7 Essential 1970s Makeup Trends Every Vintage Lover Should Know

Over half of beauty lovers are searching for new ways to recreate vintage trends while keeping their look modern and fresh. The influence of 1970s makeup continues to inspire, blending authenticity with signature flair that still resonates today. Whether you want a bare-faced glow, bold pastel eyes, or that unmistakable shimmer, discover how these timeless British beauty techniques can transform your routine and bring retro charm into every detail.

Table of Contents

• 1. Mastering The Bare-Faced Glow With Natural Bases

• 2. Creating Bold Eyes With Colourful Eye Shadows

• 3. Embracing Twiggy-Inspired Dramatic Lashes

• 4. Perfecting The Soft Blush Look For Cheeks

• 5. Achieving Statement Lips In Coral And Peach Tones

• 6. Exploring Glitter And Shimmer For Glam Nights

• 7. Finishing Touches With Brows And Highlights

1970s Makeup Trends: A Quick Summary

1. Mastering the Bare-Faced Glow with Natural Bases

The 1970s beauty revolution championed a radical departure from heavy makeup, introducing the natural radiance movement that celebrated authentic skin and minimal cosmetic intervention. Research from Durham University highlights how this era emphasised simplicity and genuine beauty over artificial enhancement.

Women during this transformative period discovered that true beauty emerged from skincare and subtle enhancement rather than masking their natural features. The bare-faced glow trend meant selecting lightweight, translucent foundations and tinted moisturisers that allowed individual skin texture to shine through. These products were designed to even skin tone without creating a heavy, masked appearance.

To achieve this quintessential 1970s look, select foundation formulas with sheer, buildable coverage. Look for products with natural ingredients like mineral pigments, botanical extracts, and hydrating components that provide a luminous finish. The goal was to create a dewy, healthy complexion that looked effortless and sun-kissed.

Applying these natural bases required a light touch. Use clean fingers or a damp makeup sponge, gently blending the product into your skin using soft, sweeping motions. Focus on creating an even, barely-there layer that enhanced rather than concealed your natural skin.

Key techniques included spot-concealing only where necessary and allowing freckles, beauty marks, and natural skin variations to remain visible. This approach celebrated individual beauty and rejected the heavily made-up looks of previous decades.

Pro tip: Select foundations with a neutral, warm undertone that matches your natural skin colour precisely. Test the shade in natural daylight to ensure a seamless, undetectable application that truly embodies the 1970s natural beauty aesthetic.

2. Creating Bold Eyes with Colourful Eye Shadows

The 1970s eye makeup scene was a vibrant playground of colour and self expression, moving beyond traditional neutral tones into a world of playful experimentation. Research from How College reveals that the era embraced light pastel eye shadows, silvery tones, and pale blue liners as key elements of the decade’s distinctive makeup aesthetic.

Colour selection was crucial in achieving the perfect 1970s eye look. Popular shades included soft mint greens, baby blues, pale lavenders, and shimmering silver tones that captured the decade’s free spirited aesthetic. These colours were not just makeup but a form of personal artistic expression, reflecting the era’s broader cultural movements of creativity and individual freedom.

Application techniques focused on creating a soft, blended look that appeared ethereal and natural. Unlike the heavy eye makeup of previous decades, 1970s styles emphasised a more delicate approach. Use light brushes and blend colours seamlessly, creating a gradient effect that looked sophisticated yet effortless.

To master this technique, start with a neutral base shade across the entire eyelid. Then apply your chosen pastel colour from the lash line to the crease, using gentle sweeping motions. The key was to create dimension without appearing overly dramatic or manufactured.

Light mascara completed the look, emphasising natural lash texture while adding a subtle definition. Avoid heavy, clumpy applications in favour of a more understated approach that celebrated individual eye shape and natural beauty.

Pro tip: Invest in high quality makeup brushes with soft, fluffy bristles that allow for smooth blending and create that quintessential soft focus 1970s eye makeup effect.

3. Embracing Twiggy-Inspired Dramatic Lashes

The iconic 1970s lash look was revolutionised by models like Twiggy, who transformed mascara from a subtle enhancement to a bold statement of personal style. Research from How College indicates that while the era embraced natural makeup, dramatic lashes remained a powerful beauty technique.

Lash application became an art form during this period, with women seeking to create a striking yet somehow effortless appearance. The goal was to achieve maximum volume and definition without looking overly contrived. Thick, separated lashes that appeared almost doll like were the ultimate aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Twiggy’s groundbreaking look.

