now, fast forward to today, and you’ll find that the allure of the 80s makeup trend is experiencing a resurgence, refusing to be held back by the passage of time.
The question on everyone’s lips: why the renewed fascination with the bold and vibrant styles of the 80s?
One reason for this revival is the timeless appeal of self-expression. The 80s makeup trend was more than just cosmetics; it was a form of artistic expression, a celebration of individuality.
In an era where personal style knows no bounds, people are drawn to the boldness and confidence that defined the makeup looks of the 80s.
Moreover, the influence of pop culture icons from the 80s, such as Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, continues to resonate. Their fearless approach to fashion and beauty left an indelible mark on the era, and today’s beauty enthusiasts are eager to capture that same spirit.
The 80s makeup trend also offers a departure from the minimalist aesthetics of recent years. The return of vibrant colors, glitter, and power brows feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a rebellion against the understated, an invitation to be unapologetically bold.
With the resurgence of the 80s makeup trend, it becomes clear that this revival is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of confidence, a nod to the timeless allure of self-expression, and a vibrant fusion of past and present.
So, are you ready to paint the town bold once again? Let’s dive into the secrets behind the resurgence of the iconic 80s makeup vibe and embrace the beauty of self-expression with open arms!
What Defines 80s Makeup?
Vibrant Eyeshadows
If anything that truly defines the 80s trends, it’s the bold, vibrant eyeshadows that took center stage in this era defining realm of makeup.
The eyeshadow game of the 80s wasn’t just about enhancing your eyes; it was about making a statement, a bold declaration of individuality that echoed the lively spirit of the era.
Shimmers and Metallics
The 80s weren’t satisfied with ordinary and wanted eyeshadow to be a statement, not a background character. Enter shimmer and metallic eyeshadows—a dynamic duo that brought a bit of the future into the mix. Super shiny, futuristic vibes—all about embracing the unknown.
Electric Blue and Bold Purple Eyeshadows
In the 80s, electric blue eyeshadow was more than a trend; it was a symbol of daring rebellion. This intense shade electrified eyelids, commanding attention and defying the conventional neutral norms.
Meanwhile, bold purple eyeshadow exuded regal confidence, transforming eyes into majestic focal points that spoke volumes about individuality.
Bright Eyeshadow: The Bolder, the Better
The 80s were all about embracing the mantra: No room for dull and boring. It was about celebrating your unique style, being the trendsetter, not just following the crowd. Bright eyeshadows in every imaginable shade became the norm.
Blush Overload
Unlike the more subtle and natural looks of other eras, the 80s embraced bold and bright colors, and blush was no exception. It was a key component that added warmth, dimension, and a touch of drama to the overall makeup aesthetic.
The goal was to achieve a healthy, rosy glow that could be seen even from a distance.
Choosing the Right Blush Colors for Your Skin Type
- Fair Skin: Soft pinks and peaches add a natural flush without overpowering.
- Medium Skin: Play with slightly bolder shades like corals and warm mauves to enhance your radiance.
- Deep Skin: Rich berry tones and deep plums deliver a bold pop of color that complements the richness of your complexion.
Pigmented Cream Blushes:
For that iconic Blush Overload look, consider pigmented cream blushes. They offer:
- Blendability: Easily blend into the skin for a natural yet buildable flush.
- Longevity: Stay put throughout the day, ensuring your vibrant look lasts.
Recommended Cream Blushes:
- Glossier Cloud Paint: Known for its easy-to-blend formula.
- Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush: Offers a diverse range of shades catering to various skin tones.
Application Technique:
Brush on the blush generously, using the following technique:
- Starting Point: Begin at the apples of your cheeks.
- Extend Toward Temples: Sweep the blush towards the temples for an extra burst of confidence.
Full, Bushy brows from the ’80s Are Back
Rewinding to the ’80s, a decade known for its bold and expressive styles, we witness the resurgence of brows that are unapologetically full and bushy, redefining contemporary beauty standards.
Ready to channel that iconic full, bushy brow look from the ’80s? Here’s your guide to achieving brows that are both timeless and bold.
Achieving the Full, Bushy Brow Look:
- Grow Them Out: Let your eyebrows grow to their natural thickness. Embrace the natural shape and avoid over-plucking.
