Makeup Styles of the 80s for Women: 10 Iconic Looks
The 1980s was a decade known for its vibrant and diverse cultural landscape and this diversity was nowhere more apparent than in the world of fashion and beauty. Women in the ’80s embraced a wide range of makeup styles each reflecting the era’s unique blend of rebellion extravagance and artistic expression.
1. Punk Princess
- Introduction: The ‘Punk Princess’ makeup style of the 80s was a rebellious and bold expression of individuality with vibrant eyeshadows heavy eyeliner and daring lip colors.
- Detailed Article: This makeup style was heavily influenced by punk music and fashion and it represented the non-conformist spirit of the era. Women who embraced this style often used dark moody eyeshadows in shades like black deep purple or electric blue. Eyeliner was thick extending beyond the corner of the eyes and lips were adorned with unconventional colors like deep black or fiery red.
2. Neon Lights
- Introduction: The ‘Neon Lights’ makeup style from the 80s was all about embracing the vibrant eye-catching colors of neon with bright blues pinks and greens dominating the eyeshadow palettes.
- Detailed Article: This style was a bold departure from traditional makeup using neon shades to create a striking look. The eyes were the focal point with dazzling neon eyeshadows applied generously often extending out to dramatic winged shapes. Lips were typically kept understated with a sheer glossy finish letting the eyes steal the show.
3. Material Girl
- Introduction: Madonna’s influence on 80s fashion and beauty was undeniable and the ‘Material Girl’ makeup style embodied her iconic look with strong brows heavy contouring and luscious shimmery lips.
- Detailed Article: Inspired by Madonna’s glamorous and edgy persona this makeup style was all about empowerment and self-expression. Strongly defined brows dark contouring and shimmering lips were the key elements. Madonna’s hit song “Material Girl” became a mantra for women who embraced this look.
4. New Wave
- Introduction: The ‘New Wave’ makeup style of the 80s was a rebellious and avant-garde approach to beauty characterized by bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors.
- Detailed Article: The New Wave movement was not just about music and fashion; it also had a profound influence on makeup. This unique style embraced bold unconventional shapes and vibrant hues. Eyes were adorned with sharp angular lines and striking geometric designs. Bright daring colors such as electric blue neon pink and vivid green were used liberally to create a mesmerizing effect. This makeup style allowed individuals to make a bold and artistic statement.
- Key Elements:
- Angular and geometric eyeshadow designs.
- Use of bright and unconventional colors.
- Strong eyeliner and well-defined brows.
- A departure from traditional makeup norms to embrace an artistic and rebellious expression of self.
This ‘New Wave’ makeup style encapsulated the artistic and unconventional spirit of the 80s providing a platform for self-expression through bold and daring makeup choices.
5. Glam Rock
- Introduction: The ‘Glam Rock’ makeup style of the 80s was a dazzling and extravagant expression of individuality heavily influenced by the rock music scene. It featured heavy eyeliner shimmery eyeshadows and deep red lips creating a look that screamed rockstar glamour.
- Detailed Article: Glam Rock was all about opulence and self-indulgence. This makeup style was heavily influenced by iconic rockstars like David Bowie Marc Bolan and Freddie Mercury. Eyes were defined by intense eyeliner sometimes extended into dramatic cat-eye shapes and adorned with shimmery eyeshadows often in metallic or glittery hues. Lips took center stage with deep bold shades of red oxblood or plum. This look was a perfect representation of the over-the-top androgynous fashion and makeup trends that defined the era.
- Key Elements:
- Heavy eyeliner and bold cat-eye shapes.
- Shimmery and metallic eyeshadows.
- Dark and striking lip colors.
- Androgynous and extravagant fashion choices.
Glam Rock makeup captured the essence of rockstar glamour allowing individuals to embrace their inner rockstar and make a bold flamboyant statement. It was a fusion of music fashion and makeup celebrating the audacious spirit of the 80s.
6. Preppy Chic
- Introduction: The ‘Preppy Chic’ makeup style of the 80s offered a fresh and clean alternative to the bold and extravagant trends of the era. It focused on a more understated and polished appearance embracing pastel shades natural lips and a touch of contouring.
- Detailed Article: Preppy Chic was a response to the vibrant and unconventional makeup styles of the 80s. It featured soft pastel eyeshadows often in shades of pink lavender or pale blue. Eyebrows were groomed and shaped to perfection and lips were kept in more neutral tones enhancing the natural lip color. This style represented a clean put-together look often paired with preppy fashion choices creating an image of sophistication and refinement.
- Key Elements:
- Soft pastel eyeshadows.
