80s Makeup & Hair: Totally Rad Tutorial For An Iconic Look

by Hugo van Dijk 59 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to step into a time machine and travel back to the totally rad 80s? The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion, iconic music, and, of course, unforgettable makeup and hair. Think bright colors, big hair, and unapologetic glamour. Whether you're heading to an 80s-themed party, creating a unique Halloween costume, or just want to add a touch of retro flair to your look, mastering 80s makeup and hair is a must. In this tutorial, we'll break down the key elements of this iconic era and guide you through recreating some classic 80s styles. So, grab your hairspray, eyeshadow palette, and let's get started on this gnarly journey!

Understanding the 80s Makeup Aesthetic

Before we dive into the specifics, let's understand the core principles of 80s makeup. The 1980s were all about making a statement. Minimalism was out, and maximalism was definitely in! Key characteristics of 80s makeup include:

  • Bright Colors: Think vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and greens. Eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick were all about bold, eye-catching hues.
  • Heavy Blush: Blush wasn't just a subtle touch; it was a prominent feature, often applied high on the cheekbones and even extending towards the temples.
  • Bold Eyeshadow: Multiple colors were often layered on the eyelids, creating dramatic and colorful looks. The brighter, the better!
  • Defined Eyebrows: Thick, well-defined eyebrows were a signature of the era. Natural, full brows were favored over thin, sculpted ones.
  • Bright Lips: From hot pink to electric red, lipsticks were bold and glossy. Lip liner was often used to create a defined lip shape.

Essential 80s Makeup Products

To recreate authentic 80s makeup, you'll need a few key products in your arsenal. Make sure you have these goodies ready to go:

  1. Bright Eyeshadow Palette: Look for a palette with a range of vibrant colors, including blues, purples, pinks, and greens. Pigmentation is key, so choose eyeshadows that deliver intense color payoff.
  2. Bold Blush: A bright pink or fuchsia blush is essential for achieving that classic 80s flush. A highly pigmented blush will help you achieve the dramatic effect that was so popular during this time.
  3. Mascara: Don't skimp on the mascara! Multiple coats of volumizing mascara will help you achieve those dramatic, fluttery lashes.
  4. Lip Liner: A lip liner in a shade similar to your lipstick will help you define your lips and prevent your lipstick from bleeding. This is crucial for achieving the bold, defined lip looks of the 80s.
  5. Bright Lipstick: Choose a lipstick in a bright pink, red, or fuchsia shade. A glossy finish will add an extra touch of 80s glamour. Hot pink lipstick is definitely a staple.
  6. Eyeliner: While not always used in every 80s look, a black or colored eyeliner can add extra definition to the eyes. Experiment with different colors to find your perfect 80s vibe.

Step-by-Step 80s Makeup Tutorial

Alright, let's get to the fun part! Follow these steps to create a classic 80s makeup look:

  1. Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup and help it last longer. This is super important for any makeup look!
  2. Apply Foundation: Use a foundation that matches your skin tone and provides medium to full coverage. The 80s weren't about the super natural look, so don't be afraid to go for a bit more coverage.
  3. Conceal Imperfections: Use a concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Blend it well into your skin for a flawless finish. Nobody wants to see those pesky imperfections!
  4. Create Bold Eyeshadow: This is where the magic happens! Start by applying a light eyeshadow color all over your eyelid as a base. Then, choose two or three vibrant colors and layer them on your lid. For example, you could apply a bright blue to the inner corner, a purple to the center, and a pink to the outer corner. Blend the colors together seamlessly, but make sure each color is still visible. Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations. Remember, the 80s were all about boldness and self-expression!
  5. Define Your Crease: Use a slightly darker shade to define your crease. This will add depth and dimension to your eyes. Blend the crease color well to avoid harsh lines.
  6. Highlight Your Brow Bone: Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow to your brow bone to highlight it. This will make your eyes look bigger and brighter. A little shimmer never hurt anyone, especially in the 80s!
  7. Apply Eyeliner (Optional): If you want to add extra definition to your eyes, apply eyeliner to your upper lash line. You can use a black eyeliner for a classic look or experiment with a colored eyeliner for a more vibrant 80s vibe.
  8. Coat Your Lashes with Mascara: Apply several coats of volumizing mascara to your upper and lower lashes. The more mascara, the better! You want your lashes to be long, thick, and dramatic. False lashes can also be a great addition to an 80s look.
  9. Apply Blush High on Your Cheekbones: This is a key step for achieving that classic 80s look. Apply a bright pink or fuchsia blush high on your cheekbones, blending it towards your temples. Don't be shy with the blush! You want it to be noticeable, but still blended well for a diffused, not stripey, effect.
  10. Line and Fill Your Lips: Use a lip liner to define your lips and prevent your lipstick from bleeding. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker. Then, fill in your lips with a bright pink, red, or fuchsia lipstick. A glossy finish will add an extra touch of 80s glamour.
  11. Set Your Makeup: Finish your look with a setting spray to keep your makeup in place all day or night. A setting spray will help your makeup stay fresh and vibrant, even through hours of dancing and fun.

