Embracing Natural Beauty: The 1970s Makeup Look
As the vibrant and psychedelic 1960s gave way to the 1970s, the realm of beauty and fashion shifted towards a more relaxed, natural aesthetic that would capture the spirit of the decade. The tumultuous political and social climate, paired with the rise of the feminist movement, influenced women to lean towards a look that was less about conforming to strict beauty standards and more about individual expression and simplicity.
A Shift Towards Simplicity
The heavy makeup trends of the 60s were replaced by a softer approach in the 70s. Foundation was used sparingly, allowing freckles and natural skin tones to shine through. Women embraced their unique features with minimalistic coverage, adopting a more natural-looking base that contrasted with the past era’s matte complexions. The use of translucent powder offered a slight glow and maintained the desired fresh-faced appearance without the cakey feel.
Sun-Kissed and Shimmering
The 70s saw the introduction of bronzer as a makeup staple, used to create a warm, sun-kissed look that resonated with the decade’s love for the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle. Highlighters and illuminators also began to emerge, providing a subtle shimmer to cheekbones and brow bones, enhancing the face’s natural contours without the need for heavy contouring products. This focus on a radiant complexion reflected the era’s affinity for all things natural and earthy.
Eyes with a Gentle Focus
Eye makeup in the 1970s took a gentler turn, with earth tones such as browns, tans, and soft greens becoming popular choices. Instead of the dramatic liners and shadows of the 60s, the 70s favored a blended, smudged eyeliner look, often coupled with a light brushing of mascara to enhance the lashes without overpowering them. The disco subculture of the late 70s did see a resurgence in bolder eye looks, but it was the exception rather than the norm across the decade.
Lips in Soft Harmony
Lipstick tones during the 70s veered away from the pastels of the 60s and gravitated toward natural hues like soft pinks, peaches, and tawny colors. Glosses became increasingly popular, offering a hint of color with a sheer, glossy finish that complemented the overall understated makeup theme. Lip liners were used lightly, if at all, keeping with the trend of natural enhancement rather than transformation.
The Iconic Faces of the 70s
The 1970s were shaped by iconic figures whose beauty looks have become timeless. Celebrities like Farrah Fawcett, with her feathered hair and natural makeup, and Bianca Jagger, with her glamorous yet never overdone style, epitomized the easygoing yet chic essence of 70s beauty. Additionally, the punk movement later in the decade introduced an edgier aesthetic, adding diversity to the beauty landscapes with its bold eye makeup and unconventional lip colors.
Conclusion
The 1970s makeup look was one of liberation, comfort, and a return to the basics. It rejected the notion of a single beauty standard and instead celebrated individuality and authenticity. Today, as we often seek inspiration from the past, the 70s offer valuable lessons in embracing our natural beauty and the understanding that sometimes, less truly is more.
FAQs About 1970s Makeup Look
What did makeup look like in the 1970s?
Makeup trends in the 1970s ranged from natural and understated to bold and glamorous. During this decade, women often sported bare skin with minimal foundation or sheer barely-there bases. Popular looks included copper tones, nude glossy lips, bronzed, sun-kissed skin, and dramatic eye makeup featuring pastel eyeshadows and statement lower lashes.
How to get a 70s makeup look?
To achieve a 70s makeup look:
- Base: Start with a dewy foundation or a sheer barely-there base.
- Eyes: Use pastel eyeshadows like pinks and blues. Add white eyeliner for a striking effect. Apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes to emphasize them.
- Brows: Keep eyebrows bushy and natural.
- Lips: Opt for soft pink lips or glossy neutral shades.
- Bronzer: Apply bronzer to achieve a sun-kissed glow.
What color lipstick was worn in the 1970s?
Lipstick colors in the 1970s varied throughout the decade. Early 70s saw darker shades like plum, mulberry, and cranberry. As the decade progressed, pastels such as peach, raspberry, and pink became popular.
1970 makeup look easy
For an easy 1970s makeup look:
- Apply a light layer of dewy foundation.
- Sweep pastel eyeshadow over your lids.
- Use white eyeliner on the waterline.
- Apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes.
- Finish with a glossy peach or pink lipstick4.
70s eye makeup
70s eye makeup featured pastel eyeshadows in shades like pink, blue, and green. White eyeliner was often used to make the eyes pop, and mascara was applied to both upper and lower lashes for a dramatic effect.
Iconic 70s makeup
Iconic 70s makeup includes the disco glam look with glittery eyeshadows, bold eyeliner, and glossy lips. Another iconic look is the natural, sun-kissed appearance with bronzed skin and nude lips.
Disco 70s makeup
Disco 70s makeup was characterized by bright and glittery eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and bold lip colors. This look aimed to capture attention and reflect the vibrant energy of the disco era.
70s makeup hippie
Hippie makeup in the 70s leaned towards natural and earthy tones. Women often wore minimal foundation, with a focus on bronzed skin, natural brows, and soft, neutral lips. Pastel eyeshadows were also popular.
70s makeup and hair
70s makeup paired well with various hair trends of the time, including long, flowing locks, feathered cuts, and voluminous curls. The combination of natural yet polished makeup with these hairstyles created the quintessential 70s look.
What did 1980s makeup look like?
In contrast to the 1970s, the 1980s makeup was all about bold and vibrant colors. Women often wore bright eyeshadows in shades of blue, purple, and green, along with heavy blush and bold red or neon lipsticks. The overall look was more dramatic and expressive compared to the 70s.