80s Makeup

The saying goes that everything old eventually is new again, and that holds true for 80s makeup. Now considered “retro,” 80s makeup is making a comeback, although slightly updated to suit the times.

Makeup was fun in the 1980's!

If you lived through the 80s or have seen pictures of the decade, you are probably all too familiar with the look of the 80s. Fashion trends included shoulder pads, leg warmers, and neon colors, and the makeup of the decade was decidedly bold. No 80s look was complete without the signature blue eye shadow and overdone cheek contouring. The finishing touches of eyeliner and mascara sometimes came in teal and bright blues. The lipstick shades of the 80s did not differ too much from what is seen today, although the application was a little more heavy-handed.

While 80s makeup application techniques don’t necessarily transfer to the 21st century, the look has certainly made its way on to the runways and is becoming more mainstream. Since blue eye shadow and streaks of heavy blush aren’t necessarily the look of today, slight alterations have been made to update the original 80s makeup design.

The makeup of the 80s decade was all about applying more to bring attention to a woman’s facial features. An updated look includes a toned down version of 80s makeup that translates well into the present decade.

There are many signature looks of the 80s used in today’s makeup applications. The key is to tone down the sometimes heavy look that was so common back then. For example:

• Today’s smoky eyes are a descendent of the 80s decade. While the look is dark and dramatic, blending is a key factor with this makeup application.
• Using blue eye shadow is no longer a taboo – if it’s done correctly! The look of the 80s employed blue eye shadow in a tacky way, applied heavily and mostly in just one shade.
  • Look for variations on shades of blue or green, including those shadows that are silvery or pearly for extra shimmer.
  • Pale, iridescent eye shadows or those in pastel tones can create a beautiful eye without the intensity of a darker shade.
  • Rather than use the blue or teal eyeliner that was popular in the 80s, try using a blue or green shade of eye shadow applied under the lower lashes with a tapered liner brush. It can create a much softer look than a black liner.
  • Reserve darker shades for below the crease line; dark colors above that area can make eyes seem too deep set.
• Colored mascara is still sold and can give a funky, fresh look to your eye makeup.

• Avoid excess – while the look then was “more, more, more,” today’s makeup is about keeping it natural.
• Never line inside the lash line – pulling the lower lid down to apply eyeliner to the lower lash area was a staple of the 80s, but today the inside eyeliner is a definite no-no.
• Blend makeup well – in the 80s, makeup really stood out, in large part because no one blended anything! For a natural appearance, use good makeup brushes, sponge applicators, and translucent powder for a well-blended look.
• You don’t have to match the color of your eye shadow with your clothing or eye color – choose the shades that best suit your individual skin coloring instead.

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