- Define the Shape: Use a spoolie brush to comb your brow hairs upward, then trim any excess length with small scissors. This helps define the shape without sacrificing fullness.
Recommended Products for Full, Bushy Brows:
- Brow Pomade: Opt for a pigmented brow pomade to fill in any sparse areas and add definition. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade is a popular choice for its creamy texture and long-lasting formula.
- Brow Gel: Apply a tinted or clear brow gel to set your brows in place and add volume. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel is excellent for creating a full, textured look.
- Brow Pencil: For precision, use a brow pencil to outline and enhance your natural brow shape. Try the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil for a fine, hair-like application.
Styling Tips:
- Feathered Strokes: Use a light hand when applying products to mimic natural, hair-like strokes. The goal is to enhance fullness without creating a harsh, blocky look.
- Avoid Overarching: Follow the natural arch of your brows to maintain authenticity. Overarching can make brows look unnatural.
Maintenance:
Regularly groom your brows to keep them tidy without sacrificing fullness. This may include occasional trimming and shaping to enhance their natural beauty.
Contouring for an 80s Sculpted Look
The 80s embraced bold and theatrical looks, and contouring played a pivotal role in creating exaggerated cheekbones, a sculpted jawline, and an overall glamorous aesthetic.
Achieving the 80s Contoured Look:
Here’s how contouring was used to achieve a sculpted look:
- Prep: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply your foundation as a base for an even complexion.
- Contouring Shades: Choose a contouring product that’s a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. Matte bronzers or contouring powders work well.
- Highlighting Shades: Opt for a highlighting product that is a shade lighter than your skin tone. Cream or powder highlighters add a radiant touch.
Defined Cheekbones:
Contour was strategically applied beneath the cheekbones to create the illusion of higher, more defined cheekbones. Bold contour lines extended further down the cheeks, adding of theatricality.
- Apply the contour shade just below your cheekbones, blending upwards towards your temples.
- Add the highlighter on top of your cheekbones to accentuate and lift.
Sculpted Jawline:
- Contouring along the jawline was crucial for achieving a sculpted and defined look. Darker shades were often used to add depth, creating a sharp and chiseled jawline.
- Sweep the contour shade along your jawline, blending it downwards towards your neck.
- Apply the highlighter along the jawline to accentuate and bring attention to this area.
Nose Contouring:
- Nose contouring was prominent, with individuals experimenting with shaping and defining the nose to varying degrees. Light and dark shades were strategically applied to create the desired effect.
- Use a thin brush to apply the contour shade along the sides of your nose, blending well for a slimming effect.
- Apply the highlighter down the bridge of your nose to enhance its prominence.
Forehead and Temples:
- Contouring on the forehead and temples added dimension to the face.
- This technique contributed to an overall sculpted appearance, emphasizing key facial features.
Product Recommendations for 80s Contouring:
- Contour Kit: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit offers a variety of shades suitable for different skin tones.
- Cream Contour Stick: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Skinstick provides a creamy texture for seamless blending.
- Powder Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter adds a radiant glow.
Blending Tips:
- Use a damp makeup sponge for a seamless blend of contour and highlight products.
- Blend in upward motions to create a lifted effect.
Maintaining Naturalness:
- Keep the contouring natural by avoiding excessive product application.
- Softly blend the contour and highlight shades for a flawless, sculpted finish.
Eyes That Speak: Dramatic Eyeliner
The 80s were synonymous with bold, dramatic eyeliner styles that became iconic representations of the era’s vibrant and daring makeup trends.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Iconic 80s Eyeliner Styles
Whether you’re channeling the rebellious spirit of punk or the glamorous allure of pop, mastering these iconic eyeliner styles is essential for an authentic 80s look.
1. Thin and Defined:
- Start by outlining your upper lash line with a thin line of eyeliner.
- Extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye for a subtle elongation.
- Keep the lower lash line clean or apply a minimal amount of eyeliner for a defined yet understated look.
2. Double Lines:
- Begin with a thin line along the upper lash line.
- Add a parallel line just above the first one, maintaining an even distance.
- Optionally, extend both lines outward for a cat-eye effect.
3. Graphic Shapes:
- Experiment with bold geometric shapes like triangles or rectangles.
- Use a steady hand to create precise lines and angles.
