From Studio 54 sparkle to soft boho beauty, the 1970s changed makeup forever.
The decade celebrated expression, colour, and individuality — and the looks are still inspiring artists, performers, and beginners today.

Whether you’re creating a show-stopping retro style for the stage or pulling together a simple fancy-dress look, 1970s makeup offers a perfect blend of drama and charm. This guide walks you through the most iconic 70s makeup ideas, how trends evolved through the decade, and how to recreate each look with modern products.

Key Takeaways

• ‘70s makeup blended natural warmth with expressive shimmer and bold lashes.
• Disco looks focused on shine, while boho beauty stayed soft and earthy.
• Many iconic 1970s makeup looks are easy to recreate with modern products.
• Bottom lashes, pastel eyeshadow, and bronzed cheeks defined the era.

What Kind of Makeup Was Popular in the 1970s?

1970s makeup was defined by two main trends: bohemian minimalism and disco glamour. The minimalist look featured sheer foundation, peachy cheeks, and nude lips, while disco-inspired metallic shadows, bold lashes, and plenty of glitter. Both styles focused on warmth, glow, and expressive eyes, with browns, peaches, lilacs, and pale blues widely used. Shimmer under lights further enhanced facial features.

The variety of trends made the decade unusually flexible. Someone could wear earthy colours during the day and switch to full Studio 54 shimmer by night — a duality that continues to make iconic 70s makeup so versatile for artists today.

The Most Popular 1970s Makeup Looks to Rock Now

Dewy, Healthy Skin

Radiant skin was central to the ‘70s aesthetic. Instead of a dense foundation, the complexion aimed to look naturally hydrated and slightly sun-kissed. A light base allowed freckles and natural texture to show through, creating a fresh, effortless finish. Liquid highlighter added a gentle sheen to the cheekbones, temples, and brow bone — never glittery, just softly luminous. This subtle glow became one of the most recognisable features of classic 1970s makeup.

Bold Bottom Lashes

Lower-lash definition became a signature trend, giving the eyes a wide, doll-like quality. Mascara was applied generously to the bottom lashes, sometimes supported with tiny individual lash clusters for extra impact. A soft sweep of brown shadow or liner underneath helped deepen the look without overwhelming the eyes. The effect remains one of the most distinctive markers of true iconic 70s makeup.

Sparkly Studio 54 Eyes

Studio 54–style sparkle was all about metallic lids, glitter, and high-shine finishes that caught the light under the famous nightclub’s dramatic spotlights. Nothing captures disco 70s makeup trends quite like shimmering lids. Metallic eyeshadow in silver, gold, lilac, and icy blue dominated night-time looks, often paired with a wash of glitter across the centre of the lid. The finish was intentionally reflective so it would catch the light on the dancefloor or under stage lighting. If you’re recreating this look today, pairing metallic shadows with glitter makeup gives you an instant 1970s transformation.

Rosy, Flushed Cheeks

Cheeks played a major role in defining the 70s face shape. Rose, dusty pink, and warm coral tones were swept higher along the cheekbones to lift the face, with colour often extending slightly toward the temples. The result was a fresh, friendly, outdoorsy glow that worked beautifully for both bohemian and glamorous looks. This blush placement is still frequently used in retro-inspired editorial makeup.

Dramatic Winged Eyeliner

The winged liner evolved throughout the decade. Early 70s makeup often favoured softly smudged brown liner for a natural finish, but by the disco era, the wing became sharper and more elongated. The flick lifted the outer corner of the eyes while keeping the top lid clean and sleek. Rounded edges gave the liner a distinctly retro feel, different from today’s ultra-sharp wings. Using professional eye makeup helps achieve a soft yet defined 1970s look.

Pastel Eyeshadow

Pastels became a major part of 1970s makeup looks thanks to their soft, dreamy finish. Baby blue, lilac, mint green, pale pink, and peach were all common choices. These colours were usually applied as a wash across the lid, with a soft transition shade in the crease. A hint of shimmer over the top created a classic 70s eye that worked for both daytime and disco.

Nude Lips with a Satin Finish

Because the eyes stole the show in most 70s looks, lips were kept understated. Peachy nudes, rose nudes, and beige tones were common, often topped with a light gloss for shine. The finish leaned towards satin rather than matte, complementing the decade’s overall dewy, healthy complexion. This understated lip made it easier to pair bold eyes with wearable everyday makeup.

