Hippies, dance queens and everyone in between – 70s Makeup Looks was so iconic that its lips are still alive today with sun goddess bronzers, iconic eyeliners, pastel shadows and graphic eyeliners. But the 70s style offers so much more. It’s about embracing the raw, unfiltered genuineness that defined the era.
70s makeup trends were about breaking norms, where makeup became a tool of self-expression and rebellion. The aesthetic of this decade instantly evokes a carefree spirit, backed by an epic soundtrack (preferably played with the windows down while driving cross-country). In short, it’s the vibe, and the easiest way to channel that feel-good energy starts with your makeup bag. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need.
Diana Ross commands the stage with her magnetism, Farrah Fawcett dazzles with her iconic hairstyle, and Studio 54 bursts with an electric ether. The ’70s makeup era was a stage for uniqueness. Think of your makeup bag as a backstage pass to the retro era, allowing you to embody Ross’s charisma, Fawcett’s natural charm, and Studio 54’s glamorous intensity. It’s not just about recreating an image but tapping into the spirit that made that era fabled.
To set the mood, we tapped professional makeup artist Melissa Hernandez and model-musician Devin Severson (who has a killer vintage collection) for a series of ’70s-inspired grease paint looks that are equal parts fashionable and wearable.
1. Classic 70s Cut-Crease Makeup
In ’70s makeup, bolder is better, and there’s nothing more emblematic of the era than the cut-crease. Yes, the look that’s a YouTube makeup staple started in the ’60s, to be exact, but you get the idea. You’ll need to tweak the shape to differentiate this dramatic look from its modern counterparts. “Modern cut-creases tend to flare out towards the end of the brow, while ’70s cut-creases are more rounded,” explains Hernandez. Think of a doe-eye shape rather than cat eyes.
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To master the ’70s cut-crease, use softer transitions between colours, opting for earthy tones or bright shades. It’s all about framing the eyes with a playful yet sophisticated touch. According to Hernandez, silky eyeliner is the key product for creating this look. Everything else — eyeshadow colours, shading brushes, etc. — is entirely up to your preference. Although we highly recommend adding mascara or large false lashes to achieve long, fluffy lashes.
Start by applying concealer to your lids (this will help your look stay in place) and carefully draw a crease with an eyeliner pencil, making sure it’s rounded. We like the PIXI NI PETRA Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Caviar for this. Hernandez’s secret to contouring is to relax your eyes and look forward. “Look straight into the mirror when you draw the crease—if you tilt your head back and try to draw the crease, it’ll disappear.”
Made a mistake while drawing? Micellar water and a strand swab will be your best friend. Once you’ve got the shape, gently blend the line with a stiff brush for a blurred effect. Next, apply eyeshadow under the crease—Hernandez likes pastel colours for a 70s-inspired contrast. The hardest part is over! Now, express your upper and lower lash lines with the same eyeliner, opting for a cat eye pencil on top. Then, finish your makeup by applying a little white eyeliner to the inner line and two to three coats of mascara. Are you ready for everyone’s attention?
2. Sunset Lid
The transition from the bright psychedelic hues of the 60s to the colour palette of the 70s highlights the shift to warmth and earthiness. Terracotta, gold, orange and rich browns took centre stage, departing from the cheerful neon palette. Hernandez’s round sunset eyes perfectly reflect this transition. They embody a trendy, relaxed vibe, offering an effortlessly chic style that can be achieved with just two shades, making them an affordable and easy option for those looking to capture the era’s essence.
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For enhanced pigmentation, adding a dab of concealer to prep your lids will give your powder shadows extra hold and an even base. Expanding the ZOEVA Caramel Melange Eyeshadow Palette, Hernandez prefers a flat blending brush to dip in a soft rust shade (Aftertaste), applying it to the lids and crease.
According to Hernandez, having a rounded shape is the key to staying true to the decade. So, using a soft blending brush and an apricot shade (Alchemy), use a windshield wiper-like motion (from the central to the outer corner of the eye) to blend the crease and round out the curve. Then, using a small, stiff brush, apply the same Alchemy shade to your lower lash line, connecting it to the outer edge of your life. Apply plenty of mascara on top because YOLO.
Notice how there’s not as much emphasis on the lips and cheeks? Hernandez says this is by design. “When experimenting with makeup, I recommend highlighting one feature, be it the eyes, lips or skin, and matching your complexion to the focus.” So, to complete the look, opt for muted pink blush and nude lipstick. Absolute perfection.
3. Fresh Faced
The 70s weren’t all glitz and glamour. Simplicity and embracing your natural features were significant developments in the era, partly due to the second wave of feminism hitting the mainstream. Celebrating what makes you unique was a shift in how makeup was seen as a way of self-expression and, more importantly, a choice. Pretty cool, right?
The minimalist approach to beauty is still going strong. It’s showing up in makeup trends like dewy, glowing skin, sheer lip colour, swipes of highlighter, and understated, neutral eyeshadow. And this fresh glow is the perfect way to enhance your natural beauty.
