The easiest way to get the 1980s look without feeling overwhelmed
The 1980s were known for bold colour, but you don’t need electric blue eyeshadow and neon pink everything to capture the spirit of the decade. This beginner-friendly version keeps the look wearable while still feeling authentically ’80s.
Step 1: Create a Fresh Base
Apply your favourite foundation or skin tint and lightly set with powder if needed.
The goal:
- Even skin tone
- Soft, natural finish
- Not overly matte
Don’t worry about heavy contouring. The 1980s were more focused on colour than sculpting.
Step 2: Add a Pop of Blush
Blush is what makes this look feel retro.
Choose:
- Soft pink
- Rose
- Peach-coral
Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend slightly upward toward the temples.
Think “healthy flush” rather than dramatic stripes.
Step 3: Simple Eyeshadow
For beginners, stick with one easy shade.
Try:
- Soft lavender
- Dusty rose
- Light blue
- Mauve
Sweep the colour over the eyelid and blend the edges.
The look should feel playful, not complicated.
Step 4: Mascara
Apply one or two coats of black mascara.
The lashes should look defined and lifted, but not overly dramatic.
Step 5: Soft Brows
Brush your brows into place and lightly fill any sparse areas.
Avoid creating sharp Instagram-style brows. The 1980s embraced fuller, natural-looking brows.
Step 6: Choose an Iconic 1980s Lipstick
Beginner-friendly shades include:
- Rose pink
- Soft fuchsia
- Cherry red
- Berry pink
- Coral
A cream finish works beautifully and feels authentically retro.
Step 7: The 1980s Secret
Match your blush and lipstick family.
For example:
- Pink blush + pink lipstick
- Coral blush + coral lipstick
- Berry blush + berry lipstick
This creates that unmistakable coordinated 1980s beauty look.
Easy Everyday 1980s Combination
- Rose blush
- Soft lavender eyeshadow
- Black mascara
- Berry-pink lipstick
- Natural brows
It’s polished, wearable, and gives just enough 1980s glamour without looking like a costume.
Stacey Says: Big, bright, bold defines the 1990s.
Quite honestly, when you love makeup, the 1980s makeup is a lot of fun. The standard rules of makeup, specifically today, go out the window. Rules? What rules? Lol. Bacon strip blush. Bright colour wash. Bright colourful mascara (blue and purple were the most common), followed by bright lipstick. Colour scheme was all over the place. Top it off with big hair, don’t care attitude. lol. It’s a fun decade and fun to play around with the makeup. Don’t forget NO BLENDING. The only time you’ll ever hear me say that. Any other time with any other makeup look and decade, it’s about removing excess product and blending. Again, the 80s is the opposite of this rule. Have fun and enjoy!!
