7 Things We can Learn from 1970s Beauty

We have to admit, it was awfully fun going back in time to research an era where glittery makeup, color and fluffy hair were all the rage. The shamelessly loud pigments and bouffant hairstyles are damn right admirable.

We now live in an age where everything needs to look effortlessly flawless and blended to the max: a rule that the 70s didn’t really abide by, and boy did it work for them. Sure, there are a few makeup styles we're happy to leave in the past, but overall, it’s time we took a trip down memory lane to see what we can learn from 1970s beauty in today’s over-saturated society.

1. Don't be scared of vibrant blue eyeshadow

Probably one of the more iconic trends of the 70s, pastel-blue eyeshadow is slowly making its way back into society, appearing in the likes of Urban Decay’s GoT palettes and Jeffree Star Cosmetics. One thing we should learn from this once-hot trend is to embrace bold, bright pigments for an unmistakably cool look. Save this style for festival season if you’re not ready to walk down the street with bright blue peepers.

2. Bottom lashes are important

Originally introduced by Twiggy during the 60s, this eye-opening trend followed through into the 70s where it rightfully stayed for a fair few years. Get your hands on a thickening mascara and layer up to dramatize your everyday look. We personally love the Benefit Roller Eyelash for a precise, professional finish.

3. Incorporate mass amounts of sparkle

Glitz and glam will never truly go out of fashion, especially where the 70s are concerned. We love this disco-inspired look, which is super easy to recreate when using a sparkly palette like the Huda Beauty The New Nude Eyeshadow Palette, which contains four highly reflective shades to light up your eyes. We also wouldn't hold back from throwing in extra shine with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Glitter!

4. Don’t overpluck your brows

Sure, we love most of the looks that came from the 70s, but the over-plucked, sparse and hairless brow can stay in the past. Natural, fuller and bushier brows have been accepted – hurrah! Finally, a period in time where women aren’t being asked to strip every hair from their face and body. Make the most of your brows with this budge-proof brow kit, which contains Anastasia Beverly Hills' iconic Brow Wiz, Dipbrow Gel and Clear Brow Gel - everything you need for full, natural brows.

5. Feathered layers create immense volume

Big hair needs to come back, and it needs to come back now. Luckily, we have more than enough tools available on the market to achieve such a voluminous ‘do – our absolute favorite being the Beauty Works Professional Styler Trio Edition. It has three interchangeable barrels for all sorts of styling, and the ceramic plates keep your hair frizz-free and smooth.

Check out our hair styling hub for a selection of volume-enhancing hairsprays, creams and waxes.

6. Wear deep fruit colors and high gloss whenever, wherever

Plums, cranberry and mulberry hues with a high-gloss finish were particularly popular in the early 70s and could be worn all year round (as opposed to being saved for nights out or in the winter months, which is a beauty rule we typically follow). For a long-lasting, high-gloss finish, try out the Florence By Mills Get Glossed Lip Gloss.

7. Rock graphic liner

This particular look was popular in the 60s but followed through into the 70s. It wasn’t necessarily worn by everyone, but a heavy, well-defined liner look (either top or bottom) was definitely a hit among punks and goths. Emphasize your eyes with a bold 70s graphic eye by investing in a long-wearing, ultra-pigmented liquid liner.

We hope you're feeling inspired? Why not also check out our makeup palettes range to accompany your new 70s style!