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70s Makeup Trends: How to Master Retro Glam for 2024
The resurgence of ’70s makeup is making waves in the beauty world, with a fresh perspective on vintage glamour that’s filling our makeup bags faster than you can say “disco inferno”.
Whether you’re after the Studio 54 sparkle or sun-kissed Farrah Fawcett glow, iconic ’70s makeup trends are back. And they are louder, bolder, and just a little more fabulous than before.
From Zendaya’s eye shimmer to Dua Lipa’s modern take on blue eyeshadow, A-listers are proving that ’70s-inspired makeup is anything but old-fashioned.
Let’s explore how you can master these looks without looking like you’ve stepped out of a time machine.
Mastering ’70s Statement Eyes: Makeup That Speaks Volumes
Statement eyes were the crown jewel of ’70s makeup. Think bold colours, dramatic wings, and lashes so long they practically hit your eyebrows.
And white eyeliner? A favourite trick to make eyes look bigger (or at least give the illusion that you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep).
White Eyeliner: The Cool Retro Trick, Reinvented
White eyeliner in the ’70s was all about opening up the eyes. And today it is all about taking it up a notch.
A sharp flick of white liner can take you from “I just popped into Tesco” to “straight out of 1975, but make it chic.”
For a modern twist, try a negative space liner or use it to complement a darker liner shade.
Try the MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in Pure White – don’t worry, it won’t make you look like you’ve had a run-in with Tipp-Ex.
Did you spot Margot Robbie at the Barbie premiere? She rocked a crisp white liner that made her eyes pop, giving us all the ’70s makeup vibes.
Lily Collins also loves a white liner moment, proving it’s a versatile look for both drama and understatement.
Blue Eyeshadow: Sophisticated Updates
We know what you’re thinking – blue eyeshadow? Really? But hold on! Blue eyeshadow, once notorious for its Smurf-like effect, has been reinvented.
Today’s take? More “vintage vixen” and less “accidental face paint.”
For a fresh twist, layer E.L.F.’s Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette in denim blue over a white base like Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk.
Add a bit of attitude, and suddenly, Charlie’s Angels will be jealous of your look.
Just ask Dua Lipa, the unofficial queen of the blue eyeshadow renaissance and disco ’70s makeup trends.
She’s been seen rocking deep, saturated blues at high-profile events, giving us serious ’70s meets 2024 vibes.
Florence Pugh took it one step further with a bold cobalt look at the Oscars, setting Instagram on fire.
That ’70s Glow: Skin that Shines, but Not Too Much
Let’s talk skin. The 1970s makeup look was all about that dewy glow. As if had just finished a yoga session on a sunny field (or danced all night at the local disco, but we’ll pretend it’s the yoga).
The key? A foundation that gives you just the right amount of sheen, without veering into greasy territory.
Dewy Foundation: Yoga Skin, Minus the Yoga
Enter NARS Light Reflecting Foundation. It’s light, dewy, and gives you that coveted glow without looking like you’ve been using baby oil.
Press it into the skin with a damp beauty sponge for a natural finish that screams ’70s glow but feels perfectly 2024.
Need a real-life example? Hailey Bieber’s ‘glazed donut’ look is the modern take on the dewy ’70s skin trend—fresh, glowing, and healthy without looking like you’ve run a marathon.
Strategic Blush: Higher and Brighter
Blush in the ’70s was applied a bit differently from today—higher on the cheeks, often sweeping across the nose bridge for that signature ’70s flush.
You want a cream blush with a bit of pop, like Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Coquette.
Beyoncé’s makeup artist, Sir John, nails the ’70s-inspired flush on her, using cream blushes to give that perfect “I’ve just been kissed by the sun” vibe.
Brows in the ’70s: Big, Bold, and Unapologetically Natural
Gone are the days of pencil-thin, overly-plucked eyebrows. In the ’70s, natural brows were in, and that’s one trend we’re thrilled has returned.
The fuller, the better—think Ali MacGraw, not Instagram stencil brows.
If you want to recreate this look, grab KIMIKO’s Brow Sensei for hold without the crunch.
Brush them up, and for any sparse spots, a quick swipe of Glossier’s Boy Brow will give you that fuller, natural look in a snap.