- Fill in the shapes with eyeliner for a striking and avant-garde look.
4. Colored Liner:
- Swap traditional black for vibrant colors like electric blue, hot pink, or neon green.
- Apply the colored liner along the upper lash line or experiment with a double-line technique.
Tips for Achieving a Perfect Winged Eyeliner Look
Winged eyeliner was a hallmark of 80s makeup, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to any look. Follow these tips to master the perfect wing:
1. Choose the Right Liner:
- Opt for a liquid or gel eyeliner for precision and longevity.
- Ensure the eyeliner has a fine tip for easy application.
2. Map Out the Wing:
- Imagine a line extending from the outer corner of your eye towards the end of your eyebrow.
- Use this as a guide to map out the desired angle of your wing.
3. Create the Outline:
- Start from the outer corner and draw a line towards the mapped-out point.
- Connect the line to the upper lash line, creating a triangular shape.
4. Fill in the Wing:
- Fill in the triangular shape to complete the wing.
- Ensure a smooth and even application for a polished finish.
Playing with Different Eyeliner Shapes and Sizes
The 80s encouraged experimentation with eyeliner shapes and sizes, allowing for a diverse range of expressive looks. Embrace your creativity with these ideas:
1. Extended Flicks:
- Extend your eyeliner flicks further for a more dramatic effect.
- Experiment with the angle and length to achieve different styles.
2. Bold Underliner:
- Apply eyeliner to the lower lash line for added drama.
- Connect the lower liner with the upper wing for a bold, cohesive look.
3. Asymmetric Styles:
- Embrace asymmetry by creating different eyeliner styles on each eye.
- Play with variations in thickness, length, or shape for a dynamic and unconventional appearance.
4. Smudged and Smoky:
- Smudge eyeliner for a softer, smokier effect.
- This technique adds a touch of sultriness to your overall look.
Lip Liner Love
Lip liner wasn’t backstage; it was the headliner. Darker than the lipstick, it outlined lips that demanded attention.
Overlining for that luscious look? Absolutely. The 80s were about embracing fullness, making your lips a canvas for self-expression.
Product Recommendations for Lip Liners:
- MAC Lip Pencil: Known for its creamy texture and wide range of shades.
- NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil: Affordable and available in various colors.
- Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner: Loved for its long-lasting formula and diverse shade selection.
Tips for the Perfect Lip Liner Love:
- Choose a Shade Close to Your Lipstick: For a seamless look, pick a lip liner shade close to your lipstick color.
- Outline and Fill: Define the edges of your lips, then fill them in with the lip liner to enhance longevity.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to play with different lip liner and lipstick combinations for a personalized touch.
Glitter Galore: Sparkle Like It’s the 80s!
If the 80s had a signature, it would be glitter. Eyes, cheeks, lips—it was everywhere. Glitter wasn’t just a trend; it was a lifestyle. And the 80s didn’t hold back. It was a celebration of boldness, and glitter was the guest of honor.
Ways to Embrace Glitter Trend:
- Eyes that Sparkle: Go for bold eyeshadows with built-in glitter or add loose glitter on top for an extra pop.
- Cheeks Aglow: Use glittery blush or opt for a highlighter with a touch of sparkle to illuminate those cheekbones.
- Lips that Shine: Choose lip glosses infused with glitter or layer a clear gloss over your favorite lipstick for that dazzling effect.
Product Recommendations for Glitter Galore:
- Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner: Perfect for adding a glittery touch to your eyes.
- Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow: A go-to for a shimmery eye look without the mess of loose glitter.
- Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil: Ideal for achieving a radiant and glittery glow on your cheeks.
- Too Faced Rich & Dazzling High-Shine Sparkling Lip Gloss: For lips that demand attention with a hint of glitter.
The Revival of 80s Fashion and Accessories
In recent years, there has been a delightful resurgence of 80s fashion, and accessories play a pivotal role in bringing this nostalgic era back to the forefront of style.
The 80s were characterized by bold, expressive choices, and the revival of these fashion elements allows individuals to infuse a sense of retro chic into their modern wardrobes.
Scrunchies:
- The iconic scrunchie, once a staple of 80s hairstyles, has made a triumphant return.
- Available in an array of colors and patterns, scrunchies are not only fashionable but also gentle on the hair.
