70s makeup represents a type of cosmetic artistry that combines glow and freedom, turning beauty into a form of personal expression. Bold styles, free-spirited designs, and individuality characterised the 1970s.
The beauty trends of this era evolved from the natural minimalism of the 1960s to become bolder, more energetic, and confident. In 70s-inspired makeup styles, the aim is to create a radiant look that reflects individuality. Light-catching textures, golden eyeshadows, and dewy complexions bring the disco energy of the decade into the present day.
Defining Features of 70s Makeup
In the 1970s, makeup became part of society's changing perception of identity. Women began to move away from traditional expectations, redefining beauty on their own terms. Simple and natural with a striking effect, authentic 70s makeup did not hide the skin, but let it shine like sunlight.
Another defining feature of the decade was the hippie movement, which symbolised a return to nature and simplicity. At the beginning of the 1970s, the natural and earthy tones inherited from the 1960s remained popular. The 70s hippie makeup was a style where naturalness and grace met.
The second half of the 70s witnessed a much bolder beauty trend with the rise of the disco era. Silver and gold eyeshadows, pearlescent highlights, metallic eyeliner, and shimmering lips reflected the spirit of the dance floor. The 70s disco makeup looks became symbols of fun, rhythm, and confidence. Glossy lips, defined cheekbones, and sparkling eyelids defined the era's lively nightlife.
How to Achieve Iconic 70s Makeup Looks
The 70s makeup style is shaped by the decade's cultural dynamism. Light, colour, and individuality became intertwined, and women began to see makeup as a way to show their identity. The luminous glow of disco lights blended with the natural softness of the boho aesthetic to create the iconic 70s makeup.
Today, the free-spirited and creative energy of the real 70s makeup continues to inspire modern beauty trends. Radiant skin, metallic reflections, pastel eyeshadows, and glossy lips are the core features of a reinterpreted 70s makeup.
Eye Makeup in the 70s
Eye makeup in the 70s is one of the most distinctive symbols of freedom and self-expression. This is why 70s makeup tutorial videos often focus on recreating the signature eye looks of the era. Eyeshadow palettes usually involve a combination of metallic shine and soft pastel tones. Gold, silver, blue, purple, and green hues reflect the dynamic spirit of the decade.
The shimmering eye makeup style is one of the most iconic examples of 70s makeup trends. Light, colour, and individuality come together to revive the face and give the eyes a free-spirited look. The following makeup ideas can help you recreate 70s makeup styles.
Disco Glow Eyes
The spirit of the disco era can be recreated with eye makeup in metallic shades. You can start by applying gold, copper, or silver eyeshadow to the lids. Blend the shade softly outwards towards the temples for a diffused glow. Then, you can use a lighter version of the same colour on the lower lash line and apply two coats of mascara. For a seventies disco makeup, as a final touch, brighten the gaze by adding a champagne-toned highlighter to the inner corners. The bold shimmer and dramatic lashes seen in Cher 70s makeup perfectly represent the fearless disco style of the decade.
Pastel Touch 70s Makeup
Inspired by the bohemian style and natural grace, a soft colour palette and natural blending are the focus of the early 70s makeup look. Colours such as pale pink, lavender, mint green and baby blue are applied to the lids for a silky transition. Light eyeshadow under the brows creates a lifted effect, while a thin line of brown along the lower lash line adds soft definition. The result is a delicate and graceful reflection of authentic 70s makeup.
Electric Blue 70s Makeup
Blue eyeshadow is one of the most iconic symbols of the 1970s, exuding a sense of daring. With its bold and vibrant colours, it truly reflects the spirit of the disco era. Vibrant blue is applied across the eyelids, and purple or silver is added to the outer corners for contrast. The same shade of blue is then used to create a thin line along the lower lash line for colour balance. Lashes are defined with volumising mascara, and lips remain natural to make the eyes the focal point.
Skin Makeup in the 70s
The skin makeup of the 1970s reflects a balance between natural beauty and a healthy glow. Heavy foundations were replaced by light formulas that revealed the natural texture of the skin. Instead of a matte finish, the goal was to achieve a fresh, bright look. By the late 1970s, pearl-toned highlighters had become an important part of 70s makeup. They give the skin a soft shine, making it look bright and naturally healthy.
