Reviving the 70s Makeup: Bold, Colorful, and Subculture-Inspired Looks

The 1970s were a decade defined by vibrant colors, bold experimentation, and inspiration drawn from various subcultures like the hippie movement, glam rock, and the disco era. Recreating the makeup trends from this iconic period allows you to embrace a unique blend of artistic expression and cultural heritage. Whether you're preparing for a themed event, a photo shoot, or simply want to add a retro twist to your everyday look, these creative ideas will help you channel the essence of 70s makeup. This guide covers everything from psychedelic eyes to glam rock drama and boho hippie vibes, ensuring you have all the tools you need to master these timeless styles.

Psychedelic Eyes: Embrace the Colorful Spirit of the 70s

Psychedelic makeup in the 70s was all about embracing vivid colors and creating eye-catching, mesmerizing effects that reflected the era's artistic freedom. This style is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement and aren't afraid to play with color. The following steps will guide you in achieving a vibrant, psychedelic eye look that captures the true essence of the 70s.

Step-by-Step Detailed Actions:

• Apply Vibrant Eyeshadows:
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• Begin by selecting eyeshadows in bold, vibrant shades like orange, purple, blue, and green. Start by applying a light base color across your eyelid. Then, blend darker shades into the crease, layering colors to create a gradient effect. Use a smaller brush to add pops of contrasting colors at the outer corners or along the lower lash line for a true psychedelic vibe.

• Create Graphic Eyeliner Designs:

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• For the iconic 70s look, draw thick, geometric eyeliner shapes on both your upper and lower eyelids. Use a black or brightly colored liquid eyeliner for precision. Extend the lines beyond the natural lash line to exaggerate the eyes, and consider adding a double wing or a floating crease line for extra drama.

• Add Intense Mascara and False Lashes:

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• Apply several coats of volumizing mascara to both your upper and lower lashes to make your eyes stand out. For an even more dramatic effect, apply false lashes that are longer and fuller, focusing on the outer corners to create a doe-eyed look.

Troubleshooting:

• If the colors appear too harsh, blend the edges with a clean brush to soften the look.
• For those with smaller eyes, avoid applying too much dark color on the lower lash line, as it can make the eyes look smaller.

''In my experience, using the Urban Decay Electric Palette has been key to achieving this bold look. The highly pigmented colors blend seamlessly and stay vibrant all day, making it perfect for recreating the psychedelic eyes of the 70s.''

Glam Rock Makeup: Channeling the Bold Energy of 70s Icons

Glam rock makeup in the 70s was characterized by smoky eyes, glitter, and sharp, defined lines. This style exudes confidence and is perfect for a night out or a bold photoshoot. The following steps will guide you in creating a glam rock look that is both striking and sophisticated.

Step-by-Step Detailed Actions:

• Craft a Smoky Eye Look:
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• Start by applying a dark, matte eyeshadow (such as black or deep gray) on your eyelids, focusing on the outer corners. Blend it into the crease for a smoldering effect. Add a touch of metallic glitter shadow in the center of your lids for that signature glam rock sparkle.

• Define with Sharp Eyeliner:

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• Use a highly pigmented black liquid eyeliner to draw a precise, sharp line along your upper lash line. Extend the line outward and upward for a cat-eye effect, or create a double wing for added drama. Ensure the line is clean and sharp, reflecting the boldness of glam rock style.

• Neutral Lips to Balance the Look:

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• To keep the focus on the eyes, apply a nude or soft peach lipstick. Opt for a matte finish to complement the intensity of the eye makeup, ensuring the lips don’t compete with the boldness of the eyes.

Troubleshooting:

• If the eyeshadow looks too harsh, use a clean blending brush to soften the edges.
• For longer-lasting eyeliner, set the liquid liner with a matching eyeshadow.

''I love using the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in the shade "Uncuffed" for this look. It offers a perfect neutral tone that complements the bold eye makeup, and the long-wear formula ensures it stays put all night.''

Disco Makeup: Shine Bright with 70s-Inspired Glamour

The disco era was all about glitter, shine, and high-energy vibes. This makeup style is perfect for those who love to dazzle and make a statement with their look. The steps below will help you create a dazzling disco look that’s ready for any dance floor.