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Keep it low-key by swapping your usual foundation for a dewy base and some concealer under your eyes. Warm up your face with a soft blush brush and PACIFICA Desert Sunset Matte Blush & Bronze, spreading the pink shade to the apples of your cheeks and the bronzer to the depressions. Be sure to lightly apply the bronzer to your nose, hairline, and chin to add radiance to your entire face. This look is the epitome of sophistication, so don’t go overboard—adding a layer is always easier than removing it.
For the eyes, choose a hot pink shade (like the versatile MAËLLE BEAUTY Enchanted Eyeshadow Collection Single in Pink Diamond) and feathered brows. Top it with mascara and your favourite gloss, and prepare to change the world.
4. Disco Shimmer
On the additional end of the 70s makeup field is the dance floor. Disco makeup is coming: shimmery shadow, glitter, metallics – there’s no holding back regarding disco glamour. Severson’s golden eye combines unexpected shades of orange and navy that work like a charm. Throw a little Donna Summer, throw on your best jumpsuit, and start the dance party.
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Since the eyes will be the prize of this look, you’ll want to keep the rest of your face subtle. For skin, we love the BEAUTYBLENDER Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation for natural coverage that will stand up to any movement you make with it. Follow with a dab of creamy bronzer (our favourite is YENSA Silk Bronzing Base and Blush) on the outer edges of your cheeks, and you’re good to go.
For the eyes, the round shape comes into play again. Applying Sea Foam (a flat blending brush will help with this!) to the lids and along the natural crease using the WANDER BEAUTY Wanderers Seascape Palette. Then, using the Golden Reed bronze shade and a fluffy blending brush, create an arch above the crease, tapering down and out to create a winged effect. Using an eyeliner brush, use Coastal Blue to make a dramatic wing that continues onto your lower lash line. For mascara, choose a formula that suits your disco mood—TARTE Big Ego Mascara.
5. Exaggerated Cut-Crease
This exaggerated take on the classic Twiggy crease boldly embraces the ’70s aesthetic. A splash of orange and chocolate tones captures the era’s essence, giving it a vibe. Adopting this unique eye makeup style pays homage to the era’s iconic trends and reinterprets them for a modern, stylish statement.
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Recall the ZOEVA Caramel Melange Eyeshadow Palette from earlier. It’s back for an encore. Using the same shade Aftertaste, blend with a fluffy eyeshadow brush across the lids and just above the crease. Keeping your eyes open (especially helpful for those with droopy eyelids), draw a thin line using an eyeliner brush and Edible Gem shade.
Start just above the inner corner, work up to just above the crease, then down to the outer corner and past the tip of your brow. Soften the lines by blending with Finish Sensual. For a liner, create a subtle wing and define your lower lash line with a bronze eyeliner. We want to choose the PIXI Endless Silky Eye Pen in Bronze Beam. Add your favourite mascara to your top and bottom lashes (another ’70s style) and part it in the middle as a finishing touch.
6. Flower Power
Unleash your inner flower, child. This unique hippie style is the perfect inspiration for those looking for a creative challenge and a start to perfecting your makeup look. The combination of earthy tones, playful pastels, and subtle shimmer creates an aura that echoes the carefree vibe of the ’70s.
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The best thing about this floral eye makeup is that it can be interpreted differently. Use whatever shades and shapes you like, and have fun. Start by visualizing the size of each petal, then start to fill in the shape using a small, dense brush and the eyeshadow of your choice.
Once you have defined the basic shape of each petal, continue lining each petal with liquid eyeliner like a frame. For a little extra style like Severson’s, continue the line from the last petal under the lower lash line, creating a slight curl as you get closer to the inner corner. Finish with a touch of lip gloss, and trust me, Penny Lane would be proud.
7. Graphic Glitter
Who doesn’t love glitter? Featuring a variety of shimmery glitter shapes, this Lucy Boynton eye look (done by the stunning Jo Baker) achieves a 3D effect that looks stylish.
8. Pastel Shadow
Despite the naysayers, blue eyeshadow has somehow survived every decade. Case in point: Dua Lipa’s all-over sky-blue lid is as trendy today as it was in the ’70s.
9. Sheer Lips
For the most part, bold lips fell by the wayside in the ’70s, giving way to natural pinks and matte shades. Kerry Washington’s lips (with a slight sheen) created an insanely romantic soft-focus effect.
10. Faux Sun-Kissed Skin
In the ’70s, bronzed skin and hours paid in the sun were all the rage – we were shuddering at the thought of sun damage! Thankfully, SPF is now mandatory, and we’ve outgrown the faux glow. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s dewy bronze is proof of that.
11. Dramatic eyeliner
We’re honestly not sure if Lana Del Rey is human or the entire ’70s decade has become a humanoid creature. Either way, her signature winged eyeliner brings us to life and transports us to a bygone era. 10/10.
12. Face Gems
Lupita Nyong’o’s orange curved crease (if you’ve read this, you know that’s key) and artfully applied rhinestones put all the ’70s vibes together with an artful twist. With this look, you can wear sweatpants and still look like a million bucks.
13. Bold Lower Lashes
Lastly, iconic lower lashes – like those on the equally iconic Lucy Boynton (whose bold look deserves two spots on our list) – are very ’70s. Recreate the look with additional layers of mascara, false lashes, or a stroke of liquid eyeliner.