80s Hair: Go Big or Go Home

Now that we've mastered the makeup, let's move on to the hair! 80s hair was all about volume and drama. Big, teased hair was a signature of the era. Here are some key elements of 80s hairstyles:

  • Teasing: Backcombing or teasing the hair was essential for creating volume. The more teased, the better!
  • Hairspray: Hairspray was a staple product for holding those gravity-defying styles in place. Lots and lots of hairspray!
  • Side Ponytails: High side ponytails were a popular and playful hairstyle.
  • Crimped Hair: Crimping added texture and volume to the hair. Crimping irons were a must-have tool in the 80s.
  • Headbands: Wide headbands were a fashionable accessory, often worn to keep hair out of the face.
  • Big Bangs: Bangs were big, bold, and often styled with lots of volume.

Essential 80s Hair Products and Tools

To recreate authentic 80s hairstyles, you'll need a few key products and tools:

  1. Hairspray: A strong-hold hairspray is essential for keeping your 80s hairstyle in place. Look for a hairspray that provides maximum hold without leaving your hair feeling stiff or sticky.
  2. Teasing Comb: A teasing comb is necessary for backcombing your hair and creating volume. Choose a comb with fine teeth for best results.
  3. Crimping Iron: A crimping iron will help you add texture and volume to your hair. If you don't have a crimping iron, you can also braid your hair while it's damp and let it dry overnight for a similar effect.
  4. Curling Iron: A curling iron can be used to create curls and waves, which were a popular element of 80s hairstyles. Experiment with different barrel sizes to achieve different types of curls.
  5. Headbands: Wide headbands are a fashionable accessory that can help you complete your 80s look. Choose a headband in a bright color or with a fun pattern.

Recreating Classic 80s Hairstyles

Let's explore some iconic 80s hairstyles and how to recreate them:

The Big Teased Hair

This is the quintessential 80s hairstyle. Here's how to achieve it:

  1. Start with clean, dry hair.
  2. Divide your hair into sections.
  3. Tease each section at the roots using a teasing comb. Hold the section of hair up and comb downwards towards the scalp, working your way down the section in small increments. This is the secret to volume!
  4. Once you've teased all the sections, gently smooth the top layer of your hair over the teased sections. This will create a smooth, polished look while still maintaining the volume.
  5. Spray your hair with a strong-hold hairspray to set the style. Don't be afraid to use a generous amount of hairspray!
  6. Style your bangs as desired. Big, voluminous bangs are a classic 80s touch.

The Side Ponytail

A fun and playful hairstyle that's perfect for an 80s party:

  1. Gather your hair to one side of your head.
  2. Secure it with a hair tie.
  3. Tease the ponytail to add volume.
  4. Add a scrunchie or a colorful hair tie for an extra 80s touch. Scrunchies were everywhere in the 80s!

The Crimped Hair

Add texture and volume with this iconic 80s style:

  1. Use a crimping iron to crimp your hair in sections. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends.
  2. Alternatively, braid your hair while it's damp and let it dry overnight for a similar effect. This is a great heat-free option!
  3. Once your hair is crimped, tousle it gently with your fingers to add volume.
  4. Spray your hair with hairspray to set the style.

Final Thoughts: Rock Your 80s Look!

And there you have it! You're now equipped with the knowledge and skills to recreate iconic 80s makeup and hair looks. Remember, the 80s were all about boldness, self-expression, and having fun. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, styles, and techniques to create a look that's uniquely you. So, put on your favorite 80s tunes, grab your makeup and hair products, and get ready to rock that totally awesome 80s vibe! Have fun, guys! This is your time to shine and show off your inner 80s star.