The 1980s marked a vibrant and extravagant chapter in beauty, characterized by daring and vivid makeup styles that have influenced trends for decades. This era, full of energy and flair, has left an indelible mark on fashion and cosmetics, with striking looks that are regaining popularity even after 40 years. The bold and playful makeup aesthetics from the 80s are stepping to the forefront once more, inviting you to explore beyond your typical beauty boundaries. Icons like Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper defined the decade, and adopting these iconic makeup trends can help you stand out just as they did.
For the women of the 80s, makeup was all about having fun and expressing their individuality. Below, we detail some of the most iconic and enduring makeup trends from that unforgettable decade.
VIBRANT EYESHADOW
The trend of colorful eyeshadow ruled among the fashion-forward women of the 80s. These shades weren’t merely subtle; they were bright, sparkly, and designed to grab attention. Popular hues included blue, pink, and purple, often worn alone or in exciting combinations for a playful, layered look. Imagine a night out at a roller skating rink, where you rock three bold colors on your eyes while chewing on bubble gum.
DARK EYELINER AND PINK LIPS
Pink lips, a timeless favorite, continue to dominate trends today. In the 80s, this style paired beautifully with striking rock-star eyeliner, creating a striking aesthetic many still adore. The trendsetters embraced gel eyeliners that allowed for a ‘messy yet glamorous’ finish, emphasizing bold eyes adorned with dark liner and vibrant pink lips. Envision raccoon eyes for that signature grunge vibe, perhaps accentuated with darker lip liner for a true 80s feel.
EYESHADOW FROM LASH TO LID
The eyeshadow technique of extending from lashes to lids became a hallmark of 80s makeup, a look that has found newfound popularity on platforms like TikTok. To replicate this style, simply apply a bright, powdery eyeshadow sweeping from your lash line up to your lid. This manageable look can be achieved with your fingertips or professional brushes, proving to be both practical and eye-catching – a favorite on magazine covers from the era.
BOLD SUMMER MAKEUP
The 80s epitomized an exuberant attitude towards makeup, urging women to embrace the most striking colors even for beach outings. Bright summer makeup involved lively coral lipsticks, shimmery gold eyeshadows, and a playful array of hues that embodied fun in the sun. Today, this trend has resurfaced, showcasing sun-kissed skin paired with a bronze goddess aesthetic, complemented by daring colors on nails and lips.
SOFT LIPS
Despite the decade’s boldness, a softer lip look provided balance, often teamed with vibrant eye makeup. This understated lip trend has persisted, favored by fashionistas and makeup artists alike, whether through a dab of lip balm or softly blotted shades. For a quintessential 80s makeup look, consider pairing a subtle lip with colorful eyeshadow.
NEON NATION
Neon hues were synonymous with the 80s, shining brightly across both fashion and makeup. The decade embraced electric colors on everything from leg warmers to headbands, transitioning into bold makeup choices like electric pink lipstick that complemented a variety of skin tones beautifully.
THICK EYEBROWS
One defining feature of 80s beauty was the prominence of thick, natural eyebrows, a trend that has resurfaced in modern beauty circles, showcased by models like Cara Delevingne. For those with finer brows, achieving this look can be as simple as using an eyebrow brush along with brow gel to create a bold and dramatic effect.
Draping
In contrast to contemporary techniques like baking and contouring, the 80s embraced a unique method known as draping, which focuses on using blush for contouring. This technique, often referred to as ‘color grow,’ involves applying blush not only to the cheeks but blending it across the skin for elevated cheekbones. Bright pinks and vibrant reds were favored to achieve this radiant look.
METALLIC LIP COLOR
Frosty and metallic lips were a mainstay in the 80s makeup arsenal, making a return to runways in recent years. Initially, soft baby pink frosted lips reign supreme, along with striking metallic lip colors that brought excitement to any look. Nowadays, a wider variety of frosty and metallic hues are available, allowing for endless creativity and the opportunity to add some shine by coordinating metallic or frosty lips with compatible eye shades.
