iconic 70s makeup​ : Timeless Beauty Trends That Still Inspire Today

The 1970s was an extraordinary decade for beauty, fashion, and self-expression. From disco divas to bohemian goddesses, the makeup trends of this era were diverse, striking, and unforgettable. Today, these iconic 70s makeup styles continue to influence modern beauty trends, proving that great style never goes out of fashion. Whether you're looking for inspiration for a retro-themed event or want to incorporate vintage glam into your everyday look, this guide explores the best makeup trends of the 70s and how you can recreate them today.# iconic 70s makeup​ 

The Defining Beauty Trends of the 70s

1. Glowing, Natural-Looking Skin

Unlike the heavy matte makeup of the 60s, the 70s embraced a more natural and radiant complexion. The emphasis was on healthy, glowing skin with minimal foundation and a dewy finish.

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Use a lightweight, luminous foundation or a tinted moisturizer.
• Apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth base.
• Highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow for a fresh, youthful glow.
• Opt for cream-based blush in peach or rosy tones to enhance the natural flush.

2. Feathered, Natural Brows

Gone were the super-defined, arched brows of the 60s. The 70s celebrated full, feathered, and natural-looking eyebrows, often brushed upwards for a soft, effortless feel.

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Use a tinted brow gel to brush the hairs upward and hold them in place.
• Fill in sparse areas with a fine-tip brow pencil for a natural effect.
• Avoid over-plucking and embrace the natural shape of your brows.

3. Bold and Vibrant Eyeshadow

The 70s was all about vibrant eyeshadow shades, with colors like blue, green, purple, and gold dominating the beauty scene. Disco queens favored metallic and shimmery finishes, while bohemian beauties opted for earthy tones.# iconic 70s makeup​ 

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Choose a bold shade that complements your skin tone and eye color.
• Apply a shimmery or metallic eyeshadow all over the lid for a disco-inspired look.
• Blend warm browns, oranges, and golds for a softer, boho-inspired effect.
• Pair bold eyeshadow with black or brown eyeliner for added definition.

4. Dramatic Lashes and Mascara

Lashes were long, thick, and defined during the 70s. Women layered on mascara for a bold, wide-eyed look, often using false lashes for extra drama.

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Use a lengthening and volumizing mascara to create thick, fluttery lashes.
• Apply multiple coats, focusing on the outer corners for a lifted effect.
• Use false lashes or individual lash clusters for added volume and intensity.
• Try colored mascara (blue or green) for an authentic 70s vibe.

5. Glossy Lips in Nude or Bold Shades

Lips during the 70s ranged from natural, nude tones to bold, glossy reds and oranges. Whether you were channeling a hippie-chic aesthetic or a high-glam disco look, lip gloss was a staple.# iconic 70s makeup​ 

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Opt for a nude lipstick with a sheer, glossy finish for a natural look.
• For a bolder statement, try a glossy red, coral, or orange shade.
• Use a lip liner to subtly define the lips and prevent feathering.
• Apply a clear lip gloss on top for the ultimate 70s pout.

6. Blush Draping – The 70s Contouring

Before modern contouring techniques became popular, 70s makeup artists used a technique called "blush draping," where blush was applied along the cheekbones and temples to sculpt the face.

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Use a cream or powder blush in peach, rose, or berry tones.
• Apply blush starting at the apples of the cheeks and blend it upwards towards the temples.
• Avoid harsh lines by blending seamlessly for a soft, diffused effect.

7. Graphic Eyeliner and Waterline Definition

While winged eyeliner remained popular, the 70s introduced a softer, more experimental approach. Many women lined their lower waterline with dark brown or black kohl to create a sultry, smudged effect.# iconic 70s makeup​ 

How to Achieve the Look Today:

• Apply a brown or black kohl pencil to the lower waterline and smudge slightly for a smoky effect.
• Use liquid or gel eyeliner to create a subtle or bold winged look.
• For an extra retro touch, try white or nude eyeliner on the lower waterline to make the eyes appear larger.

The 70s Influence on Modern Beauty Trends

The iconic beauty looks of the 70s continue to inspire today's makeup trends. Many of the techniques and styles that originated in this era have made a comeback, with modern adaptations seen on runways, red carpets, and social media influencers.

Some of the most notable 70s-inspired trends in today’s beauty world include:

• Glowing, dewy skin – Popularized by modern brands focusing on skin-like finishes.
• Natural, full brows – A stark contrast to the thin brows of the 90s, the 70s' love for natural brows continues to dominate.
• Bold eyeshadow colors – With the rise of Y2K and retro aesthetics, bright eyeshadow shades have made a return.
• Blush draping – Modern makeup lovers have embraced blush as an alternative to traditional contouring.
• Glossy lips – A departure from the matte lipstick craze, glossy lips are back in style, just like they were during the 70s.# iconic 70s makeup​ 

Recreate Your Own 70s Makeup Look

Whether you’re channeling a bohemian, disco, or glam rock aesthetic, achieving a 70s-inspired makeup look is all about embracing bold colors, glowing skin, and effortless beauty. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to recreate a classic 70s look:

1. Prep Your Skin – Start with a hydrating primer and a lightweight, radiant foundation.
2. Sculpt with Blush – Use a peach or rose-toned blush to drape along your cheekbones and temples.
3. Go Bold with Eyeshadow – Choose a vibrant eyeshadow shade like blue, gold, or green and blend it across the lids.
4. Define Your Eyes – Apply kohl eyeliner along the waterline and smudge slightly for a sultry effect.
5. Layer on the Mascara – Apply multiple coats of mascara for full, dramatic lashes.
6. Finish with Glossy Lips – Choose a nude, coral, or bold red lipstick and add a layer of gloss.

Conclusion

The 70s was a decade of fearless self-expression, and its makeup trends continue to inspire beauty lovers worldwide. Whether you love natural, glowing skin or bold disco glam, incorporating elements of 70s makeup into your routine is a fun way to experiment with vintage beauty.

So, grab your favorite eyeshadow palette, swipe on some glossy lips, and embrace the timeless elegance of 70s makeup!

🌟 What’s your favorite 70s makeup trend? Let us know in the comments!# iconic 70s makeup​