- They offer a playful and effortless way to add a touch of 80s flair to hairstyles, from high ponytails to messy buns.
Headbands:
- Headbands in the 80s were characterized by bold colors, oversized bows, and unique patterns.
- The modern revival embraces these elements, allowing fashion enthusiasts to channel the spirit of the 80s in a contemporary context.
- Headbands can be worn with various hairstyles, providing a versatile accessory that complements both casual and more polished looks.
Statement Earrings:
- Oversized and bold earrings were a hallmark of 80s fashion.
- Hoops, geometric shapes, and neon hues were popular choices.
- The resurgence of statement earrings allows individuals to frame their faces with eye-catching accessories, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Bold Sunglasses:
- Oversized sunglasses with unique shapes and colorful frames were a fashion statement in the 80s.
- The modern take on bold sunglasses embraces these characteristics, offering a blend of nostalgia and contemporary style.
Icons of the Era: Madonna and Cyndi Lauper’s Timeless Influence
These two legendary women weren’t just performers; they were style visionaries, shaping the beauty standards of a generation.
Today, we continue to draw inspiration from their bold and eclectic styles, infusing the spirit of these icons into our modern interpretation of the 80s aesthetic.
Madonna: The Queen of Reinvention
Madonna’s makeup was a kaleidoscope of daring choices—bold red lips, perfectly arched brows, and eyes adorned with layers of mascara.
Her ever-changing looks reflected a fearless approach to beauty.
Cyndi Lauper: True Colors and Unapologetic Vibes
Cyndi Lauper embraced a whimsical and rebellious style. Her colorful eyeshadows, vibrant blush, and distinctive red hair became synonymous with her unapologetic persona.
Cyndi’s makeup wasn’t just about beauty; it was a form of self-expression.
Drawing Inspiration Today:
- Bold Red Lips: Channel Madonna’s confidence with a bold red lip, using classics like MAC Ruby Woo or Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint.
- Power Brows: Embrace the power brow trend inspired by both icons. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil is a fantastic tool for achieving that perfectly defined look.
- Eclectic Eyeshadows: Play with vibrant eyeshadows, taking cues from Cyndi Lauper’s colorful palette. The Juvia’s Place The Warrior Eyeshadow Palette offers a range of bold hues.
- Fearless Experimentation: Madonna and Cyndi weren’t afraid to push boundaries. Infuse their fearless spirit into your makeup routine by experimenting with unconventional colors and textures.
Alright, we’ve taken a trip down memory lane to the awesome ’80s, and guess what? The fun and bold makeup trends from back then are making a big comeback! Let’s wrap things up by reminding you of the cool stuff you can try:
1. Eyeshadow Fun: Think super vibrant eyeshadows—blues, pinks, and purples! Grab your favorite colors, add some shimmer or metallic vibes, and play around with creating awesome eye looks.
2. Blush Pop: Blush wasn’t quiet in the ’80s; it was loud and proud! Try out pigmented cream blushes for a burst of color on your cheeks. Let your face shine with a rosy glow!
3. Power Brows Are Back: Remember those bold brows? They’re back! Grow them out, shape them up, and use brow products like pomades and gels to get that full and bold look.
4. Contouring Magic: Sculpting your face was a big deal in the ’80s. You can do it too with contour kits and highlighters. Just enhance your features in a natural way—it’s like a mini makeover!
5. Lip Liner Love: Lip liner was a hero in the ’80s. Go for bold shades, maybe overline a bit for that lush look. Let your lips steal the show!
6. Glitter Party: The ’80s loved glitter, and you can too! Sparkle up your eyes, cheeks, and lips with glittery makeup. It’s time to shine!
7. Matchy Hair and Makeup: Your hair and makeup should be buddies! Go for big hair and bold makeup that go together like peanut butter and jelly. Coordination is key!
8. Inspired by Icons: Madonna and Cyndi Lauper were makeup legends. Try their red lips, bold brows, and have fun experimenting. Let their awesome vibes inspire your look!
In a nutshell, it’s not just makeup; it’s a chance to play, express yourself, and have a blast with beauty. So, grab your makeup bag, try out these ’80s trends, and let your unique style shine. It’s your time to have fun and rock the timeless glam of the ’80s!
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