'80s makeup trends were unapologetically bold and beautiful. Punk and new wave superstars took over our inspiration boards and everybody wanted Madonna's blush, Grace Jones' lips and Cyndi Lauper's...well, everything. Women ditched their tweezers in solidarity with brow legend Brooke Shields and Princess Diana had us going gaga over preppy sloane ranger styles such as feathered bobs, a day-glo tan and frosty gloss.
Just as many unforgettable fashion trends from the decade of excess have seen a revival (puffy sleeves, chunky trainers, neon brights—to name just a few) it seems that 80s makeup is once again having its turn in the spotlight. From easy makeup looks to over-the-top glam, what once was maligned as being 'too much' is now, in today's self-expressive times, just right.
According to Geneva Fong, creative director and makeup artist for Dome Beauty, 80s blusher is back in business. “We’re seeing that fully flushed blush that extends from the high points of the cheekbones down and across the nose,” says Fong, a look that can be recreated using the best cream blush. Not into blush? Not a problem. We've charted every iconic ‘80s makeup look to try now—from colorful mascara and glossy lips to the best foundation contouring hacks.
'80s makeup: six looks we love
1. Bushy brows
Brooke Shields and her beautiful bushy brows
After Brooke Shields made waves in her 1980 movie Blue Lagoon, everyone became brow-obsessed—and with good reason too. Her naturally bushy brows were a welcome break from the super-groomed arches dominating '70s makeup looks. They were also on-brand for the era's take on excess.
Fuller, untweezed brows became the signature look for the entirety of the decade, with some even considerably darkening their arches with eyebrow tinting at home to achieve the look.
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Modern brow icon Cara Delevingne
To recreate a brushed-up brow similar to Cara Delevingne's modern-day version, master how to shape eyebrows and fill in any sparse areas using one of the best eyebrow pencils. "Next, take a clear soap and a wet mascara spoolie to really brush up the hairs and hold them in place," says Geneva. You can also use a long-lasting eyebrow gel for this.
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2. Bold eyeshadow
Cyndi Lauper in her trademark 80s makeup look
Cyndi Lauper's punk-pop image was quintessentially '80s, and teens the world over embraced the American musician's unconventional beauty choices during the height of her career. Cyndi's' fun, eccentric true colors did indeed come shining through, particularly in her choice of electric eyeshadow looks and bold, now-iconic Manic Panic hair color.
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Margot Robbie with beautiful burnt orange eyeshadow
“Colorful eyes are making a comeback, but with muted tones on the lips and cheeks to balance the look,” says Geneva. “Violet, sky blues, and bright orange tones are really popular for this.”
To create an '80s makeup eyeshadow look with a refined twist Geneva suggests taking an orange eyeshadow from one of the best makeup palettes, and applying it all over the lid. Next, mix in a deeper shade on the outer corners with a crease brush. Finish with several coats of the best volumizing mascara.
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3. Colored mascara
Boy George tops off his iconic '80s makeup with vibrant blue mascara
Boy George may just be the ultimate 80s makeup icon. His daring eye looks, bold pops of blush, and ability to pull off the best red lipstick on top of everything else are the epitome of more is more beauty.
As such the musician has been responsible for some of the more avant-garde '80s beauty trends hitting mainstream vernacular—colored mascara, beautifully defined brows and lacquered lipstick to name just a few.
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Lupita Nyong'o with beautiful blue mascara
"Colored mascara is one of the easiest ways to play around with '80s makeup," says New York based makeup artist Dana Arcidy. Lupita Nyong'o demonstrates how a simple wash of color on the lashes can make a huge impact, giving just the right hint of '80s pop to an otherwise pared-back look.
“Bright blue mascara still looks good today, but there are so many other options as well,” says Dana. “Lately, I have been loving a pop of neon orange on top and bottom lashes. For a more subtle look, navy blue or burgundy mascara is also really pretty. It adds a hint of color to the eyes and isn't noticeable until someone comes close to you.” Beauty ed's tip: Apply a white eyelash primer before colored mascara to maximize color payoff.
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4. Contoured cheeks
Madonna at the 1987 AMAs is peak '80s contour
Anyone who thinks contouring was invented by the Kardashians could benefit from a makeup history lesson. Contouring was one of the most popular '80s makeup trends, as seen on Madonna, Debbie Harry and Diana Ross. Sculpting your facial features to seem larger-than-life onstage was almost second nature to celebrities—and they have makeup artist Way Bandy to thank for this technique.
This, coupled with pops of color and campy accents such as Madonna's beauty mark, set the tone for the aesthetic of the era's tail-end and style-forward types began to learn how to contour to recreate the look at home too.
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Constance Wu with beautifully contoured cheekbones
Back then, celebrity makeup artist Douglas Otero says contouring looks were achieved with some help from the best blushers in both light and dark tones. Nowadays, Douglas explains—"both the best bronzer and blush are used together to create a seamless, naturally flushed contoured look," as seen on actress Constance Wu.
To create an '80s-inspired contoured blush look, celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin recommends using a dense brush such as her Luxury Vegan Complexion Brush. Then, sweep a soft line of blush underneath your cheekbone towards the outer corner of your eye, extending to the front of the ear and diffused near the temple. This technique of using blush to contour is called blush draping and results in a subtle and flattering contour technique, rather than bold stripes.
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5. Lip liner
Artist Grace Jones teams bold lip liner with punchy red gloss
The androgynous movement of the 1980s found its exuberant heroine in model, musician, and flamboyant Studio 54 muse Grace Jones, whose penchant for gender-bending style influenced a slew of future iconoclasts like Annie Lennox, Solange, and Lady Gaga.
Her striking features were (and still are) the perfect foil for makeup's fun, theatrical appeal, which she often played to the hilt with the best lip liner, razor-sharp eyeshadow, and even body paint.
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Artist Lizzo with perfectly contoured lip liner
Lip liner is making a comeback. "Only now, it’s being worn in a more subtle, monochromatic way than it was back in the '80s," Jenny says. Nowadays lip liner and lipstick are usually in the same color family for a subtle, lip-contouring effect, as seen here on Grammy-winning artist Lizzo.
“Taupe and brown lip pencils, like Make Up Forever Artist Color Pencil, can be used with any lipstick or gloss,” she says. “Instead of leaving it obvious and unblended around the mouth, simply use your pinky or a small downed brush to soften and diffuse.”
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6. Frosty lips
Princess Diana's iconic frosted lip look
What did your average, small-town American mallrat and British country club blueblood have in common in the '80s? A penchant for the frosted lip, of course. Call it the great equalizer. Women from all sections of society flocked to the creamy, frosted lipstick trend and its irrepressible younger sister frosted gloss like moths to a flame.
It comes as no surprise that this naturally unnatural lipstick formula—composed of a creamy lip color commonly in hues of orange, mauve, and peach with a metallic finish—took the beauty industry by storm. If it's good enough for the trendsetting royal Princess Diana (who, by the way, was totally ahead of the blue eyeliner curve), who are we to argue?
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Jennifer Lopez proving frosted lipstick can be flattering and modern
Frosted lips exploded in the '80snbut they had pretty solid staying power, too: This '80s makeup trend, which had a foothold in the latter part of the decade, carried over to club-happy '90s makeup trends too.
These days, frosty lips are worn in the guise of nude lipstick with pale 80s-referencing undertones and a modern glossy finish. Think creamy sheen rather than metallic gleam.
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woman&home thanks Geneva Fong of dome BEAUTY, Douglas Otero, Jenny Patinkin, and Dana Arcidy for their time and expertise.
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