Get The Look : 70's Makeup | Independent Fashion, Beauty & Culture

By Anne-Marie Jones

The 70’s were a time of contrasts – chilled, natural hippie vibes, fun and funky disco, the rise of rock and punk, all these styles were in at around the same time.

Women were taking more risks with makeup and fashion, and there were far more choices available too, with popular brands like Bonne Bell launching products that are still mainstream today.

Popular Products of the 70’s –

Some top products from the 60’s were still popular, like Cover Girl Clean Makeup and Max Factor Pan-Cake, but new products were quickly being launched too.

Some of the new products were Bonne Bell’s Ten-O-Six lotion and Lip Smackers, which 90’s girls will remember too!

Face –

The look for faces was far more fresh and natural, though the pan-cake and powder look was widely used too.

The tanned ‘California’ look was also becoming popular, and bronzer was a new trend. Blush was soft, usually applied high on the cheeks. Freckles were a feature, not a flaw!

‘Indian Earth’ was the bronzer of the time, and is still available today.

Eyes –

Eyeshadow was available in pretty much every colour now! Blue, frosted and pastel shades were very in, and musicians like David Bowie and KISS were rocking avant-garde styles that would become their signature looks.

The (still iconic today!) Maybelline Great Lash was the main mascara on the market, and Yardley of London was still popular for eye makeup too.

Eyebrows were thin, quite natural and nicely shaped., and mascara was applied lightly, often only on the top lashes.

Nails –

Revlon extended their collection to include frosted pinks and peachy colours, matching their lipsticks. CoverGirl got more playful and bold with brighter shades.

Acrylic nails were the new trend, and were usually worn long and natural coloured. Jeff Pink invented the French Manicure, and this quickly got popular, especially in Hollywood.

Lips –

Lip products were getting cute and fun, with the launch of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers and Maybelline Kissing Potion (roll- on flavoured lip gloss). Glossy lips were very on-trend!

Brands like Revlon and CoverGirl were big on frosted lipsticks in pinks, peach and coral.

Makeup Icons Of The 70s –

Farrah Fawcett – Star of ‘Charlies Angels’, best known for her hair, but her makeup is classic 70’s style too.

Stevie Nicks – The permanently cool Fleetwood Mac singer merges a few looks together, somehow being a bit hippie, folk, rock, and witchy all at once, creating a look that’s truly her own.