Bella Hadid is known for her brushed-up, undone brows, which are practically a modern homage to ’70s beauty icons.
Lips: From Frosted to Glossy, They’re Making a Comeback
No ’70s makeup look would be complete without mentioning lips. Frosted lipstick was all the rage back then, and while we may have cringed in the 2000s, the trend is back, but reimagined, of course.
Modern Frost: A Shimmer, Not a Shine-Fest
Sydney Sweeney had everyone talking at the Met Gala with her subtly frosted lips. Gone are the garish metallics; today’s frost is soft, wearable, and just enough to catch the light.
The Lawless Forget the Filler Lip Plumper in Candy Sky adds a hint of frost, giving a nod to the ’70s without looking like you’re auditioning for a retro sci-fi flick.
High-Shine Gloss: Disco Ball Lips, But Make It Chic
Glossy lips are also making a comeback. Yes, your beloved Lancôme Juicy Tubes from your teenage years are back and better than ever.
A swipe of high-shine gloss is the perfect way to round out your disco-inspired look—because why should your eyelids have all the fun?
Iconic 70s Celebrities and Their Signature Looks
We can’t talk about ’70s makeup without mentioning the icons that defined the era.
No one did bold eyeliner quite like Cher. Her signature winged liner was sharp enough to cut glass, and it became a defining feature of ’70s makeup.
Farrah Fawcett may have been known for her hair, but her makeup was just as dreamy. Natural, glowing skin with a touch of blush and a soft lip—perfect for anyone looking to channel their inner golden goddess.
Known for her glamorous and sophisticated style, Diana Ross often sported bold, smoky eyes and a dewy complexion.
Elizabeth Taylor’s timeless beauty was enhanced by her signature makeup look, which often featured dramatic eyeliner, false eyelashes, and a bold lip colour.
Tina Turner’s powerful stage presence was complemented by her bold and expressive makeup. She often wore smoky eyes, false eyelashes, and a bright lip colour, which helped to amplify her onstage persona.
Jane Fonda’s fitness craze of the 70s was accompanied by a fresh and natural makeup look. She often wore a dewy complexion, soft blush, and natural lip colour, reflecting her healthy and active lifestyle.
Twiggy’s iconic “mod” look featured large, doe eyes, pale skin, and natural lip colour. Her makeup was simple yet striking, reflecting her youthful and innocent image.
How Current Celebrities Mix Modern and Retro
Adele’s signature look, crafted by Michael Ashton, often incorporates subtle ’70s influences. Her cat-eye liner is frequently paired with a nude, glossy lip – a combination that bridges the gap between vintage glamour and modern sophistication.
Kim Kardashian has been known to experiment with different makeup trends, and the 70s are no exception. She’s often seen with brown smoky eyes, peachy blush, and a nude lip.
Zendaya is a master at blending ’70s makeup trends with contemporary styles, rocking everything from brown smoky eyes to peachy blush.
Dua Lipa loves to go bold with glitter or a graphic liner, giving us serious modern disco vibes.
Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande have both been known to incorporate elements of the 70s into their makeup look such as shimmery eyeshadows, super flushed cheeks, winged eyeliner and bold matte lips.
Celebrity Makeup Artists Spill Their Secrets
Pat McGrath, who regularly works with Naomi Campbell, suggests approaching ‘70s-inspired makeup with a light hand.
“The key is to reference the era without looking costume-y,” she advises. Her tip? Start with one ’70s element – like a blue eyeshadow or a frosted lip – and keep the rest of the look modern.
Charlotte Tilbury, known for working with Kate Moss and Penélope Cruz, recommends focusing on skin prep when attempting ’70s-inspired looks.
“The ’70s were all about that healthy, natural glow. Nowadays, we have better skincare and primers to achieve that effect without looking greasy.”
’70s Makeup Is Back—And It’s Better Than Ever
So whether you’re going for a full-on disco diva or a more subtle, sun-kissed look, ’70s makeup trends are here to stay.
Don’t be afraid to experiment because if the ’70s taught us anything, it’s that makeup is meant to be fun.
And if anyone questions your bold blue eyeshadow at 9 a.m.? Just tell them you’re bringing back the ’70s.