Step-by-Step Detailed Actions:

• Apply Metallic and Glitter Shadows:
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• Begin by applying a shimmery, metallic eyeshadow in silver, gold, or bronze all over your eyelid. For extra sparkle, press loose glitter onto the center of your lids using a damp brush. This will intensify the shine and make your eyes pop under the lights.

• Highlight for Radiant Glow:

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• Use a highlighter on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. A liquid or cream highlighter works best for achieving a dewy, radiant finish that looks luminous under lighting.

• Choose Bold Lip Colors:

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• Complete the disco look with a vibrant lip color. Shades like bold red, fuchsia, or coral work perfectly. For added disco flair, apply a layer of gloss on top for extra shine and dimension.

Troubleshooting:

• If the glitter falls onto your cheeks, use a piece of tape to gently lift it off without disturbing your foundation.
• To prevent lipstick from bleeding, outline your lips with a matching lip liner before applying the lipstick.

''For the perfect disco shine, I always reach for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter. Its golden glow is buildable, allowing for a subtle sheen or a full-on disco-ready radiance, making it a must-have for recreating the 70s disco look.''

Hippie Boho Look: Embracing Natural Beauty with a 70s Twist

The hippie boho makeup look is all about earthy tones and a natural, effortless vibe. Inspired by the free-spirited nature of the 70s, this style is perfect for those who prefer a more subdued, yet equally impactful, makeup look. Follow these steps to create a boho-inspired makeup look that celebrates the beauty of nature.

Step-by-Step Detailed Actions:

• Use Earthy Eyeshadow Shades:
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• Start by applying shades of brown, bronze, or moss green to your eyelids. These earthy tones will complement the natural aesthetic of the hippie movement. Blend the colors softly into the crease and along the lower lash line for a cohesive, understated look.

• Opt for Subtle Eyeliner:
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• Instead of a bold eyeliner, choose a softer, more natural approach. Use a brown or bronze eyeliner to line your upper and lower lash lines, smudging it slightly for a more diffused, boho effect.

• Finish with Neutral or Colorful Lips:
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• Depending on your preference, you can either keep the lips neutral with a nude or brown shade or add a pop of color with an orange or coral lipstick. Both options align with the boho theme, allowing you to personalize the look.

Troubleshooting:

• If the eyeliner appears too harsh, use a cotton swab to soften the edges.
• For added longevity, set the eyeshadow with a translucent powder to prevent creasing.

''The Tarte Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette is my go-to for creating boho-inspired looks. The range of earthy tones offers endless possibilities, and the formula’s long-lasting wear makes it ideal for all-day events.''

Iconic 70s Makeup Inspired by Legends

The 70s were filled with iconic beauty looks that continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts today. Whether you want to channel the wide-eyed innocence of Twiggy or the sun-kissed glow of Farrah Fawcett, this section will guide you through the steps to achieve these timeless styles.

Step-by-Step Detailed Actions:

• Twiggy’s Bold Lashes and Graphic Liner:
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• Begin by applying a white or light-colored eyeshadow across your eyelids to create a bright, wide-eyed base. Use a black liquid liner to draw a thin line along your upper lash line, and then create Twiggy’s signature lower lash line by drawing small vertical lines to mimic false lashes. Finish with several coats of mascara on both upper and lower lashes.

• Farrah Fawcett’s Sun-Kissed Glow:

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• Achieve Farrah’s iconic look by starting with a bronzer to warm up your complexion. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline. Next, use peachy or golden eyeshadows on your lids, and finish with a glossy nude lip. Don’t forget to add a touch of highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones for that quintessential 70s glow.

Troubleshooting:

• If the lower lash lines for Twiggy’s look seem too intense, use a fine-tipped brush to refine the lines.
• For Farrah’s glow, avoid overdoing the bronzer to maintain a natural, sun-kissed effect.

''For Twiggy-inspired lashes, I recommend using the Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara. It adds volume without clumping, ensuring that the lower lashes look defined yet natural, perfectly capturing the essence of the 70s.''

Conclusion

Recreating the bold and eclectic makeup styles of the 70s allows you to explore a range of looks, from the psychedelic and glamorous to the natural and iconic. Each style reflects a unique aspect of the decade’s diverse culture, offering endless inspiration for your makeup routine. Whether you're attending a themed party, experimenting with new trends, or simply embracing a retro aesthetic, these 70s-inspired makeup ideas will help you stand out and shine. Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements from different styles to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Have fun, be bold, and let the spirit of the 70s guide your creativity!