“Embrace the bold, vibrant, and dramatic makeup look that brings the glamour and fun of the past to life.”
The 1980s was a decade defined by boldness, color, and attitude, and its makeup styles were no exception. From neon eyeshadows to daring blush and heavy eyeliner, 80s makeup was all about making a statement. The revival of retro glam has brought these fun and colorful styles back into the spotlight, and many are embracing the 80s-inspired makeup for bold, eye-catching looks that stand out in today’s beauty world.
Whether you’re attending a costume party, a themed event, or simply want to embrace the boldness of the era, 80s makeup can offer endless opportunities to play with color and style.
When creating an 80s makeup look, it’s essential to focus on vibrant colors, dramatic eye makeup, and powerful statements. Bright and contrasting eyeshadow colors, bold lipstick, and contoured cheeks were signature elements of 80s beauty trends.
If you’re ready to experiment with these bold styles, the right mix of color and technique can create a timeless yet modern 80s-inspired look. This guide will walk you through 26 makeup tips that help you achieve a flawless retro glam look that channels the spirit of the 80s.
Let’s dive into the best tips, from neon hues to dramatic eyeliner, that will help you bring back the power and energy of 80s makeup. With these 80s-inspired tips, you’ll embrace the glamour and creativity that defined a generation.
Makeup Tips for Retro 80s Glam
1. Flawless Base with Matte Foundation
The key to 80s makeup is a flawless, matte complexion. Start with a full-coverage matte foundation that creates a smooth canvas. Set it with a translucent powder to keep shine at bay and ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day or night.
2. Bold Blush for Sculpted Cheeks
80s makeup was all about dramatic blush that emphasized the cheekbones. Apply a bright blush in shades of pink or coral to the apples of your cheeks, blending it up toward your temples. Don’t be afraid to go bold—this is your chance to bring out that vibrant, youthful glow.
3. Bright Neon Eyeshadow
Neon was the go-to color palette for eyeshadow in the 80s. Choose shades like electric pink, bright green, or neon blue to create a statement eye look. Apply the bright color to your lids and blend it upward toward your crease for maximum impact.
4. Smoky Eyes with Bold Colors
For a more dramatic eye, combine bold eyeshadows with a smoky look. Use darker shades, such as deep purples or blues, in the outer corners of your eyes and blend them with brighter colors for a colorful smoky effect that still feels edgy and bold.
5. Cut Crease for Definition
The cut crease was a major trend in the 80s, providing a clean and defined look to the eyes. Use a light eyeshadow shade on your eyelid and a darker shade in the crease, ensuring a sharp line between the two colors to create depth and dimension.
6. Heavy Eyeliner for Definition
The 80s were famous for heavy eyeliner that defined the eyes. Apply a thick line of black eyeliner along your upper lash line and make it bold, extending slightly past the corner of your eyes for a more dramatic effect.
7. Neon Lipsticks for Bold Lips
For the ultimate 80s statement, choose a neon lipstick in shades of fuchsia, bright orange, or neon red. Bold lips were a major trend during this time, and they should be the focal point of your makeup. Apply the lipstick evenly for a smooth, attention-grabbing pout.
8. Glossy Lips for a Shiny Finish
If you want to take your lips to the next level, go for a glossy finish. Apply a shiny gloss over your neon lipstick for extra shine and dimension. This combination makes the lips appear fuller and adds a modern twist to the classic 80s glam look.
9. Arched Brows for Bold Definition
In the 80s, eyebrows were bold, thick, and well-defined. Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and create a defined arch. The brows should be strong, but make sure they look natural—avoid making them too sharp or harsh.
10. Bold Highlighter for a Glowy Finish
While matte foundation was the foundation of the 80s makeup look, a bold highlighter was used to add dimension to the cheekbones. Choose a highlighter with a golden or pearl undertone and apply it to the tops of your cheekbones for a glowing finish.
11. Falsies for Dramatic Lashes
False eyelashes were an essential part of 80s makeup for adding drama and volume to the eyes. Choose full, voluminous lashes and apply them carefully along the upper lash line to make your eyes appear larger and more dramatic.
