Bold and Beautiful: The Best 80s Makeup Trends to Try Now
Do you remember when makeup was all about making a statement? The 80s were more than just a decade; they were a burst of color and creativity. Now, vintage makeup from that era is back, adding excitement to today’s beauty routines.
Starting your 80s makeup journey is going to be exciting. These retro trends are not just a throwback; they’re a way to feel confident and bold. With neon eyeshadows and dramatic contouring, the 80s showed us that beauty has no limits.
Prepare to see makeup as an art form, not just a routine. We’ll show you how to bring the iconic 80s makeup looks into your own style.
Table of Contents
Understanding the 80s Makeup Revival
The 80s makeup revival is more than a trend. It’s a celebration of bold self-expression and creativity. Icons like Madonna, David Bowie, and Inem inspired makeup looks that still inspire today.
The 80s beauty movement changed personal style. It challenged traditional beauty with vibrant colors and dramatic techniques.
Why 80s Makeup is Trending Again
There are several reasons why you’re drawn to vintage makeup:
- Desire for bold self-expression
- Nostalgia for retro aesthetic
- Rebellion against minimalist makeup trends
- Celebration of individual creativity
Essential Products for Recreating Vintage Looks
To recreate 80s makeup, you need specific products:
- Bright eyeshadow palettes with electric blues and hot pinks
- Metallic cream eyeshadows
- Bold blush for dramatic contouring
- Frosted lipsticks in unconventional shades
The 80s beauty movement was about empowerment and artistic freedom. Embracing these vintage techniques lets you connect with a transformative era of beauty.
Preparing Your Canvas: Skincare and Base Makeup
The 80s were all about a flawless foundation. It was the perfect base for bold makeup looks. Vintage techniques aimed for a smooth, matte finish to match the era’s bold colors.
To get the 80s look, start with a good skincare routine. Clean, well-prepared skin was key. Here’s how to get that perfect 80s complexion:
- Cleanse thoroughly to create a smooth surface
- Use a lightweight moisturizer to prep the skin
- Apply a mattifying primer to control shine
- Choose a full-coverage foundation for a flawless look
Vintage makeup was different from today’s natural looks. The 80s wanted a completely even skin tone, like porcelain. Pick a foundation that covers well and gives a matte finish. Use a dense sponge or flat brush for even application.
Setting powder was essential in 80s makeup. Apply it well to keep your foundation in place and achieve that matte look. Choose a translucent powder that matches your skin. Use a large, fluffy brush for an airbrushed finish.
Modern makeup often goes for natural looks, but the 80s were all about drama. Go for full coverage and try out vintage techniques!
Bold Eyes and Statement Brows of the 80s
The 80s eye makeup was a vibrant explosion of color and drama. It changed how people saw makeup. This decade was all about bold eye statements that grabbed everyone’s attention.
The 80s eye makeup scene was all about fearless experimentation and self-expression. Makeup lovers used colorful eyeshadow to break rules and challenge beauty norms.
Mastering Colorful Eyeshadow Techniques
To get the perfect 80s eye makeup, you need to use vibrant colors and bold combinations. Here are some tips to help you:
- Layer electric blue and hot pink eyeshadows for maximum impact
- Blend multiple shades across the eyelid for a gradient effect
- Use metallic and shimmer finishes to add dimension
- Don’t be afraid to extend eyeshadow beyond the natural crease
Creating Dramatic Winged Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner of the 80s was all about sharp, dramatic lines. These lines made the eyes look longer and more defined. Start with a steady hand and liquid liner for crisp edges that grab attention.
Achieving Fuller, Bolder Brows
Statement brows were a key part of 80s beauty, inspired by icons like Brooke Shields. Whether your brows are naturally full or not, aim for thick, defined arches that frame your face.
- Use brow pencils in slightly darker shades
- Brush brows upward for a natural, full appearance
- Avoid over-plucking – embrace your natural brow shape
Remember, 80s eye makeup is about confidence and self-expression. Try these techniques and make the look your own!
80s Makeup Color Theory and Application
Step into the world of 80s color palettes, where makeup was a bold statement. The decade brought vibrant neon makeup, breaking color rules. Color blocking was more than fashion—it was a new way to express yourself.
80s color theory is all about boldness and contrast. Your makeup should include:
- Bright neon green eyeshadows
- Electric blue eyeliners
- Shocking pink blushes
- Metallic bronze highlights
When using neon makeup, balance is crucial. Mix intense colors with neutral ones for looks that are both bold and wearable. Think of color blocking as placing colors wisely to highlight your best features.
Your skin tone affects your 80s color palette. Darker skin tones can pull off deeper neon shades. Lighter skin tones might prefer pastel neons. The key is to have fun and be fearless with color.
Pro tip: Begin with one bold feature, like eyes or lips, and keep the rest simple. This way, your look stays chic and on-point, not like a costume.
