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1980s makeup: bold color, step by step

By Lookslate · Updated

1980s makeup is loud and colorful: bright eyeshadow such as electric blue, purple or fuchsia carried up toward the brow, strong blush draped along the cheekbones, bold full brows and a vivid pink, fuchsia or red lip. More is more, and color clashes are part of the fun.

Jump to the steps
Before1980s makeup on an AI-generated modelAfter
An AI-generated example of 1980s makeup. The Lookslate preview cannot apply this look to your photo yet.
  • Lid
  • Crease
  • Cheek
  • Lip

The signature details

  • Bright eyeshadow blended up toward the brow
  • Strong blush draped along the cheekbones
  • Full, bushy, brushed-up brows
  • A vivid pink, fuchsia or red lip

What you need

  • Medium-coverage foundation
  • Two or three bright eyeshadows (for example blue, purple and pink)
  • Black eyeliner pencil
  • Bright pink or berry blush
  • Clear or tinted brow gel
  • Fuchsia, hot pink or red lipstick

Any brand works; match the shades to your coloring.

What makes it read as 1980s

Pop music videos and aerobics-era fashion pushed makeup to its most colorful. Eyeshadow was not blended into the skin but worn as a block of color covering the lid and reaching toward the brow bone, often in two or three shades side by side. Blush was applied boldly in a wide stripe along the cheekbone, and brows were left full and natural, brushed straight up.

The key is commitment. A timid version just looks like a mistake, so pick saturated shades and let them show.

A modern take that still nods to the decade

Keep one bright element and soften the rest. For example, wear a bold blue or purple lid with neutral cheeks and a nude lip, or keep the eyes soft and wear a strong fuchsia lip with draped blush. Choosing a bright shade that flatters your eye color helps; our eye color guide suggests which colors make each eye color stand out.

How to do 1980s makeup, step by step

  1. Prime and base. Prime the lids so bright shadows show their true color, then apply an even foundation.
  2. Lay down color. Pack the brightest shade over the whole lid, then blend a second color from the crease up toward the brow bone.
  3. Add a third shade. Optionally sweep a contrasting color on the outer corner or under the lower lashes. Clashing is welcome.
  4. Line the eyes. Run black pencil along the waterline and upper lash line and apply plenty of mascara.
  5. Drape the blush. Apply bright pink or berry blush in a wide stripe from the apple of the cheek up along the cheekbone toward the temple.
  6. Brush up the brows. Brush brows straight up with brow gel and fill gaps so they look full and strong.
  7. Bold lip. Finish with fuchsia, hot pink or red lipstick, applied fully to the edges.

Common mistakes

  • Sheer, timid color that reads as faded rather than retro.
  • Thin, overplucked brows, which belong to the 1990s.
  • Skipping primer, so bright shadows look patchy.
  • Matching everything to one color; part of the decade's look is contrast.

Frequently asked questions

What eyeshadow colors were popular in the 80s?

Electric blue, purple, fuchsia, turquoise and bright green, often worn two or three at a time and carried up toward the brow bone.

How do I do 80s makeup without looking like a costume?

Keep one bold element and soften everything else, such as a bright lid with a nude lip, or a strong fuchsia lip with soft eyes.

How was blush worn in the 80s?

Boldly, in a wide stripe draped from the cheek along the cheekbone toward the temple, often in bright pink or berry.

More decade looks

1990s makeup

1990s makeup is matte and muted: thin, defined brows, smoky brown or taupe eyes, a little contour, and the decade's signature lip, a dark brown liner around a lighter nude or glossy center.

How to do 1990s makeup

All faces shown are AI-generated fictional models, not real people.

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