80s Makeup Tutorial: Iconic Looks & How to Recreate Them
See the iconic 80s makeup looks.For those who experienced the decade, 80s makeup looks are having a resurgence over 40 years later. They are inviting a new generation to step out of their comfort zones.
When it comes to 80s fashion and beauty, it is a fascinating chapter in history. This era saw a rollercoaster of trends, from vibrant hues to bushy eyebrows.
80s Makeup Looks
Madonna channels the edgy vibes of the decade with dramatic eyeshadow and lip colo
Think of the iconic looks of Whitney Houston, the early Madonna, Dolly Parton, or Cyndi Lauper, each showcasing the era’s daring aesthetic.
As we dive into the glamorous makeup trends of the 80s, it’s worth noting that women embraced diverse products, all in the spirit of experimentation.
Eyes & Brows
Blue, Purple & Pink Bright Eyeshadow
Vibrant eyeshadow in shades of pink, blue, and purple provides an 80s-inspired makeup look
Real 80s makeup channeled the epitome of cool with vibrant eyeshadows. Neutral shades were simply not enough to capture the era’s bold spirit. To truly stand out, one had to embrace eye makeup in unconventional hues like electric blue, hot pink, and vivid purple.
It wasn’t uncommon for trendsetters of the time to daringly blend all these colors together.
Bold & Bushy Brows
Brooke Shields is known for her flawless, full eyebrows. Photo Credit: MediaPunch Inc
The resurgence of thick and natural eyebrows marks a return to an 80s-era beauty trend, now more popular than ever. Stars like the iconic model Brooke Shields had beautiful brows to go with their voluminous hair.
This look has seamlessly made its way into contemporary beauty routines. To achieve this look, simply brush through your eyebrows with a brow gel, either tinted or clear, as part of your morning makeup ritual.
These bold, statement eyebrows pair exceptionally well with dramatic eye makeup, particularly in striking shades of blue.
Colored mascara channels a retro-inspired look
Black mascara was the standard for makeup in the 80s. Women rarely deviated from this classic choice. However, the era was also known for its bold experiments in beauty, and colored mascara was for those wanting to stand out.
Vibrant hues like electric blue or violet purple were used to add an extra pop to the eyes, perfectly complementing the decade’s love for color.
This adventurous spirit extended to mixing and matching mascara shades, with some opting for one color on the upper lashes and a different hue on the lower.