To recreate this signature style, select mascaras with thin brushes that allow precise application. Focus on creating multiple thin layers rather than one heavy coat, which helps prevent clumping and maintains a natural texture. White or pale coloured mascara was also a trendy alternative, offering a softer dramatic effect compared to traditional black.

Application techniques were crucial. Start by curling your lashes gently, then apply mascara using vertical strokes from root to tip. Concentrate product on the centre and outer lashes to create a wide eyed, doe like effect that was quintessentially 1970s. Some enthusiasts even experimented with applying false lashes for additional drama.

Understanding that makeup was about individual expression, the 1970s lash trend encouraged experimentation. Whether you preferred a subtle enhancement or full theatrical drama, the key was confidence and personal interpretation of the look.

Pro tip: Use an eyelash separator comb immediately after applying mascara to prevent clumping and achieve those perfectly defined, Twiggy inspired lashes.

4. Perfecting the Soft Blush Look for Cheeks

The 1970s blush technique celebrated a natural, understated glow that emphasised individual radiance rather than artificial perfection. Research from How College reveals a fascinating trend where women creatively used lipstick blended on their cheeks as a substitute for traditional rouge, showcasing the era’s resourceful approach to beauty.

Colour selection was fundamental in achieving the perfect 1970s cheek look. Soft peach, warm coral, and delicate rose tones dominated the palette, creating a gentle warmth that mimicked a natural, sun kissed appearance. The goal was to look effortlessly healthy rather than heavily made up.

Application techniques focused on creating a soft, diffused effect. Use your fingertips to gently pat and blend the colour, starting from the apples of your cheeks and sweeping upward towards the temples. This technique ensures a seamless, natural transition that looks like your skin is glowing from within.

For those wanting to replicate authentic 1970s techniques, experiment with multi purpose makeup products. Cream based blushes and lipsticks offered versatility, allowing women to create cohesive looks with minimal products. The key was building subtle layers of colour that appeared translucent and lightweight.

Understanding that makeup was about personal expression, the 1970s blush trend encouraged individual interpretation. Some preferred a more pronounced flush, while others opted for a barely there glow. Confidence was the most important element in pulling off this look.

Pro tip: Always apply blush in natural lighting to ensure you achieve a balanced, harmonious colour that complements your unique skin tone.

5. Achieving Statement Lips in Coral and Peach Tones

The 1970s lip colour revolution celebrated individuality through soft, warm tones that transformed lipstick from a mere cosmetic into a powerful form of self expression. Research from How College reveals fascinating insights into the era’s lipstick culture, highlighting how women were resourceful enough to use beetroot juice when traditional lipstick was unavailable.

Colour palette was central to achieving the perfect 1970s lip look. Coral and peach tones dominated, offering a softer alternative to the bold reds of previous decades. These warm, delicate shades complemented the era’s natural makeup aesthetic, creating a look that was both sophisticated and effortlessly chic.

Application techniques focused on creating a smooth, slightly glossy finish. Begin by gently exfoliating your lips to ensure a clean canvas. Use a lip brush for precise application, starting from the centre of your lips and blending outward. The goal was to create a soft, diffused colour that looked natural yet intentional.

For those seeking authenticity, consider exploring cream based lipsticks that offer a more translucent finish. Matte textures were less prevalent during this period, with women preferring a softer, more luminous appearance. Blending was key blurring the lines between lip colour and natural skin tone.

Interestingly, the 1970s lip look was about more than just colour. It represented a broader cultural movement of personal freedom and self expression. Women used makeup as a tool for creativity, breaking away from rigid beauty standards of previous generations.

Pro tip: Select lipstick shades that harmonise with your natural skin undertone, allowing the colour to look like an enhanced version of your own lips rather than an artificial overlay.

6. Exploring Glitter and Shimmer for Glam Nights

The 1970s glamour scene transformed makeup into a dazzling form of self expression, where subtle shimmer and strategic glitter became hallmarks of evening elegance. Research from How College reveals that light pastel eye shadows and silvery liners contributed to a sophisticated shimmer effect that defined the era’s aesthetic.

Shimmer application was an art form during this period. Unlike contemporary heavy glitter techniques, 1970s glamour focused on strategic, understated luminosity. Opt for fine pearl and silver pigments that catch light delicately, creating a soft radiance rather than an overwhelming sparkle.

For evening makeup, concentrate shimmer on key areas like eyelids, cheekbones, and décolletage. Cream based shimmer products worked best, offering a seamless blend that looked like your skin was naturally glowing. The goal was to appear effortlessly luminous, as if illuminated from within.

