'80s makeup is making a big, bold comeback – here's the most delicious inspo
80s makeup is having a bit of a moment, and we see why. We all know there's nothing new about trends. They are most likely recycled from a bygone era or a past style icon, but with a shiny new name to make them feel novel and exciting. This is most definitely true of beauty trends. Just look at crimped hair – it's the ultimate calling card of a 90s childhood, but it's suddenly become a big deal on our TikTok feeds and every celebrity is giving the look a go on the red carpet.
It was only natural 80s makeup was next in line for summer time beauty inspo. It makes sense. For the past year we’ve been dusting off 90s smash hits from crimping to spiced brown lip liner and claw clips, but now we’re looking for bright, uplifting, audacious colour. Fuchsia lips and neon eyeshadows are firmly back on the agenda, hence the return of the 80s.
70s and 80s babies assemble. We're about to give you a serious hit of nostalgia. Afterall, the 80s were the era of bold, colourful makeup. Makeup that pushed boundaries and challenged beauty standards excessively. 80s makeup was always all about making a statement, and that it did.
Known for big hair, blue eyeshadow and neon lips, makeup artists like Nikki Wolff and Katie Jane Hughes and the TikTok girlies, have been spearheading its revival.
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But if you're thinking of garish, powdery eyeshadow accompanied by sweatbands and leotards, don't panic, because the pros have worked out how to give the trend a modern spin. If you're rocking a bright 80s element, “pair it with glossy skin to keep things looking fresh vs powdery,” explains Katie.
Here's how to introduce some 80s into your makeup routine (because girl's just want to have fun)...
Eyes vs Lips
Modern makeup has tended to focus on restraint and balance so as not to overpower. The 80s on the other hand was all about power – power suits, power posing and powerful makeup, which means when it comes to eyes or lips, the answer is both.
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Colourful mascar
Black lashes sometimes just aren't enough, and a missed opportunity to introduce some colour into ‘meh’ makeup – so switch your usual ebony for cobalt blues, electric pinks or hi-vis violet.
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Bright Eyeshadow
The same goes for your shadow. 80s eyes were all about playing around kaleidoscopic colour. Think: vivid pinks, purples and blues, or, if you're up for experimenting, try all of them at once.
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Fuchsia Lips
Fuchsia lips are a signature 80s power play. Skip classic (and predictable reds) for pepto bismol pink. The good news is, they look phenomenal and you can keep it modern by pairing it with clean skin.
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Electric Blue
Another iconic 80s hue is electric blue. You could switch up your usual black flick, or you could go OTT by adding specs of purples and golds – TikTok will love it.
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Studio 54
Erm, hey 2023, Studio 54 called and they want their 80s makeup back. That is one way to amp up a subtle barely there base.
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Green with envy
Bring some green into your makeup routine by blending a more wearable forest green with a muted sage on the outer eye and bring it all the way up to the brows for extra drama. That's what the 80s would have wanted.
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Metallic Eyes
While electric blue is perhaps the most recognisable of all 80s beauty looks, we mustn't forget about muted metallics. Retaining all the pigment power of the other 80s makeup trend, the metallic look is a more sultry option perfect for a formal affair. Pair with a graphic liner and it's drama, drama, drama.
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Frosted Lips
Frosted lilacs and pale pinks are a staple and introduce a new element thanks to the ‘outdated’ finish. We reckon, it's time to bring 'em back, though...
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Draped Cheeks
One of the most enduring symbols of the 80s is XXL blush, or “draping”. It's not exactly subtle, but it is fierce, and it'll make you look fresh and party ready.
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Hot Pink Monotone Makeup
This combines two of our favourite 80s makeup trends – draping colour from the temples onto the cheeks and fuchsia lips. The results? Utter fabulousness.
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Noticeable Nudes
Nowadays when we say “nude lip” we mean a barely there, minimal hint of colour. But for 80s style you need to pack it on, and pack it on good. Subtle fuchsia explosion alert.
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Smokey of green
A vampy smokey eye will transcend generations, but adding a splash of neon or metallic hues will really turn any ol' smokey eye into some 80s realness.
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Heavy Eyeliner
That heavy liner is a statement on it's own and it swiftly and effortlessly brings the full look together.
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More ways to wear the trend...
@hungvanngo / InstagramPurple haze
While the signature eyeshadow colour of the 80s decade is blue, Hung Vanngo gives every colour in his palette a workout. Lilac is a firm favourite, with the shade being worked all the way to the brow bone.
@hungvanngo / InstagramWicked stuff
Here, he does the same for Camilla Belle at the Golden Globes, using a bright emerald green. The shade is also smudged along the lash line, with a tight lining of black to define the eye shape.
@patrickta / InstagramBarbie woo
Patrick Ta is making lips pop with neon pink. The modern twist? A matte finish and pared back eye makeup.
@patmcgrathreal / InstagramFloating liner
Pat McGrath adds structure to an 80s eye, by applying a bright purple as a floating crease with a dusting of pink below the beginning of the brow.
@patrickta / InstagramPink punch
At it again with Adriana Lima, the pink shade is proven to look powerful regardless of colouring. Try Fenty's Stunna Lip Paint in Unlocked, £19, Harvey Nichols or Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap, £23, Harvey Nichols.
@patmcgrathreal / InstagramGraphic liner
Blue eyeshadow is and blue eyeliner is one way to ease into it. Pat McGrath created this dramatic, sharp wing backstage at Valentino. Want to give it a try yourself? Here's our edit of the best blue eyeliners.