- Natural lip colors.
- Well-groomed eyebrows.
- A refined and sophisticated appearance.
The ‘Preppy Chic’ makeup style was all about embracing a polished and sophisticated look a departure from the more daring and extravagant styles of the era.
7. Electric Blue
- Introduction: The ‘Electric Blue’ makeup style of the 80s celebrated the bold and vibrant use of blue eyeshadows creating a striking and memorable look.
- Detailed Article: Electric Blue was a trend that embraced the captivating allure of the color blue. It involved the generous use of bright electric blue eyeshadow often paired with contrasting eyeliner in shades of black or deep blue. This style was all about creating a dramatic and captivating gaze. Lips were typically left in more neutral tones to let the eyes shine. Electric Blue was a trend that could be both daring and mesmerizing and it remains an iconic representation of 80s makeup.
- Key Elements:
- Vibrant electric blue eyeshadows.
- Bold and contrasting eyeliners.
- Neutral lip colors to emphasize the eyes.
- A captivating and dramatic gaze.
The ‘Electric Blue’ makeup style was an embodiment of the bold and experimental makeup trends of the 80s allowing individuals to make a powerful and memorable statement.
8. Cyberpunk
- Introduction: The ‘Cyberpunk’ makeup style of the 80s was influenced by science fiction and embraced metallic shades creating a futuristic and edgy look.
- Detailed Article: Cyberpunk makeup was an extension of the growing fascination with technology and the future in the 80s. It featured metallic eyeshadows eyeliners and lip colors often with holographic or iridescent effects. This style wasn’t just about makeup; it often included metallic tattoos and body art. The look was daring futuristic and celebrated the idea of merging humanity with machines.
- Key Elements:
- Metallic eyeshadows eyeliners and lip colors.
- Holographic and iridescent effects.
- Metallic tattoos and body art.
- A futuristic and edgy appearance.
The ‘Cyberpunk’ makeup style embodied the futuristic and avant-garde spirit of the 80s allowing individuals to explore the boundaries between humanity and technology.
9. Miami Vice Vibe
- Introduction: The ‘Miami Vice Vibe’ makeup style of the 80s was a celebration of sun-soaked beaches featuring pastel tones bronzed skin and a relaxed beachy look.
- Detailed Article: Miami Vice Vibe was all about capturing the essence of a beach vacation in your makeup. Pastel eyeshadows and lip colors often in shades of coral peach or baby blue were prevalent. Skin was bronzed and highlighted to create a sun-kissed glow. This makeup style was accompanied by relaxed and beachy fashion choices perfectly embodying the spirit of a carefree vacation.
- Key Elements:
- Pastel eyeshadows and lip colors.
- Bronzed and highlighted skin.
- A sun-kissed beachy appearance.
- Relaxed and casual fashion choices.
The ‘Miami Vice Vibe’ makeup style offered a refreshing and laid-back alternative to the more extravagant trends of the 80s allowing individuals to embrace the feeling of a perpetual beach vacation.
10. Classic Red Lip
- Introduction: The ‘Classic Red Lip’ makeup style of the 80s was a timeless and enduring trend that celebrated the allure of bold red lips.
- Detailed Article: The classic red lip was a trend that transcended eras and remained a constant symbol of glamour. It involved the use of striking and deep red lip colors often paired with minimal eye makeup. The focus was on achieving perfectly defined sultry lips. This look exuded confidence and timeless elegance making it a favorite choice for formal occasions and red-carpet events.
- Key Elements:
- Striking and deep red lip colors.
- Minimal eye makeup to emphasize the lips.
- Perfectly defined sultry lips.
- Confidence and timeless elegance.
The ‘Classic Red Lip’ makeup style was a symbol of timeless beauty and sophistication capturing the essence of red carpet glamour that never goes out of style.
The Beauty of Time 1980s
From bold and rebellious Punk Princess styles to the futuristic allure of Cyberpunk the 1980s offered a cornucopia of makeup trends each with its own story to tell. This decade witnessed a departure from the subdued aesthetics of the ’70s as women boldly embraced striking colors dramatic eyeliner and unique lip shades. Makeup became an art form a means of self-expression and a way to break free from traditional norms.
In this article we will journey back to the ’80s and explore 10 iconic makeup styles that defined the era. These styles are more than just beauty routines; they are a reflection of the cultural social and artistic influences that shaped the decade. Join us as we delve into the world of ’80s makeup from the extravagant Glam Rock to the understated elegance of Preppy Chic. Let’s celebrate the creativity audacity and individuality that made ’80s makeup an unforgettable chapter in the history of beauty.