Iconic Lip Looks from the Decade
The 80s lip trends were bold and full of confidence. Makeup lovers went for dramatic colors that made their looks pop. These bold lip colors were a way to express themselves.
This decade was all about breaking rules and celebrating who you are. Metallic lipstick and overlined lips were just the start. These trends still inspire today’s beauty looks.
Metallic and Frosted Finishes
Metallic lipstick was a big deal, adding glamour to any look. You could find:
- Silver chrome finishes
- Electric blue metallic tones
- Iridescent pink highlights
- Golden bronze textures
Perfecting the Overlined Lip
Overlined lips were all about making lips look fuller. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a liner that’s a bit darker than your lipstick
- Just extend your lip line a bit
- Fill in with lipstick that matches
- Blend well for a smooth look
Bold Color Choices and Combinations
The 80s loved bold color combos. These choices made lip makeup unforgettable.
| Lip Color | Typical Pairing | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Magenta Pink | Electric Blue Eyeshadow | Playful |
| Deep Berry | Neutral Eye Makeup | Sophisticated |
| Frosted Coral | Soft Peach Blush | Fresh |
Try out these 80s lip looks for a retro vibe in your makeup!
Blush Draping and Contouring Techniques
The 80s introduced new blush techniques that changed makeup forever. Draping became a key way to shape the face, beyond just applying blush. It involves sweeping color across the cheekbones and up to the temples for a dramatic look.
To get the 80s look right, follow these steps:
- Choose a bright blush that matches your skin
- Use a fluffy brush for smooth blending
- Start applying color on the cheekbones and move up
- Keep adding color slowly for a natural look
Contouring in the 80s was different from today’s methods. It was more about art than precision. Draping used bold colors to enhance facial features.
Today, makeup artists still love these old-school techniques. Mixing 80s contouring with modern methods gives a fresh, sculpted look. It’s a tribute to the bold beauty of the 80s.
Neon and Electric Color Palettes
The 80s were all about making a statement with neon makeup. It screamed boldness and creativity. Electric colors transformed beauty routines, pushing boundaries beyond traditional makeup looks. Your makeup arsenal could now include vibrant shades that captured the decade’s rebellious spirit.
Incorporating Bright Hues
When diving into neon makeup, start with small doses of electric colors. Consider these application tips:
- Begin with a single neon accent on eyes or lips
- Choose electric colors that complement your skin tone
- Use high-pigment eyeshadows for maximum color impact
Balancing Bold Colors with Neutral Tones
Prevent overwhelming your look by strategically pairing neon shades with neutral backgrounds. An 80s color palette works best when you create visual harmony. Pro tip: Match a bright pink eyeshadow with nude lip color or balance electric blue eyeliner with minimal face makeup.
Modern Takes on Neon Makeup
Contemporary makeup artists are reimagining 80s color palettes with sophisticated twists. Today’s neon makeup embraces subtlety while maintaining the decade’s adventurous spirit. Experiment with translucent washes of electric colors or precise graphic makeup designs that pay homage to the original bold aesthetic.
Celebrity-Inspired 80s Beauty Looks
The 80s were a time of bold beauty that changed the game. Icons like Madonna, David Bowie, and Cyndi Lauper made makeup bold and daring. Their looks still inspire today’s beauty trends.
Let’s explore some iconic looks from the 80s:
- Madonna’s Rebellious Glam: She was known for bold brows, bright red lips, and dramatic contouring. Her style was all about being fearless.
- David Bowie’s Avant-Garde Artistry: His makeup was bold, with sharp lines and theatrical flair. He pushed the limits of beauty.
- Cyndi Lauper’s Colorful Expression: She rocked bright, mismatched eyeshadow and playful makeup. Her look was truly unique.
To get these looks, focus on bold colors, dramatic eyes, and being fearless. Today, makeup brands offer palettes inspired by the 80s. This makes it easy to bring that iconic style back.
The 80s were all about being bold and making statements. Whether for a party or everyday, these looks offer endless inspiration.
Conclusion
The 80s makeup revival is more than a trend. It’s a bold way to show your creativity and self-expression. Your journey in modern vintage beauty lets you break free from old makeup rules. You get to try out vibrant, exciting looks that celebrate who you are.
Retro-inspired looks offer a fun chance to change up your beauty routine. By adding 80s makeup elements, you can make your style pop. You’ll use bold colors, cool techniques, and fearless ways to challenge today’s beauty standards.
Makeup is a powerful form of personal art. The 80s show us that beauty is about confidence and having fun. You can try neon eyeshadows, bold blush, or statement lip colors. These vintage techniques let you show off your unique personality.
Your makeup journey is all about exploring and enjoying. See the 80s makeup revival as a chance to play, experiment, and set your own beauty rules. Let your creativity sparkle in every vibrant, retro-inspired look you make.
