80s makeup history has always been remembered as creative, loud and bright. After the nude makeup trends, some colors are needed to pop. This is the reason why it appears everywhere you go again. Beauty gurus start experimenting with colors more and fashion bloggers add gorgeous accents to their looks with the help of this era`s makeup tricks.
*We may earn money from affiliate links on this page. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.Quick Navigation
- 80s Makeup Trends
- What’s Popular Now
- Modern Makeup Ideas With 80s Makeup Trends
- 80s Makeup Tutorials
- FAQ
80s Makeup Trends
If you would you like to try out some new things and keep your beauty skills strong, we have some suggestions for you.
Bright Blush
Credit photo: Instagram.com/chiarabullo_makeup
One thing that can describe 80's makeup is brightness. Even though it is said that nowadays is the era of uniqueness and self-expression, we think that the 80s gave birth to that. The truth is, that the vibrant blush on the cheeks was merely irreplaceable. It didn't matter which skin tone you had – bright pink or purple was the blush tone to apply generously over your cheekbones.
What Color Of Lipstick Was Popular In The '80s?
Credit photo: Instagram.com/emgraymakeup
If you think about it, it is safe to say that natural makeup wasn't a thing during the 80s. Just like with the rest of the makeup, lips were supposed to be as bright as possible. So, cherry red, orange, fuchsia, and purple hues were in favor. However, when it came to the end of the decade, lipsticks and lip glosses became darker and matter. If you wanted to remain stylish, something in-between the bright and dark colors was the best thing to opt for.
Blue Eyeshadow Trend
Credit photo: Instagram.com/sarahc_29
Another peculiar thing about 80s eye makeup was blue eyeshadow. You could literary see the same shade sported by many women of the time. However, if you think that the blue shadow trend remained in the 80s, that is not true. You will be surprised how trendy the color is becoming with every day. The fact is that these days there are lots of colors and tints to experiment with, and fashionable women try not to miss the opportunity.
Foundation
Credit photo: Instagram.com/csepiszilagyi
All the 80s icons sported foundation too. However, if you suggest that the natural approach towards foundation was applied, you would be wrong. These days we indeed try to find the foundation that fits our natural skin tone best. In the 80s, there was another attitude applied to the issue. All the ladies, including Madonna 80s, were obsessed with paler face and a foundation that was a tone or two lighter than your skin helped.
Bright Eyeshadow
The brighter, the better – that was an unofficial motto of the 80s. 80s makeup looks involved at least one bright color in one look, but in their majority, they were many. Not only blue eyeshadow was on the edge of popularity but purples, pinks, and yellows as well. Very often, ladies chose to apply two or more vibrant shades on at once. Those who were not that fond of the trend were left with bronze shadows instead.
Neon Colors Trend
Credit photo: Instagram.com/melissasamways
80's culture was the culture of neon trends. Anything starting with the clothing and ending with the accessories was supposed to be bright colored. There was no such thing as too many neon colors involved in your image. It was possible to wear all the bright items at once and to look like a true fashion icon.
Multi-colored Eyes Makeup
In case there are some of you who are dying to replicate the 80s makeup look, you need to know one important thing. The key point in achieving the most realistic look is not to be afraid to experiment with the colors. When it comes to your eye makeup, you need to be open to trying many bright shades at once. It is the time when you forget about the nude shades and dive into the whirlpool of the brightness.
Lipstick Trend
It has been stated that the 80s makeup trends were edgy and bright. When you were opting for a new lipstick in the 80s, you could choose between red, orange, and purple hues, there was no room for anything more neutral. However, there was something else – frosty, metallic shades. Just like these days, all the fashionistas were dying for those. Another peculiarity of the decade was a lip liner, which was supposed to be darker than the lipstick shade you used to emphasize it.
