1. Cold cream as an all‑in‑one ritual.
Women in the 1970s swore by cold cream as a universal beauty staple — cleanser, moisturizer, night mask, and makeup remover in one. It wasn’t just a product; it was a nightly ritual of massaging the skin until it felt warm, soft, and nourished, a practice that modern skincare has replaced with multi‑step routines but never fully replicated in simplicity or comfort.
2. Beer rinses for glossy hair.
A surprising but beloved trick was rinsing hair with beer to add shine and volume. The natural hops and barley acted like a primitive volumizing treatment, leaving hair fuller, bouncier, and with a soft, natural sheen that women felt modern conditioners couldn’t quite mimic.
3. Ice‑water facials for instant lift.
Before “skin icing” became trendy again, 1970s women dunked their faces into bowls of ice water to tighten pores, reduce puffiness, and create a fresh, lifted look before makeup. It was a quick, inexpensive ritual that made the skin feel alive.
4. Vaseline for everything.
Petroleum jelly was a beauty Swiss‑army knife — lip balm, brow tamer, highlighter, cuticle conditioner, and even a nighttime eye cream. Women used it to create the decade’s signature dewy, glossy look long before highlighters existed.
5. Lemon juice for natural highlights.
Long before balayage, women squeezed lemon juice into their hair and sat in the sun to create soft, natural highlights. It was a slow, gentle lightening method that gave hair a sun‑kissed glow without bleach.
6. Baby powder as dry shampoo.
Baby powder was the original dry shampoo. Women dusted it into their roots to absorb oil, add volume, and refresh their hair between washes — especially during the era of feathered Farrah Fawcett styles.
7. Witch hazel as a universal toner.
Witch hazel was a staple for tightening pores, calming irritation, and refreshing the skin. Women applied it after cleansing to create a clean, matte canvas for the decade’s minimalist makeup looks.
8. Olive oil for hair and skin nourishment.
Mediterranean women popularized olive oil as a beauty treatment — massaged into the scalp, used as a deep conditioner, or applied to dry elbows and knees. Its simplicity and richness made it a beauty hero.
9. Egg‑white masks for tightening.
Egg whites were whisked into a frothy mask that dried into a firm, tightening layer. Women used it before events to create a lifted, smoothed look that makeup sat beautifully on.
10. Aloe straight from the plant.
Aloe vera leaves were kept in kitchens and bathrooms, sliced open to reveal the gel inside. Women used it for burns, blemishes, hydration, and soothing, which is a natural remedy that felt luxurious in its simplicity.
11. Brushing hair 100 strokes a night.
The “100 strokes” ritual wasn’t just about detangling — it was believed to distribute natural oils, stimulate the scalp, and create shine. It was a nightly moment of calm and self‑care. (This is true.)
12. Milk baths for softness.
Inspired by old Hollywood, some women added powdered milk to bathwater to soften the skin. The lactic acid gently exfoliated, leaving skin silky and luminous.
13. Rosewater as a daily refresher.
Rosewater was spritzed or dabbed onto the skin to hydrate, tone, and add a soft floral scent. It was a feminine ritual that made women feel instantly polished.
14. Baking soda for teeth whitening.
Before whitening strips, women brushed with baking soda to brighten their smiles. It was a simple, effective method passed down through generations.
15. Hot oil treatments for hair repair.
Women heated small vials of oil and applied them to their hair under a warm towel. These treatments restored softness and shine, especially for chemically treated or sun‑damaged hair.
16. Lipstick as blush.
A dab of lipstick blended onto the cheeks created a natural flush that matched the lips — a quick, cohesive beauty trick used by women who preferred minimal makeup.
17. Sleeping on satin pillowcases.
Satin pillowcases were prized for reducing hair breakage, preserving blowouts, and preventing facial creases. It was a glamorous yet practical beauty secret.
18. Baby oil for glowing legs.
Women applied baby oil to their legs for a glossy, luminous finish, especially in summer. It gave the skin a healthy sheen that felt effortless and sensual.
19. Vinegar rinses for scalp health.
Apple cider vinegar was used to remove buildup, balance the scalp, and leave hair incredibly shiny. It was a clarifying ritual long before clarifying shampoos existed.
20. Minimal makeup with strong features.
The 1970s embraced natural skin with one emphasized feature — bold lashes, glossy lips, or defined cheekbones. Women relied on subtlety rather than layers, creating a fresh, effortless look.
21. Homemade sugar scrubs.
Sugar mixed with honey or oil created a simple exfoliant that left skin smooth and glowing. Women used it on hands, lips, and elbows for instant softness.
22. Sunning for a “healthy glow.”
Before SPF awareness, women sought a golden tan as a symbol of vitality. They used tanning oils and spent time outdoors, believing sunlight improved mood and appearance.
23. Perfume layering with lotions.
Women applied matching scented lotions before perfume to make the fragrance last longer. It created a soft, enveloping scent that lingered throughout the day.
24. Nail buffing instead of polish.
Buffing nails to a natural shine was a chic alternative to polish. It created a clean, elegant look that felt refined and low‑maintenance.
25. Using steam for deep cleansing.
Women leaned over bowls of hot water to steam their faces, opening pores and loosening impurities. It was a simple, spa‑like ritual done at home.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
do you feel fabulous today?
Face by Stace 