How To Get a Modern ’80s Makeup Look

When you think of 1980s makeup, one defining characteristic likely comes to mind: color. From neon pink blush to electric blue eyeshadow, the biggest ‘80s makeup trends were bold, bright, and anything but boring. And if the resurgence of retro trends like skinny brows and colored mascara is any indication, ‘80s makeup is back in a big way.

While color is still central to today’s version of 1980s makeup, it’s a bit more toned down, making the vintage look both approachable and surprisingly wearable. Keep reading for seven simple steps on how to create an electrifying 80s makeup look and that’s perfectly at home in the here and now.

What Was Makeup Like in the 1980s?

Makeup in the ‘80s followed a more-is-more approach to just about everything. This was definitely not a decade of natural makeup. It was the era of excess: a time to play, be adventurous, and try fun, expressive beauty looks.

Like the hair (teased to the sky), ‘80s makeup was flashy and attention-grabbing: think vivid blush, technicolored lids, and the perennial statement lip (typically in shades of red or pink). While the previous decade favored more natural makeup looks, the ‘80s were all about experimentation. And the application techniques used during the decade typically reflected that too—nearly everybody adopted a heavy-handed approach when applying their makeup. Rather than concentrating on just the eyes or just the lips, the answer was always “both.”

What Eyeshadow and Lipstick Colors Were Most Popular in the ’80s?

In case we weren’t super obvious above, makeup in the ’80s was all about color. But not just any color would do. During the decade, neutrals took a decided backseat to rainbow brights and neons.

Bold blues and other cool-toned shades (including violet, turquoise, and magenta) served as the backbone of some of the best ‘80s eye makeup looks. These electric hues weren’t applied sparingly, either: in many cases, eyeshadow was swept on from the lash line to the brow bone, ensuring the wearer would stand out in an (equally colorful) crowd.

For lipstick, hot pink and fuschia were among the most popular hues of the decade—the more pigmented, the better. Classic red lipstick also enjoyed a renaissance during the ‘80s, thanks to some of the era’s most popular musicians and tastemakers.

How To Do ’80s Makeup With a Modern Spin

Now that you know a little more about 1980s makeup, it’s time to put what you’ve learned into action. Here’s how to give ’80s makeup a modern upgrade with the help of products like pink blush, bold eyeshadow, colored mascara, and bright lipstick.

1. Apply foundation and concealer

Before reaching for your candy-colored shadows and lipstick, we suggest creating a smooth, even base for your makeup application with foundation. In the ‘80s, skin was neither overly matte nor dewy—so for an authentic ‘80s makeup look, you’ll want to steer clear of anything too velvety or radiant. Instead, opt for a natural-looking foundation, such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, which provides buildable medium-to-full coverage and feels lightweight on the skin.

If you need additional coverage, use a concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up to 24H Full Coverage to help mask blemishes, dark circles, or other discolorations.

2. Swipe on blush

Bright bubblegum pink blush is just what you want for a 1980s makeup look. Sweep the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink high onto your cheekbones, blending the soft matte formula up toward your temples for added definition. Continue building color until you’ve reached your desired flush (remember: more is more).

If matte electric pink blush feels like too much for you, consider reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Bright Pink instead. It’s still bright, but the buildable formula allows you to customize the vividness to your liking. Plus, the liquid formula boasts a natural, dewy-looking finish that feels decidedly modern.

3. Brush up your brows

When you’re figuring out how to do ’80s makeup, it’s impossible not to remember the brows. Natural, fluffy brows were the gold standard of the time—no thin, skinny eyebrows here (those came to fruition in the ‘90s).

Create the illusion of full, fluffy brows with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Brow Lamination, which has a sweat-resistant formula and gives you a laminated brow look that lasts for up to 24 hours. Just brush your brows up with the angled spoolie brush for all-day lift and hold.

4. Apply colorful eyeshadow

Next up is the pièce de résistance: your ‘80s eye makeup. Fortunately, while undeniably daring, this part of the look is super easy to execute—you need only one hue to make an impact. For a true 1980s eye makeup look, we suggest reaching for an electric blue eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Grand Bleu. If the deep, rich cobalt shade feels a bit too bold for you, a shimmery icy blue, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Argentic, works well, too.

Alternatively, try a purple hue for a softer, more modern feel (we love the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Mauve). Whichever color you choose, sweep it onto more than just the lid. Start at the lashline and swipe all the way up to the browbone—remember, more is more.

5. Add eyeliner and mascara

For an extra burst of color, pair colorful eyeliner with your ’80s eye makeup. Both the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24H Pencil Eyeliner are available in an array of vivid shades, from ‘80s-approved blues and purples to classic neutrals for a softer feel. You can use your chosen eyeliner to simply trace along your upper and lower lash lines for definition, the ‘80s way, or create a pigmented retro wing—the choice is yours.

Next comes the fun part: choosing a colored mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara comes in an array of vibrant shades perfect for putting the finishing touch on your ‘80s eye makeup look, including Cobalt Blue, Deep Burgundy and Deep Violet. If you’d rather keep your look a little more subtle, though, the volumizing formula also comes in classic neutral shades, including Black and deep Black Brown. Pick your favorite, then swipe the washable formula through your lashes for full, clump-free fringe.

Editor’s tip: Feel free to use different colors for the top and bottom lashes if you want—this color-blocking technique allows you to experiment with color without committing to a full set of rainbow-colored fringe.

6. Paint your lips with a bright shade of lipstick

Today, if you’re rocking a bold eyeshadow or vibrant blush, you’ll typically want to stick to a neutral lip for balance. Not so in the ‘80s—to round out the look, we’re going in with even more color. Try a vivid pink lipstick to match your blush (the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Pink Flamingo gets our vote), or go full glam with a vivid red lip. For the latter, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris, which boasts a powdery matte finish and wears for up to 16 hours.

Remember, though, while bright lipstick makes for an authentic ‘80s makeup look, you can rock your makeup any way you want. If you’d rather showcase a more subdued lip alongside your brighter cheeks and eyes, try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Peach Charm. The nourishing formula provides a pink wash of color that feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips.

7. Spritz on setting spray

After doing all the work to create a modern ’80s makeup look, the last thing you want is for it to fade or smudge a few hours later. Give your 1980s makeup a layer of protection with a setting spray like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, which helps lock face, eye, and lip makeup in place for up to 36 (!) hours. Spritz in an “X” and “T” motion over your face to ensure complete coverage, let the formula dry for a moment, then head out the door (don’t forget to cue up your playlist with plenty of throwback jams to get into the spirit).

Next Up: Y2K Makeup Is Back: Here Are Some of Our Favorite Nostalgic Looks to Try

Photo credit: Celita Lowe, IG/@makeupbycelita