Makeup in the 80's
- carolina cantillo
- Feb 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 9, 2024

The 1980s represented an extraordinary decade of exuberance and originality that left its mark on fashion, culture and, of course, makeup. This period saw the consolidation of bold and exaggerated styles that were characterized by vibrant colors, geometric shapes and a particular attention to the eyes and lips.
One of the most distinctive trends of this era was the use of bright, eye-catching eye shadows. Bright and neon colors dominated the makeup palette, from shadows in electric shades such as blue, pink and green, to intense lipsticks in reds and corals. The application of multiple colors, combining shadows and eyeliners for striking contrasts became common practice. Shadows were applied in thick layers and smudged toward the temples, creating a dramatic effect. Metallic and shimmering eyeshadows became essential, pursuing a luminous, eye-catching look with shimmers applied generously on the eyelids. Silver and gold shades became popular for dazzling impact.

The famous "cat eye" eyeliner style became iconic, highlighting the shape of the eyes with extended, defined lines. Women experimented with various shapes and angles, taking the eyeliner beyond the eyelid for dramatic effect. In addition, eyeliners in intense colors, such as emerald green and purple, further accentuated the look.
Bright and intense color palettes, such as vibrant red, bubblegum pink and bright orange, became favorites for the lips. These were precisely outlined and filled in with matte-finish lipsticks or gloss for an eye-catching effect. In addition, lipsticks in contrasting shades, with dark liner and lighter filler, became popular.
The skin, unlike in previous decades, was characterized by a matte, opaque finish. High-coverage foundations offered a flawless look, and loose powders were used to set makeup and control shine. Although opacity predominated, blushes in pink or peach tones brought a touch of color to the cheeks. Contouring, the technique of highlighting the cheekbones and giving dimension to the face with contouring powders, came to the forefront in the 1980s.
Eyebrows in the 1980s were thick and well-defined, a departure from previous trends. Pencils and powders were common tools for filling in and shaping. Eyebrows contributed to facial structure, complementing the bold makeup styles of the era.

The glam rock aesthetic exerted a significant influence on makeup in the 1980s. Music icons such as David Bowie and Prince led the trend with theatrical looks, bold shadows and flamboyant eyeliner that defied traditional norms.
The decade also saw a boom in makeup product technologies. Lip glosses and liquid eyeshadows became popular, offering more versatile and long-lasting options.
Movie and music stars, such as Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, played a key role in influencing makeup trends. Iconic looks from music videos and movies were replicated in everyday life, creating a direct connection between pop culture and the world of makeup.
I hope you liked this blog and remember that "beauty and intelligence are two jewels that, when combined, create an incomparable treasure." See you in the next blog. Remember to leave a like, comment, and follow me on social networks.




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