Bold Under Eyes Accent
Credit photo: Shutterstock
It is true that these days when there is eye makeup at stake, the main attention is brought to the upper lid. However, 80s style makeup was equally centered around the upper as well the lower lid. That is why undereye accents were of great importance during the time. Even if you were unable to complete your eye makeup routine on time, it was enough to add a bright undereye accent to look spectacular.
Bushy Brow Trend
These days ladies pay a lot of attention to the shape of their brows. However, apart from the 1980s colors, naturalness was in favor too. All you needed to know was to choose the feature to leave natural. That particular feature in most of the cases was the brows. There was no shaping or coloring or even plucking of the eyebrows. All you needed were bushy brows styled with a bit of brow gel. As simple as that.
Untamed Eyebrows
Credit photo: Instagram.com/bouba
You may already know that untamed eyebrows are a thing these days. However, if you think that it is an entirely modern trend, then you should better ask your mother about the brow styles women used to sport during the 80s. As a matter of fact, bold eyebrows were the best eyebrows at that time too.
80s Star Makeup Look
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Among all the 80s makeup pictures, you will find this one for sure. Soft eyeshadow with a perfect match of super bright red lipstick. Pop some color into your makeup routine and make it appear softer with the perfect application and blending techniques.
80s Rock Makeup Idea
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Shimmer is number one trend today. It is everywhere, so why don`t we add it to our deep green eyeshadow makeup look? Put shimmer eyeshadow all over the lid and wing it out. Use bold red lipstick. This loud, screaming eye makeup will make you look like a rock star.
Glam Rock 80s Makeup Idea
We have talked about the popularity of pinks and blues, but we haven`t mentioned another makeup trend that came from the 80s. Icy glittery white highlighter that was used to highlight the brow bone and the corners of the eyes. To make the look appear more modern, add to your cheekbones the same highlighter you used in the inner corner of your eyes. And shine bright like a diamond.
What’s Popular Now
Credit photo: Shutterstock
They say that the trends are circular, and we are ready to agree with the point. The thing is that if you take red lipstick, it is safe to say that it never seized to be popular. However, things like bushy eyebrows are making their way back into modern fashion right from the 80s. What is more, bright eyeshadow, blue in particular, are also gaining more and more popularity by the day.
Of course, some differences separate the past and the present, but it is also true that worthy ideas never die.
What color blush was popular in the 80s?
What was up with 80s hair?
Modern Makeup Ideas With 80s Makeup Trends
Trends are nothing new, as we all know. In most cases, they borrow from an earlier time or a previous fashion icon. However, they have a catchy new moniker to make them seem so fresh and interesting...
Bright Eyeshadow Makeup Ideas
You don’t really have to choose between orange, deep purple bold green or blue when you could apply all of them to your lids at once…
These daring looks we've selected for you may seem a bit too much…However, they show that multicolored 80s-styled eye makeup looks are a must-try this year!
Bright Eyeshadow And Bold Lips Makeup
Credit photo: Instagram.com/nastiadolgaia
When we think about 80s makeup, what is the first thing that comes to our minds? Colors. Especially bright ones that blend in together to create a crazy juicy mix. Pink, blue, dark blue and yellow - all in one eye makeup look. Extravagant and super fun-looking, if blended well. Complete the look with bold pink lipstick and you will not be disappointed.
Bold Eyes Makeup With Red Lipstick
Credit photo: Shutterstock
A lot of makeup artists have stated a rule that if you apply bold eye makeup, lips have to be of natural colors or vice versa. However, 80s trends are all about brightness. The more colorful shades you add, the better. Why don`t you try colorful pink and red smoky eyes? Add red lipstick to keep the look as creative as possible.
Blue Eyeshadow With Glitter 80s Makeup Look
Credit photo: Instagram.com/ralphsiciliano
A lot of people associate 80s with bright blue eyeshadow, and we have nothing against it. Blend a gorgeous tone of the blue skies perfectly, and you will get a colorful smoky effect that can become a great stylish detail in your look. Sprinkle some glitter on top and catch glances at your face more often than usual.