Golden Bronze Look
If you're interested in 70s-inspired makeup, the first look you're likely to come across is the golden bronze style. It is one of the most recognisable styles of the 70s, with its warm tones inspired by the sun. To achieve the look, the first step is to apply a glowing primer as a base. Then you can use a lightweight foundation, applied from the middle of your face outwards, for a natural finish.
For golden bronze 70s makeup looks, peach and coral blush shades are often preferred. After applying blusher, you can use a highlighter on the cheekbones, cupid's bow, and tip of the nose to create a fresh, luminous glow.
Glam Makeup
Glam 70s makeup is a bright, lively style that comes from the disco culture of the 1970s. For glam 70s makeup, you can apply a light foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone and use a soft concealer to hide any dark circles or small spots. For a 70s-inspired glow, try mixing a little liquid highlighter with your foundation for a natural shine.
You can use a warm, bronzed blush to lift and brighten the look by applying it from your cheeks towards your temples, and you can use a contour powder or stick to gently define your nose and jawline.
Lip Makeup in the 70s
In the 1970s, lip makeup was all about shine and brightness. Heavy, matte textures were replaced by satin-finish lipsticks with moisturising formulas and glossy finishes. Pink and coral tones were popular at the beginning of the 1970s, while pearly and peach shades became fashionable during the disco years. The satin textures known as 'frosted' or 'iced' matched the glowing face makeup that was popular at the time, reflecting the elegance and free spirit of modern women.
Frosted Lips
In the late 1970s, the style became a symbol of shimmering beauty. First, lips are prepared with a hydrating balm, followed by a satin-finish lipstick in a pearl white, soft pink, or peach tone. A thin layer of transparent gloss completes the 70s makeup glowing look.
Soft Shine Finish
Mirroring the bohemian spirit of the 70s makeup, this look combines simplicity with a natural glow. Nude, beige, or pale pink lip colours are paired with a sheer, shimmer-free gloss.
In addition to these, here are some other examples to help you achieve the 70s makeup look:
- Nude and natural lips.
- With clear or tinted rollerball glosses in pink, apricot, and caramel tones, glossy disco lips.
- Deep fruit colours such as plum, cranberry, and mulberry are ideal.
- Frosted and metallic finishes: Evening makeup often features frosted lipsticks with pearl, white, peach, or golden undertones. This look is often associated with Cher's 1970s makeup and embodies the glamour of that decade.
- Golden bronze lips: Golden-shimmer glosses complement bronzed skin tones, adding warmth and brightness to the overall look.
These different styles bring the timeless shine of 70s makeup into the modern era.
The bold and free spirit of the 1970s influences not only fashion but also makeup art. Just like floral dresses, wide-leg trousers, and golden kimonos, the makeup looks of the era prioritize colour and individuality.
Collectif London brings this lively 70s style into today's world with its vintage-inspired collection that combines bohemian elegance with disco culture. If you love the energy and freedom of the 70s, discover the 70s vintage-inspired collection of Collectif London.
Frequently Asked Questions About 70s Makeup
How to Do 70s Disco Makeup?
The 1970s disco makeup style is bold, radiant, and full of shine, with a lightweight foundation to give the skin a natural glow. Metallic colours such as gold, silver, blue, or purple are used on the eyes. Mascara is also applied to the upper and lower lashes to add definition. Warm, bronzed, or peach-toned blusher is used to highlight the cheekbones, and satin or glossy lipstick completes the look.
Which Colours were Popular in 70s Makeup?
Bold, warm tones defined the makeup trends of the 1970s. Gold, bronze, green, blue, and purple shades were popular for eye makeup. Warm bronzed and peach hues were common for the cheeks, while lips were often adorned with soft pinks, peaches, beiges, and pearly finishes.
Which Celebrities Inspired 70s Makeup Trends?
Some of the most iconic figures who shaped 70s makeup trends include Cher, Farrah Fawcett, Diana Ross, Ali MacGraw, and Bianca Jagger. Cher's glossy lips, Farrah Fawcett's bronzed glow, Diana Ross's long lashes, and Ali MacGraw's natural makeup became defining looks of the decade.
How Did 70s Makeup Differ From 60s Makeup?
The 1960s makeup style was known for its sharp eyeliner, dramatic lashes, and high contrast tones. In the 1970s, makeup became softer, warmer, shinier, and more natural.
Was Glossy or Matte Makeup More Popular in The 70s?
Glossy makeup textures were more popular in the 1970s. Rather than matte foundations, dewy and luminous finishes were favoured. Lips often had a satin or glossy shine.
