The 80s

The 80s were filled with expression, especially when it came to fashion and beauty. From the makeup base to colorful lids and bright lips, these are the most popular makeup trends of the 1980s.

Since the feminist movement in the 70’s a growing numbers of woman’s magazines, soap operas and films began to dictate the strict standards of woman’s beauty, therefore leading to subtle competition within the women of which who could sport the most over-the-top look.

With idols such as Madonna, Grace Jones and Boy George on the scene who definitely set all the trends, the public began to follow in their footsteps and adhered to the rule – the bigger the better. There is a huge contrast between the classic 70’s go-to makeup look of minimal, golden and glowing makeup. In the 80’s all goals in looking natural, tanned and fresh had been replaced with heavy thick makeup which achieves a very unnatural look. The only natural aspect of an eighties makeup look was the eyebrows, un-groomed and unkept was all the rage, with eyebrow hairs growing in all directions. Beauty marks where often added – in real Madonnas style – with soft brown eyeliners, often than not more than one was replicated on the face. Bright red or pink blush was used all over the cheeks in order to chisel out the cheekbones and achieve a true contoured, rouged look. The red or pink on the face wasn’t considered when picking out the colour for the lips or eyes, colour clashing was what made the look oh so eighties.

Foundation

First on our list of the best makeup trends of the 1980s is heavy foundation, a trend that would cost women some time and money, layering on the foundation was one of the worst makeup trends when it comes to the base.

The worst factor of this foundation was that it was typically two shades lighter than their natural skin tone. So the natural look was certainly out the window. Creating a base for the fun colors that the 80s so proudly rocked, the foundation certainly made for a blank surface ready to be painted on.

Blush

The makeup trends of the 1980s always featured the cheekbones. A part of the culture, blush was a must-have item during this decade, often bright pink or even deep plum.

When in doubt, you would fill those cheeks full of color. No matter your skin tone, the cheeks would be the focal point of your color, with a bright streak of blush. A trend that would be laughed at today, the 80s were all about color, expressing yourself, and uniqueness.

Unlike decades previous to the 80s, the bushy brow became popular. A thick and natural shake was popular during the 1980s, so Cara Delevigne would fit in quite fine. However, there wasn't much work done to the brows, so if you don't naturally have full brows, you wouldn't fit the trend so well. The most product found in the brows in the 80s would be a dash of brow gel, and you're good to go.

Eyeliner

Eyeshadow

Blue, purple, and pink eyeshadow were all the rage in the 1980s. Really, anything colorful on the lids was in, and wearing any of these colors was normal for a day to day look. If you really wanted to spice things up, you would create a look featuring each of these colors, the more neon the better.

Due to the high popularity of bright colors, the brighter the look, the more popular it was. But if this wasn't your cup of tea, bronze shadows were the runner-up. So you could create a bronze goddess look if you pleased as well.

Lipstick and Lip Liner

Surprise, surprise, bright lips were in as well. Reds, pinks, and oranges were the go-to colors for lipstick, and lip liners were the best way to perfect the application. Lip liners were often darker than the lipstick, as a way to emphasize the shape of the lips without overlining. This is not typically a trend that would be appealing to today's beauty trends.

Metallic lips were also a thing in the 80s, and finding the best-frosted gloss was a great way to complete your loop.

The Overall Look

To start, heavy and very pale foundation was key to creating the base.

Then, comes the strong blush, bright in color, and heavy in application. Then, eyeshadow, liner, and mascara were all bright, colorful, and smudgy. And finally, a lipstick and lip liner duo that are both bright and contrasting, and a hint of eyebrow gel will complete the routine.

Beauty Icons in the 80s

• Sade

• Madonna

• Demi Moore

Modernized 80s looks