Makeup From The 1970s

The Glamorous Glow of the 70s: A Deep Dive into 1970s Makeup Trends

The 1970s, a decade of bold experimentation and social upheaval, mirrored its spirit in its makeup trends. Gone were the demure looks of previous decades; the 70s embraced a spectrum of styles, from the natural bohemian chic to the flamboyant disco glamour. This article explores the iconic makeup looks that defined the era, delving into the products, techniques, and cultural influences that shaped them. Understanding 70s makeup provides a fascinating glimpse into the socio-cultural shifts of the time and offers inspiration for modern makeup enthusiasts.

The Dawn of Natural Beauty: The Early 70s

The early 1970s witnessed a backlash against the heavily made-up looks of the 60s. Influenced by the burgeoning counter-culture movement and a growing appreciation for natural beauty, makeup became less about concealing and more about enhancing. This era championed a no-makeup makeup look, focusing on a healthy, radiant complexion.

The "Barely There" Look: Think dewy skin, minimal foundation (or tinted moisturizer), and a focus on enhancing natural features. Blush was subtle, often a peachy or apricot shade applied lightly to the apples of the cheeks. Eyes were kept relatively simple, with a touch of neutral eyeshadow or mascara, emphasizing the natural shape of the eyes.
Brow Emphasis: Eyebrows were groomed, but not overly shaped. A natural, slightly bushy brow was considered desirable, reflecting the overall aim for a less structured, more relaxed aesthetic.
Lipstick Choices: Lipstick shades were typically soft and muted. Nudes, light pinks, and browns were popular choices, emphasizing the natural lip color rather than creating a bold statement.

The Rise of Disco and Glam Rock: Mid to Late 70s

As the decade progressed, makeup trends became more dramatic and expressive. The disco era, with its vibrant energy and extravagant nightlife, fueled a surge in bold colors and glamorous techniques. The influence of glam rock musicians further contributed to the intensified aesthetic.

The Disco Fever: This period showcased vibrant eyeshadows, often in shimmering metallic shades like gold, bronze, and silver. These were applied generously across the eyelids, sometimes extended beyond the crease for a dramatic effect. Heavy eyeliner, both liquid and pencil, was essential, often creating a thick, winged look that extended towards the temples. Mascara was applied liberally, creating long, luscious lashes.
Blush Returns with a Bang: Blush made a comeback, but this time it was more pronounced. Cream blushes were popular, offering a radiant and buildable glow. Colors ranged from vibrant peaches and corals to deeper, more intense shades.
The Power of Contouring (Early Stages): While not as precisely defined as modern contouring, the 70s saw the beginnings of using shadow and light to enhance facial features. Darker bronzers or eyeshadows were sometimes used to sculpt the cheekbones, creating a more defined look.
Bold Lip Colors: Lipstick shades took on a bolder persona. Deep reds, browns, and even plums became popular choices. Glossy finishes were favored, adding to the overall glamorous effect. Lip liner was often used to create a defined shape, echoing the strong eye makeup.

Key Products of the 70s Makeup Scene

The 70s makeup look relied on specific products and techniques that were prevalent during that time. Many products were designed to create a specific texture, such as the dewy look that was so fashionable at the start of the decade. Here are some key examples:

Creamy Foundations and Tinted Moisturizers: These provided a lightweight, natural coverage, perfect for the “no-makeup” makeup look of the early 70s.
Shimmery Eyeshadows: Metallic shades of gold, bronze, silver, and copper became iconic elements of the disco era, adding a glamorous sparkle to the eyes.
Liquid and Pencil Eyeliners: These were crucial for creating the strong, defined eye looks prevalent in the later 70s.
Cream Blushes: These offered a radiant and buildable flush of color, perfect for creating both subtle and bold looks.
High-Shine Lipsticks and Glosses: These contributed to the overall glamorous feel of the late 70s makeup, adding a luminous quality to the lips.

The Cultural Influences Shaping 70s Makeup

The makeup trends of the 1970s were deeply intertwined with the socio-cultural landscape of the time. Several key factors contributed to the evolution of these looks:

The Counter-Culture Movement: The early 70s saw a rejection of established norms, including traditional beauty standards. This led to a preference for natural beauty and a less structured, more relaxed approach to makeup.
The Rise of Disco: The vibrant energy and extravagant nightlife of the disco scene fuelled a surge in bold colors and glamorous techniques. Makeup became a powerful tool for self-expression and enhancing one's persona on the dance floor.
Glam Rock Influence: Glam rock musicians, with their flamboyant style and dramatic makeup, further inspired the bold and expressive looks of the late 70s. The use of shimmery eyeshadows, strong eyeliner, and bold lip colors reflected the theatrical and rebellious spirit of the genre.
The Women's Liberation Movement: While seemingly contradictory to the glamorous aspects of 70s makeup, the women's liberation movement subtly impacted the makeup trends. The emphasis on natural beauty in the early 70s can be seen as a rejection of societal pressures to conform to specific beauty standards. Later in the decade, the bold and expressive makeup choices became a form of empowerment and self-expression.

Reproducing the 70s Look Today

The iconic makeup looks of the 1970s continue to inspire modern makeup artists and enthusiasts. Here's how you can recreate some of these looks today:

Early 70s Natural Look: Focus on creating a flawless, dewy complexion with lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. Use peach or apricot blush subtly on the apples of your cheeks. Apply a touch of neutral eyeshadow and mascara. Keep your brows naturally groomed. Choose a nude or light pink lipstick.
Late 70s Disco Glam: Apply a generous amount of shimmery eyeshadow in shades like gold, bronze, or silver. Create a strong winged eyeliner look with liquid or pencil liner. Use plenty of mascara. Apply a cream blush in a vibrant shade. Choose a bold lipstick in deep red, brown, or plum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What were the most popular lipstick shades of the 1970s?
A: Early 70s favored nudes, light pinks, and browns. Later 70s saw a rise in popularity of deep reds, browns, and plums.
Q: What kind of foundation was used in the 70s?
A: Creamy foundations and tinted moisturizers were popular, especially in the early 70s, for a more natural look.
Q: How did 70s eyebrow trends differ from other decades?
A: 70s brows were more natural and less precisely shaped compared to the highly arched brows of previous decades. A slightly bushy brow was often preferred.
Q: What role did shimmer play in 70s makeup?
A: Shimmer played a significant role, especially in the disco era, adding a glamorous sparkle to eyeshadows.
Q: Were there any specific makeup brands popular during the 70s?
A: While specific brands are difficult to definitively name as universally popular, many brands catered to the trends of the time.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

The makeup trends of the 1970s reflect a unique blend of cultural influences and stylistic experimentation. From the natural beauty of the early years to the flamboyant glamour of the disco era, the 70s left an indelible mark on the history of makeup. Its bold colors, innovative techniques, and expressive styles continue to inspire modern makeup artists and enthusiasts, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this iconic decade. Understanding the makeup of the 70s provides not only a historical perspective but also a rich source of inspiration for creating both classic and contemporary looks. The versatility and boldness of the 70s aesthetic remain timeless, proving that great makeup transcends eras.