Makeup From The 70's

Groovy Baby: A Deep Dive into 70s Makeup Trends

The 1970s: a decade of disco balls, bell bottoms, and bold beauty statements. Forget the subtle makeup looks of previous eras; the 70s embraced a vibrant, expressive, and often dramatic approach to cosmetics. On the flip side, this wasn't just about applying makeup; it was about embodying a mood, a personality, a whole era of social and cultural shifts. This article will explore the iconic makeup looks of the 70s, from the shimmering glamour of Studio 54 to the natural, earthy tones favored by the burgeoning hippie movement. We'll walk through the key products, techniques, and the cultural influences that shaped this unique and enduring style.

The Dawn of Disco and Beyond: Key Makeup Trends of the 1970s

The 70s makeup scene was a kaleidoscope of contrasting styles, each reflecting a different facet of the decade's complex social landscape. Several key trends defined this era:

1. The Natural Look (Early to Mid-70s):

Inspired by the counter-culture movement and a growing awareness of environmentalism, the early 70s saw a rise in the "natural look.Think dewy skin, subtle blush, and barely-there eyeshadow. In practice, earth tones like browns, peaches, and greens were popular choices for eyeshadow and blush, complementing the emphasis on a healthy, radiant complexion. And " This wasn't about going completely bare-faced, but rather about achieving a fresh, healthy glow with minimal makeup. Mascara was often used sparingly, creating a more natural lash effect rather than heavily coated lashes.

2. The Glam Rock Look (Mid to Late 70s):

As the decade progressed, so did the makeup trends. The rise of disco and glam rock brought a wave of shimmering extravagance. This look featured dramatic, smoky eyes, often using dark eyeshadows like black, brown, or deep purples. Eyeliner became a key component, with thick, winged eyeliner being particularly popular. False eyelashes were also frequently used to enhance the drama. Skin was often given a luminous finish, and blush was applied generously for a healthy glow. Lips were often painted with bold, glossy colors, ranging from deep reds to shimmering berry tones.

3. The Studio 54 Look:

Studio 54, the legendary New York nightclub, became a cultural icon and a breeding ground for extravagant makeup styles. The Studio 54 look incorporated elements of both the natural and glam rock trends. Think about it: it emphasized a healthy, radiant complexion often achieved through heavy use of highlighter. Eyeshadow was often applied in shimmery shades of gold, bronze, or silver, creating a luminous, otherworldly effect. Dramatic eyeliner and plenty of mascara were also key components, adding depth and intensity to the eyes.

4. The Bold Brow:

Regardless of the overall makeup style, eyebrows were consistently prominent in the 70s. Unlike the thin, sculpted brows of previous decades, 70s brows were full, natural, and often quite bushy. Eyebrow pencils were used to fill in sparse areas and define the shape, but the overall goal was to create a bold, natural frame for the eyes.

Product Powerhouses: The Cosmetics of the 70s

The makeup products of the 70s played a crucial role in shaping the era’s iconic looks. Here are some key players:

• Cream Eyeshadows: These were a staple of the 70s makeup bag, providing a soft, blendable base for creating both natural and dramatic eye looks.
• Shimmery Eyeshadows: The disco era’s love for glitter and shine translated directly into makeup. Shimmering eyeshadows in gold, silver, bronze, and other metallic shades added a touch of sparkle and glamour.
• Bold Lipsticks: From deep reds to glossy berries, 70s lipsticks were bold and unapologetically vibrant. Many contained moisturizing ingredients for a comfortable, glossy finish.
• Mascara: Thick, dramatic lashes were a key feature of many 70s looks, leading to the popularity of volumizing mascaras.
• Blush: Cream and powder blushes in shades of peach, apricot, and even bronzer helped create a radiant, healthy glow.
• Highlighters: Highlighters, whether cream or powder, were used to point out the high points of the face and create a luminous, almost ethereal glow. This was particularly important for achieving the Studio 54 look.
• Pencil Eyeliners: These were essential for creating those iconic winged liner looks, as well as for defining and shaping the eyebrows.