Two-Colored Eyeshadow With Soft Pink Lipgloss
Credit photo: Shutterstock
A soft lip color is still present in 80s makeup, although, you should get prepared to rock glitter colors for the eyes. Add a screaming pink color and blend it up to your brows to get a wonderful transition. Pop some purple along and over the upper eyelid and add pink glossy lipstick to lower down the tone of the whole look.
Purple Eyeshadow With Glossy Red Lips
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Do you have a lighter skin tone? We have found a look for you that will make your world go round a bit faster. Bright purple eyeshadow should be blended with some effort to bring a gorgeous dreamy look to your eyes with a pop of tender pink blush that goes up from your cheekbones to the eyes. Such bright colors will look so soft on your light skin.
Soft Pink Lips With Bright Eyes Makeup
Credit photo: Shutterstock
If you don`t want to be too much, but would still like to try 80s makeup and hair trends, we have something for you in store. Apply bright thick blue eyeliner and smoke it out with some eyeshadow to get more of a soft look. Add a classic nude pink color, and your look is complete!
Bold Makeup In A Dark Color
Credit photo: Instagram.com/kutsanvaleriya1
Not only bright colors were popular to use. Dark ones were favorite for some ladies, too. Add black eyeshadow to your eyelid and blend it. Don`t forget to apply it to your lower lash-line. To get a cool metallic effect, you can add some icy white eyeshadow on top and blend it up to your brows.
80s Makeup Inspiration
Do you like interesting details in makeup looks? Glitter, sprinkles or fake tattoos on your face? Then why don`t you draw some? Do colorful bright makeup, using some 80s favorite colors and apply some black stripes all over your eyelids and down to your cheeks. Get creative with us and you will look different in the crowd for sure.
Heavy Eyeliner With Silver Glitter Makeup Idea
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Where does the heavy eyeliner trend come from? You may be surprised but it was popular in the 80s, too. Apply some extra black eyeliner to your upper lash line and make it thicker in the outer corner of the eye. Add some silver glitter all over your eyelid and blend it to look seamless. Stunning, isn`t it?
A Double Eyeliner Eye Makeup Idea
Are you looking for something new and would like to experiment with the usual makeup you do? Let`s get creative together then. Use purple eyeshadow as a transition shade in your crease and add the blue one all over your lid. Apply thick eyeliner wing with black liner and, under it, add a thin glittery dark blue line. Smoke your lower lash line with some black eyeliner and add the purple shade for the gorgeous blend.
A Pop Of Colors Glitter Makeup Idea
Credit photo: Instagram.com/sarahc_29
Glitter is so interesting to work with! Not everyone can rock it, but are you ready to give it a try?
Use a beige color as a transition shade and put it into your crease. Then cover your lid with the glitter primer and use some colorful orange, pink and pastel purple glitter to apply all over the eyelid. Apply thick eyeliner to the upper and lower lash line. What a pop of color!
A Yellow And Blue Eyeshadow Makeup Look
Credit photo: Shutterstock
A yellow and blue combination is the legendary 80s makeup idea. Let`s think of the way to use them. Apply some beige transition shade right under the brows and blend it perfectly. Add bright yellow eyeshadow over the entire surface of the upper eyelid. Then highlight the lower eyelid with bold blue glitter eyeshadow. Complete the look with tender pink lipstick. You are simply gorgeous!
Blue And Lilac Eyeshadow With Pink 80s Makeup Idea
Credit photo: Shutterstock
Bright blue eyeshadow is also the significant trend of the ’80s. However, you can as easily pull off such a look these days. Feel free to complete your eye makeup with lilac eyeshadow put under the brows, which will make it deeper and more expressive. Add soft shimmery pink lipstick or lipgloss.
Blue Glitter Eyeshadow With Purple Lipstick
Credit photo: Shutterstock
The fact is that blue glitter can look both bright and soft at the same time. To grant such a makeup more modern touch, you can use a purple lipstick with a matte effect to it.