Interestingly, the decade’s vintage sparkle trend extended beyond traditional makeup. Performers and disco enthusiasts embraced more dramatic glitter applications, using holographic and metallic elements to create truly memorable looks that captured the era’s vibrant spirit.

Technique was paramount. Use light patting motions when applying shimmer, avoiding aggressive rubbing that could disturb the delicate pigments. Blend edges softly to create a seamless transition between shimmer and matte areas of your makeup.

Pro tip: Select shimmer products with minimal glitter particles to maintain an authentic 1970s sophisticated glamour look that whispers elegance rather than shouting for attention.

7. Finishing Touches with Brows and Highlights

The 1970s beauty revolution extended beyond makeup to encompass a holistic approach to personal grooming, with brows and facial highlights playing a crucial role in defining individual style. Research from How College highlights the era’s subtle shimmer techniques that informed this nuanced approach to beauty.

Brow styling represented a significant departure from previous decades. The 1970s embraced a more natural, less sculpted brow aesthetic that celebrated individual character. Unlike the thin, heavily plucked brows of the 1960s, this era welcomed fuller, more relaxed eyebrow shapes that framed the face with authentic expression.

Highlighting techniques focused on creating a soft, ethereal glow rather than harsh contour lines. Use cream based highlighters with a pearl or champagne finish to create subtle luminosity across cheekbones, down the centre of the nose, and along the cupid’s bow. The key was to enhance natural bone structure with a barely there radiance.

Application was an art of restraint. Blend highlighter seamlessly using clean fingertips or a soft brush, ensuring no harsh lines or obvious demarcation. The goal was to create an effect that looked like your skin was naturally catching light, embodying the decade’s commitment to effortless beauty.

Interestingly, the decade’s approach to brows and highlights reflected broader cultural shifts towards authenticity and individual expression. Makeup became a tool for personal storytelling rather than conformity, allowing women to showcase their unique features with confidence.

Pro tip: Select highlighters and brow products that are one shade lighter than your natural skin tone to create a soft luminous effect that looks incredibly natural and true to the 1970s aesthetic.

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the beauty trends and techniques of the 1970s discussed throughout the article.

Embrace Authentic 1970s Style with Timeless Vintage Finds

Capturing the essence of 1970s makeup trends requires more than just cosmetics. It calls for embracing the full vintage spirit with iconic clothing and accessories that complete your look. Whether you are drawn to the natural radiance movement or the bold Twiggy-inspired lashes, finding authentic pieces that resonate with the era can transform your style and boost your confidence.

Discover the perfect partner to your vintage makeup journey at My Vintage. Our carefully curated collection of genuine vintage apparel and retro accessories allows you to express your individuality while honouring timeless style. Don’t miss the chance to explore our unique selection and bring the 1970s glamour into your everyday wardrobe today. Start your vintage transformation now at My Vintage and celebrate beauty that is truly authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key makeup products I need to achieve a 1970s bare-faced glow?

To achieve a 1970s bare-faced glow, you’ll need lightweight, translucent foundations and tinted moisturisers. Look for products with sheer, buildable coverage and natural ingredients to enhance your skin’s natural sheen.

How can I create the perfect 1970s bold eye look with colourful eye shadows?

To create a bold 1970s eye look, focus on using soft pastel colours like mint green and baby blue. Apply a neutral base first, then blend your chosen shade from the lash line to the crease using gentle sweeping motions.

What techniques should I use for applying 1970s-inspired dramatic lashes?

For dramatic lashes reminiscent of the 1970s, apply multiple thin layers of mascara using a thin brush for precision. Start by curling your lashes and use vertical strokes to build volume at the centre and outer lashes for a wide-eyed effect.

How do I select and apply blush for a soft 1970s look?

Select soft peach, warm coral, or delicate rose tones for a natural blush. Use your fingertips to pat and blend the colour from the apples of your cheeks upward towards your temples for an effortless flush that mimics a natural glow.

What lip colours were popular in the 1970s and how can I apply them?

In the 1970s, coral and peach tones were the most popular lip colours, offering a softer alternative to bold reds. Prepare your lips by gently exfoliating, then apply the colour using a lip brush for a smooth, diffused effect.

How can I incorporate glitter and shimmer for evening makeup in a 1970s style?

To incorporate glitter and shimmer like those from the 1970s, focus on applying fine pearl and silver pigments to key areas such as eyelids and cheekbones. Use a cream-based shimmer for a seamless blend, enhancing your look with a subtle, luminous effect.

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