Mastering the 70s Look: Step-by-Step Guides

Let’s break down how to recreate some of the decade's most popular looks:

The Natural Look:

1. Prep your skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face.
2. Foundation (optional): Use a light, sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural finish.
3. Concealer: Conceal any blemishes or dark circles with a light touch.
4. Blush: Apply a peach or apricot blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending softly upwards.
5. Eyeshadow: Use neutral shades like browns, peaches, or greens for a subtle, natural eye look.
6. Mascara: Apply one or two coats of mascara to your upper lashes.
7. Lips: Use a nude or light pink lipstick or lip gloss.

The Glam Rock Look:

1. Prep your skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face.
2. Foundation: Use a medium-coverage foundation for an even base.
3. Concealer: Conceal any blemishes or dark circles.
4. Eyeshadow: Apply dark eyeshadows like black, brown, or deep purple to the crease of your eyelid, blending outwards. Add a lighter shade to the inner corner of your eye.
5. Eyeliner: Apply thick, winged eyeliner.
6. Mascara: Apply several coats of mascara, or use false eyelashes.
7. Blush: Apply a rosy or berry-toned blush to the apples of your cheeks.
8. Lips: Use a bold lipstick in a deep red, berry, or brown shade.

The Studio 54 Look:

1. Prep your skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face.
2. Foundation: Use a luminous foundation that enhances your skin’s natural radiance.
3. Concealer: Conceal any imperfections.
4. Highlighter: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face—cheekbones, brow bone, and bridge of your nose—to create a luminous effect.
5. Eyeshadow: Use shimmering eyeshadows in gold, bronze, or silver shades.
6. Eyeliner: Apply a dramatic winged liner, possibly using both pencil and liquid liner for extra intensity.
7. Mascara: Apply several coats of mascara, or use false eyelashes.
8. Blush: Apply a subtle blush to the apples of your cheeks.
9. Lips: Use a glossy lipstick or lip gloss in a neutral or slightly shimmery shade.

The Science of 70s Makeup: Ingredients and Techniques

While the artistry of 70s makeup is undeniable, it's also worth considering the science behind the products and techniques used. Many of the products contained ingredients that would be considered less desirable today. Take this: some lipsticks and eyeshadows may have contained lead or other heavy metals, which are now known to be harmful. Similarly, some formulations may have lacked the moisturizing and protective ingredients that are commonplace in modern cosmetics.

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The techniques themselves, while effective in creating dramatic looks, were often quite heavy-handed by today's standards. The layering of products, the use of thick eyeliner and mascara, and the emphasis on highly pigmented colors could have led to a less natural and sometimes less breathable look.

Even so, it's essential to remember the context of the time. Think about it: the 70s were a time of experimentation and self-expression, and makeup was a crucial tool in that process. While modern cosmetic science has advanced significantly, don't forget to appreciate the creativity and ingenuity of the 70s makeup artists who shaped the look and feel of this iconic decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the most popular eyeshadow colors in the 70s?

A: Popular eyeshadow colors included earth tones like browns, greens, and peaches, as well as shimmering metallic shades like gold, silver, and bronze. Darker shades like black and deep purple were also popular for creating dramatic smoky eyes.

Q: What kind of eyeliner was used in the 70s?

A: Pencil eyeliners were a staple of 70s makeup, used to create both subtle and dramatic looks. Liquid eyeliner also gained popularity towards the end of the decade for creating precise winged lines.

Q: Were false eyelashes popular in the 70s?

A: Yes, false eyelashes were frequently used to enhance the drama of many 70s makeup looks, particularly the glam rock and Studio 54 looks.

Q: What kind of lipstick was popular in the 70s?

A: 70s lipsticks ranged from nude and light pink shades to bold, glossy colors like deep reds and berries. Many contained moisturizing ingredients for a glossy finish.

Q: How can I achieve a 70s brow look?

A: The 70s brow look emphasized full, natural brows. Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and define the shape, aiming for a bold, natural look rather than a perfectly sculpted arch.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Bold Beauty

The makeup trends of the 1970s remain a significant influence on beauty today. Whether you're drawn to the natural earthiness of early 70s looks or the flamboyant glamour of the disco era, the 70s offer a wealth of inspiration for anyone looking to experiment with bold and beautiful makeup styles. The decade's embrace of bold color, dramatic eyes, and expressive self-expression continues to inspire contemporary makeup artists and enthusiasts. Now, the 70s makeup wasn’t just about applying cosmetics; it was about embodying a spirit, a movement, and an unforgettable era. Its legacy lives on, a testament to the power of makeup as a form of self-expression.