The 1980s was a decade filled with bold fashion statements, iconic pop culture moments, and unforgettable makeup trends that still inspire today's beauty industry. From vibrant eyeshadow colors to dramatic blush application, the '80s makeup scene was all about making a statement and embracing one's individuality. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the top 10 best '80s makeup looks, as well as the top 10 '80s makeup trends that defined the decade. So, slip on your leg warmers, tease your hair, and get ready to dive into the world of '80s beauty!
Table of Contents
Part 1. Top 10 Best '80s Makeup Looks
Part 2. Top 10 '80s Makeup Trends
Part 3. History of 80s Goth Makeup
Part 4. Achieving 80s Goth Makeup
Part 5. Modern Interpretations of 80s Goth Makeup
Part 1. Top 10 Best '80s Makeup Looks
#1 The Bold Blue Eye
A signature look of the '80s, bold blue eyeshadow was worn by celebrities and everyday women alike. Paired with heavy black eyeliner and mascara, this daring look was a staple of the decade.
#2 The Madonna Look
Inspired by the Queen of Pop herself, this iconic makeup look featured dark, defined eyebrows, bold eye makeup with winged eyeliner, and a statement red lip.
#3 The Smoky Eye
A sultry and mysterious look, the smoky eye was a popular choice for nighttime events. The key to this look was blending dark eyeshadow shades on the lid and lower lash line, creating a smoldering effect.
#4 The Neon Explosion
This playful makeup look celebrated the bright colors of the '80s by incorporating neon shades of pink, orange, and green into eye makeup and blush.
#5 The New Romantic Look
Inspired by British bands like Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet, this androgynous makeup look featured pale foundation, strong, angular contouring, and bold eye makeup.
#6 The Rocker Chic
Channeling the edgy style of rock stars like Joan Jett and Pat Benatar, the rocker chic look included heavy black eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, and a bold red lip.
#7 The Glamorous Gloss
High-shine lip gloss was a must-have in the '80s, and this makeup look showcased glossy lips in shades of pink, coral, and red.
#8 The Blushing Beauty
Blush was applied generously in the '80s, often swept from the apples of the cheeks all the way up to the temples. This look featured rosy cheeks and a coordinating pink lip color.
#9 The Soft Pastel Eye
Pastel eyeshadow shades like lavender, mint green, and baby blue were popular choices for a softer '80s makeup look.
#10 The Bold Graphic Liner
Creative and artistic eyeliner designs were a fun way to make a statement in the '80s. This look featured bold, graphic lines and shapes drawn with liquid or gel eyeliner.
Part 2. Top 10 '80s Makeup Trends
#1 Bold Eyeshadow
The '80s was all about bright, bold eyeshadow colors like electric blue, hot pink, and neon green.
#2 Heavy Blush
Blush was applied generously to the cheeks in vibrant shades of pink and coral.
#3 Dark and Defined Brows
Thick, dark eyebrows were a defining feature of '80s makeup looks.
#4 Winged Eyeliner
This classic makeup technique was popular in the '80s, often paired with bold eyeshadow colors.
#5 High-Shine Lip Gloss
Glossy lips were a must-have in the '80s, with many women opting for high-shine lip glosses in various shades.
#6 Colorful Mascara
Mascara in shades like electric blue and hot pink added a playful touch to '80s makeup looks.
#7 Dramatic Contouring
Contouring was used to create strong, angular facial features, adding drama to makeup looks.
#8 Faux Beauty Marks
Inspired by icons like Madonna and Cindy Crawford, many women sported faux beauty marks in the '80s.
#9 Bold Lip Colors
Statement lip colors like bright red, hot pink, and deep berry were popular choices in the '80s.
#10 Creative Eyeliner Designs
Artistic eyeliner designs were a fun way to express individuality and make a statement with makeup in the '80s.
The 1980s was an era of bold fashion statements, and the goth subculture was no exception. Goth makeup in the 80s was characterized by its dramatic and edgy look, featuring dark colors, heavy eyeliner, and bold lips. This style of makeup was often used to express individuality and rebellion against mainstream fashion trends. In this article, we'll explore the history and evolution of 80s goth makeup, as well as tips for achieving the look today.
Part 3. History of 80s Goth Makeup
The goth subculture emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK, influenced by punk rock and post-punk music. The goth aesthetic was characterized by its dark and melancholic themes, with a focus on death, decay, and the supernatural. This aesthetic extended to fashion and makeup, with goths favoring black clothing and dramatic makeup.
In the early 80s, goth makeup was still evolving and had not yet become mainstream. Makeup was often applied heavily around the eyes, with black eyeliner and eyeshadow creating a dramatic effect. Lips were often left natural or given a subtle tint. As the decade progressed, goth makeup became more elaborate, with bold lips and heavier eye makeup becoming more popular.
Part 4. Achieving 80s Goth Makeup
To achieve the 80s goth makeup look today, start with a pale foundation or powder to create a ghostly complexion. Apply black eyeliner heavily around the eyes, extending the line outwards for a dramatic effect. Use black eyeshadow to create a smoky eye look, blending it outwards towards the temples. For lips, choose a dark shade such as black or deep red, applying it liberally.