Pink And Green Eyeshadow With Bold Black Eyeliner
Credit photo: Instagram.com/sarahc_29
Who says that you can’t match your eyeshadow and your lipstick shade? We say you totally can! However, you need to play around a little with the under eye shadow and the eyeliner. That is it!
Bold Eyeshadow Makeup Ideas
80s were brilliant, and there is no use denying it. Such eyeshadow hues as bright pinks, purples, blues, and greens were all the rage during the era. Besides, no one ever thought that mixing many bright tones in one makeup was a poor idea, quite on the contrary.
Bright Lips Makeup Ideas
If you think that there was no such a notion as too much brightness in one look when it comes to the 80s – you are right. No matter the boldness of your eyes, you could always complete the look with a lipstick shade that was as vibrant yet matching.
Makeup Ideas With Lips Pencil
When we date back to the 80s, it seems that even the nude lipstick could look extremely defined and quite vibrant. The fact is that a lip liner that was two-three tones darker than the sported lipstick shade was that critical element that barely any lady could skip on.
80s Makeup Tutorials
Bold blush, metallic lips, and vivid eyeshadows have all come back. The best thing is that all skin tones look well in these enjoyable and eye-catching 80s makeups.An 80s Eye Makeup Tutorial
Credit photo: Instagram.com/elymarino
Would you like to learn how to do a perfect inspired by the 80s eye look? Then follow our instructions. Apply bright pink eyeshadow to the crease and blend it, add some purple to get a beautiful transition. On top, put on some bright dark blue eyeshadow and a soft fading effect should be achieved by all the layering and blending of colors. Complete the look with some metallic blue eyeshadow all over the lid. And layering of the same colors we use on the lower lash line.
80s Makeup Tutorial With Black Eyeliner
Credit photo: Instagram.com/theamazingworldofj
Let`s create the 80s makeup look that will be creative and bright. Put some beige colored eyeshadow to the crease and blend it to get a smokey effect. Then cover the lid with some concealer to get the shape of the look we want to get. Apply cream peachy pastel eyeshadow carefully, from your inner corner to the middle of the lid. With another brush, complete the wing form we want to achieve with purple pastel cream eyeshadow. Blend the edges for the transition of colors to look seamless. Add bright blue eyeshadow to the lower lash line and complete the look with thick black eyeliner.
A Shimmer Blue Eyeshadow Makeup Tutorial
Credit photo: Instagram.com/theamazingworldofj
A fun look is here to amaze you and bring some color to your daily life. Apply some peachy shade to the crease and blend it perfectly. Then, under it, apply some purple eyeshadow and blend the edges between the colors. To the center of the lid, put some blue eyeshadow and sprinkle some glitter on top. You should definitely apply a bit of glitter glue under it. Paint a beautiful thick wing with the help of black eyeliner. And don`t forget to line your lower lash line too, before smoking it with purple eyeshadow. If you like vintage look you can also read about 90s makeup and look all the inspirational ideas that we've prepared!
FAQ: 80s Makeup
How do you do 80s Madonna makeup?
You can recreate iconic Madonna’s look following those steps:
- Apply foundation, set with powder.
- Use eyebrow gel to create fluffy eyebrow look.
- Apply a light color eye shadow that matches your skin tone.
- Apply black eyeliner heavily.
- Curl eyelashes and apply a few coats of mascara.
- Apply pink or peach blush.
- Finish off your look with a red lipstick.
What type of accessories was popular in the 1980s?
80s style accessories will flatter your makeup look. You can wear scrunchies, leg warmers, fingerless gloves, plastic bangles, large funky earrings in neon shades, mesh accents, fanny packs and pearl necklaces to pull the trendy 80s look off.
- The 1980s (pronounced "nineteen-eighties", shortened to "the '80s") was a decade of the Gregorian calendar that began on January 1, 1980, and ended on December 31, 1989. Source
Was this article helpful?