Bronzed Cheeks

A bronzed complexion was essential to the era’s warm, sun-kissed feel. Bronzer was used to add definition and warmth around the cheekbones, temples, and jawline, but always blended softly for a diffused glow. The goal was to look naturally warmed by the sun, never heavily sculpted. This soft bronze helped tie together many iconic 70s makeup looks, especially those inspired by boho and outdoor lifestyles.

Bushy, Natural Brows

Eyebrows in the 70s were full, soft, and natural. Instead of harsh reshaping, brows were brushed into place with minimal filling to maintain their natural texture. This relaxed brow style balanced the more expressive eye and cheek makeup, giving the face a grounded, approachable feel. It’s also one of the easiest 70s looks for beginners to recreate.

Illuminate Eyes with Highlighter

Highlighting around the eyes was popular long before it became a modern makeup staple. Artists often brightened the inner corners and lifted the brow bone using pale shimmer or a highlighter pencil. This technique opened the eyes and complemented the decade’s reflective finishes. You can recreate the effect using highlighting pencil makeup to add a subtle lift.

Retro Doll-Like Makeup

The mod influence of the late 60s carried into the early 1970s in a softened form. This created the “doll-like” look — wide eyes enhanced with white eyeliner, painted-on lower lashes, and rounded pastel eyeshadow. The effect was youthful and expressive, making it popular for editorials and theatrical performances. Today, it’s a great choice for costume parties, cosplay, or retro stage roles.

Biba-Inspired Makeup

Biba’s high-fashion influence shaped the darker, moodier side of 70s makeup. Eyes were heavily shaded in smoky browns, plums, or greys, creating a rounded, dramatic silhouette. Cheeks were sculpted with intensity, and lips were often finished in deep matte tones. This look was glamorous, bold, and fashion-forward — perfect for performers and makeup artists seeking a more editorial 1970s makeup look.

Orange Makeup

Warm, sunset-inspired tones became a major trend as natural beauty gained popularity. Terracotta lids, copper shadows, and orange-based blushes created a monochromatic glow that felt effortless and earthy. Peachy lip shades tied the look together. This style works beautifully for both day and night and remains one of the most wearable 70s makeup ideas today.

Graphic Eyeliner

Toward the late 70s, eyeliner became increasingly experimental. Floating lines, double wings, geometric shapes, and extended creases appeared in fashion and music circles. These bold shapes offered a futuristic twist on classic winged liner and are still seen in editorial work today. They’re ideal for performers or anyone wanting a dramatic, stylised finish.

How To Get a 70s Makeup Look (Step-by-Step)

Creating a 1970s-inspired look is easier than it appears. Start by prepping the skin with a hydrating primer, then apply a light base that lets your natural texture show. A touch of liquid highlighter adds the soft glow that defines the decade.

For the eyes, begin with a gentle transition shade in the crease, then add your chosen lid colour — a pastel wash, a metallic shimmer, or a warm earthy tone, depending on the style you’re recreating. A little highlighter at the inner corners instantly lifts the look.

Next, choose an eyeliner style. A smudged brown liner gives a relaxed daytime feel, while a defined wing captures true disco energy. White or nude eyeliner on the waterline helps open the eyes if you’re aiming for a doll-like ‘70s finish. Once your liner is in place, add definition to the lower lashes using mascara or careful painted strokes.

Cheeks come next. A rosy or coral blush swept upward toward the temples brings classic 70s vibrancy, while bronzer adds warmth and soft structure. Finish with nude lipstick, then top with a touch of gloss to capture the decade’s signature shine.

Shop 70s Makeup Essentials

To recreate these looks with authenticity, explore products that offer soft shimmer, pastel tones, precise liners, and reflective finishes. The Treasure House collection includes everything you need to bring classic 1970s makeup to life:

• professional eye makeup
• glitter makeup
• highlighting pencil makeup

‘70s Hair: Feathered Layers Create Immense Volume

Makeup was only half of the ‘70s story — hair completed the transformation. Feathered layers became one of the most recognisable hairstyles of the decade, especially the soft, voluminous look made famous by Farrah Fawcett. Hair was usually worn with a centre parting, loose waves, and flicked-out ends to frame the face. This airy, bouncy style pairs perfectly with any of the makeup looks in this guide, tying the full retro aesthetic together.

The 1970s were a decade of expressive, confident, and playful beauty. Whether you’re drawn to disco glitter, pastel eyeshadow, natural bronzed glow, or dramatic Biba-inspired shapes, there’s a 70s look for every skill level and performance style. By blending soft radiance with bold accents, you can create a retro character that feels both authentic and modern — perfect for stage productions, creative shoots, themed events, or simply experimenting with something new.

 

Sources

https://www.women.com/1968536/once-popular-beauty-trends-1970s/