For a more elaborate look, consider adding false lashes or glitter to your eye makeup. You can also experiment with different colors of eyeshadow and lipstick to create your own unique take on 80s goth makeup.
Part 5. Modern Interpretations of 80s Goth Makeup
While the 80s goth makeup look is still popular today among those in the goth subculture, it has also been adapted by mainstream fashion trends. Modern interpretations of the look often feature more subtle versions of the classic elements, such as a bold lip paired with natural eye makeup.
One popular trend is the "soft goth" look, which combines elements of goth fashion with more feminine styles. This look often features pastel colors, lace, and floral prints alongside traditional goth elements such as black clothing and heavy eyeliner.
The 80s goth makeup look remains an iconic part of goth culture and has influenced mainstream fashion trends as well. Whether you're looking to embrace your inner goth or simply experiment with bold makeup looks, the 80s goth aesthetic offers plenty of inspiration. With its dark colors and dramatic effects, this style of makeup is sure to make a statement wherever you go.
Conclusion
The '80s was a decade filled with bold and vibrant makeup looks that continue to inspire today's beauty trends. From the iconic Madonna look to the playful neon explosion, the top 10 best '80s makeup looks to showcase the versatility and creativity of the decade's beauty scene. The top 10 '80s makeup trends, including bold eyeshadow, heavy blush, and dramatic contouring, further emphasize the fearless approach to makeup that defined the era. So, grab your leg warmers and tease your hair, because these '80s makeup looks and trends are a nostalgic reminder of a decade that celebrated individuality and self-expression through beauty.
You May Also Like:
- Makeup Industry Trends 2025
- Top 2025 Makeup Trends
- Winter 2025 Makeup Trends
- Chinese Makeup Trends 2025
- Korean Makeup Trends 2025
- Japanese Makeup Trends 2025
- American vs Korean Makeup
- Latte Makeup Trend
- TikTok Passport Makeup Guide
- Hottest TikTok Makeup Trends
- Top TikTok Makeup Trends 2025
- 80s Makeup Trends
- 90s Makeup Trends
Part 6. FAQs
What kind of makeup was popular in the 80s?
The 1980s was an era of bold and dramatic makeup looks. The most popular makeup styles of the time included bright and vibrant colors, exaggerated features, and heavy application techniques. Some of the most iconic makeup trends of the 80s included:
1. Bright eyeshadow: Neon and pastel eyeshadow shades were popular in the 80s, with blue, pink, and purple being particularly popular. These colors were often applied in a heavy and exaggerated style, with bold lines and sharp angles.
2. Blush overload: Blush was a key component of 80s makeup looks, with many women opting for bright pink or coral shades applied heavily to the cheeks. Blush was often blended up towards the temples for a dramatic effect.
3. Dark lip liner: Dark lip liner paired with lighter lipstick shades was a popular trend in the 80s. The liner was often applied in a heavy and exaggerated style, creating a stark contrast with the rest of the lips.
4. Bold brows: Thick and full brows were popular in the 80s, with many women opting to fill them in with dark pencil or powder.
5. Shimmer and glitter: Shimmer and glitter were key components of 80s makeup, with many women incorporating these elements into their eyeshadow, blush, and even lipstick.
What were the lipstick colors in the 80s?
In the 80s, bold and bright lipstick colors were all the rage. Some of the most popular shades included bright pinks, oranges, and reds. Many women also opted for darker shades such as deep reds, burgundies, and plums, often paired with dark lip liner for a more dramatic effect. Frosty and metallic lipsticks were also popular, with shades such as silver, gold, and bronze adding a touch of glamour to any look.
Who influenced 80s makeup?
Many celebrities and pop culture icons influenced 80s makeup trends. Madonna, for example, was known for her bold and dramatic makeup looks, which often included bright eyeshadow, heavy blush, and dark lip liner. Other influential figures included Cyndi Lauper, who was known for her colorful and quirky makeup styles, and Princess Diana, who popularized soft and natural-looking makeup.
The rise of music videos in the 80s also had a significant impact on makeup trends. Artists such as Michael Jackson and Boy George incorporated bold and theatrical makeup looks into their videos, inspiring many young people to experiment with their own makeup styles.
What was the makeup trend in 1985?
In 1985, makeup trends continued to be bold and dramatic. Some of the most popular looks included:
1. Bright eyeshadow: Neon and pastel eyeshadow shades continued to be popular in 1985. Blue, pink, and purple were particularly popular choices.
2. Bold lips: Bright lipstick shades such as hot pink and coral were popular in 1985, often paired with dark lip liner for a more dramatic effect.
3. Contoured cheeks: Contouring became more popular in the mid-80s, with many women using darker shades of blush or bronzer to create a more sculpted look.
4. Thin eyebrows: While thick brows were still popular in the early 80s, by 1985 thin brows were becoming more common. Many women plucked their brows into thin arches or used eyebrow pencils to create a more defined shape.
5. Glitter: Shimmer and glitter continued to be popular in 1985, with many women incorporating these elements into their eyeshadow or blush for a touch of glamour.
Overall, 1985 was a year of experimentation and creativity when it came to makeup trends. Women were encouraged to express themselves through bold and dramatic looks, embracing bright colors and exaggerated features.
You May Also Like:
