How to Get a Modern ‘80s Makeup Look With Purple and Blue Mascara

The ‘80s makeup trends were all about color; bright pink lipstick, blue eyeshadow and colored mascara in electric shades like purple, blue and green. The ‘90s skinny brows coming back into the trend cycle prove that just about anything that was old can be new and buzzy once again. 

Colored mascara has a growing presence on social media, and we’re seeing more and more TikTok creators and social media influencers reach for purple and blue tubes over the classic black mascara that many of us tend to go for. Ahead, we share how you can give ‘80s makeup trends a modern upgrade with colored mascara, in just five simple steps.

What Was the Typical ‘80s Makeup?

Makeup in the ‘80s consisted of bright eyeshadow and colored mascara in shades of blue, pink and purple, paired with bright pink shades of lipstick and super-flushed cheeks. It was not a decade of natural makeup looks, but it offered fun and playful expression for your beauty routine. 

How to Wear ‘80s Makeup?

Here’s how to give ‘80s makeup a modern upgrade with the help of pink blush, colored mascara and bright lipstick. 

1. Apply Foundation and Concealer

Since ‘80s makeup was so focused on color, it’s best to pick a foundation with full coverage to create an even canvas. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder.

If you need any additional coverage, use a full-coverage concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage to mask blemishes or dark circles. 

2. Swipe on Blush 

A bright, bubblegum pink shade of blush is just the type you want to reach for to achieve this '80s-style makeup look. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink — you can also use it to add some rosy color to your lids. 

3. Pick a Colored Mascara and Apply It

Next comes the fun part: choosing a shade of colored mascara. The L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara comes in a purple shade called Galactic Purple and a deep blue shade called Stellar Blue. Both add vivid color to your lashes, while providing you with lift, length and volume sans clumps. 

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara is another drugstore favorite mascara that comes in various shades, like Cobalt Blue, Deep Burgundy, Deep Violet and Deep Green. The volumizing formula makes your lashes appear thicker and fuller with just a few swipes. 

While you can choose the color that speaks to you best, you can also pick a complementary shade for your eye color (one that sits opposite your eye color on the color wheel) to give your makeup a cohesive and elevated touch while emphasizing your unique eyes. Those with brown eyes can reach for blue or purple mascara, while those with blue eyes will look extra stunning with a deep burgundy or red shade. Hazel eyes can take their pick between a green or violet tube, while green eyes would look best with burgundy or deep blue mascara.

Once you’ve picked a shade, curl your lashes and apply a few coats of mascara. Feel free to use a different color for the top and bottom lashes; if this is your first time trying colored mascara, it makes for a great pop of color on the bottom lashes when paired with a black hue on the top. 

Editor’s tip: For an extra burst of color, pair some colorful liner with your colorful lash fringe. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner comes in shades, like blue, teal and green, while the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner comes in shades like purple and deep burgundy.

4. Paint Your Lips With a Bright Shade of Lipstick 

Following along with the trend of color in ‘80s makeup, the next step is colorful lipstick. Match it to your pink blush to bring the look together or go for an entirely new shade to add to your bold glam. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick comes in shades of pink, red and berry that wear for up to 16 hours with a comfortable, hyaluronic acid-infused formula and matte finish. To truly embody ‘80s makeup, try the berry pink shade, Wine Not. 

If you’d prefer a more subdued lip to accompany the color on your cheeks and eyes, try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. The nourishing formula provides a pink wash of color that feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips.

5. Spritz on Setting Spray

After doing all the work to create a modern version of ‘80s makeup, the last thing you want is for it to fade or smudge a few hours later. Give your makeup a layer of protection with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. Spritz it in an ‘X’ and ‘T’ motion to get full coverage. 

Next: Every Product You’ll Need to Create a Long-Lasting Makeup Look

Photographer: Stephanie Price