12. Bold, Bright Blush for Youthful Vibes
Blush in the 80s wasn’t subtle—bold and bright was the name of the game. Go for shades like hot pink or rose and apply liberally to the cheeks. This brings a youthful, energetic vibe to the look, adding a punch of color to your face.
13. Shimmering Eyeshadow for a Pop of Shine
To add a fun twist to your bold 80s eye look, incorporate shimmering eyeshadows into the mix. Apply a light shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes or on the brow bone to make your eyes appear brighter and more awake.
14. Metallic Eyeshadows for an Edgy Look
Incorporate metallic shades like silver, gold, or bronze to give your eye look an extra pop. These metallic hues were common in the 80s, especially for the evening glam. They bring depth to the eyes and add a touch of luxury to your overall makeup look.
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15. Graphic Eyeliner for a Fun Twist
80s makeup wasn’t afraid of graphic eyeliner. Use bold, colorful liners in shades like electric blue, green, or even purple to outline your eyes or create bold lines on your lids. This adds an artistic and fun vibe to your retro glam look.
16. Flawless Skin with Full Coverage
Achieve a flawless, full-coverage foundation look that helps keep the focus on your eyes and lips. A smooth, even base will make the bright, bold makeup pop. Don’t forget to blend well to avoid any visible lines and to keep the look fresh all day.
17. Layering Eyeshadows for Dimension
In the 80s, layering different eyeshadow shades was a key technique. Combine bright colors with darker tones in the crease to create dimension. This gives your eyes more depth and makes the bright shades stand out even more.
18. Colorful Mascara for Extra Fun
80s makeup wasn’t just about the basics—it was about fun and experimenting. Try a colorful mascara in shades like electric blue or purple to add an unexpected pop to your eyes. This will tie your entire bold look together and make it stand out.
19. Vivid Eyeshadow for All-Day Wear
When applying bright eyeshadows, make sure they stay in place all day by using an eyeshadow primer. This will help intensify the color and ensure your eyeshadow doesn’t crease or fade throughout your celebration or event.
20. Soft Pastels for a Subtle 80s Twist
If neon colors feel too bold, go for soft pastel eyeshadows in shades like lavender, peach, or light pink. These offer a fun, retro feel without being as intense as the neon tones, but still maintain the colorful essence of the 80s.
21. Chunky Glitter for Extra Drama
Chunky glitter was a fun element of 80s makeup that could be added to the eyes, lips, or cheekbones. Apply it sparingly to the eyelids or along your cheekbones to add a glamorous shine and elevate your entire look.
22. Creating Bold Shapes with Eyeshadow
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold shapes when applying eyeshadow. Create sharp lines, geometric designs, or even dramatic cut creases. The 80s were all about breaking makeup norms and embracing creativity.
23. Bright, Defined Lips
Incorporate bright lipstick shades such as neon orange or fuchsia. Use a lip liner to define the shape and ensure the color lasts longer. This dramatic lip will draw attention and balance out your bold eye makeup.
24. Glamorous Glamour Shots
For a truly retro glam look, make sure to enhance the entire face with a bold combination of blush, highlighter, and lip color. All these elements come together to create a polished and vibrant 80s look that will be unforgettable.
25. Strong Brows for Bold Definition
In the 80s, brows were thick and powerful. Use a brow gel or brow powder to make your brows look strong and defined. Focus on creating a naturally full brow shape that complements the rest of your bold makeup.
26. Setting the Look with a Strong Spray
Finish your 80s makeup look with a long-lasting setting spray to ensure everything stays in place. This will lock in the bold colors and make sure your makeup lasts throughout the event, keeping you looking fresh and glamorous.
Conclusion
The 80s makeup revival brings boldness, color, and fun back into the spotlight. Whether you prefer neon hues or bold eyeliner, 80s-inspired makeup offers endless opportunities to experiment and express your creativity.
By combining vibrant eyeshadows, bold lips, and dramatic accents, you can achieve a stunning retro glam look that stands out. So, embrace the boldness, and let your makeup reflect the power and energy of the 80s!
Hi! I’m Lauren Reynolds, a beauty blogger who enjoys blending classic and contemporary styles to create stunning, unique Nail and Hairs looks.
