Did they use foundation in the 80s?

Author: Deontae Mraz  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

Foundation and blush A big part of 1980s makeup was creating a blank base to allow all the color to pop. Foundation was applied in layers and was typically two shades lighter than the natural skin tone (like Madonna's look from the 1987 AMAs).

Did people wear foundation in the 80s?

Face: The 1980's was all about full coverage with heavy foundation and powder. I used Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation shade 'Pure Beige' as this gives great coverage. I then used Australis Fresh and Flawless Press Powder shade 'Natural' to provide an even heavier foundation look.

What makeup was used in the 80s?

It was the era of excess: a time to play, be adventurous, and try fun, expressive beauty looks. Like the hair (teased to the sky), '80s makeup was flashy and attention-grabbing: think vivid blush, technicolored lids, and the perennial statement lip (typically in shades of red or pink).

Was 80s makeup matte or glossy?

Luscious Lips and Glossy Finishes:

Bold reds, fiery oranges, and vivid purples were among the most popular lip colors of the decade, often applied with precision for a high-impact pout. But perhaps the most iconic lip trend of the '80s was the glossy, lacquered finish.

Did they have concealer in the 80s?

Using a foundation one or two shades lighter than your natural skin colour was one of the first steps to achieving a perfect eighties look. Concealer was used to unify the tone in those areas with imperfections on your face and finish with a thin layer of translucent powder for the best unified looks.

Apply Foundation for a 1980s Makeup Look

What were the beauty standards in the 80s?

Beauty consisted around the fitness and nutrition craze in the 80s, encouraging athletically toned bodies, bodysuits, and tracksuit bottoms. Supermodel and bodybuilding became a sensation, along with leg warmers and big hair.

What came first concealer or foundation?

Although some people apply concealer before their foundation, this should be the second step in your routine. If you apply concealer first, it'll get smudged and blend in with your makeup. For a perfect skin tone, put on primer and follow up with foundation.

What makeup trend was dominant in the 1980s?

Neon colors dominated '80s fashion in addition to making major waves in the beauty space, with vibrant colors popping up on lips and eyes. Take a cue from Boy George and rock a neon stripe of pink shadow with a bright metallic pink lip.

What kind of jewelry was worn in the 80s?

JEWELRY STYLES

As the decade opened, the focus in jewelry was on gold and diamonds. Thin gold chains were worn in multiples as bracelets and, in various lengths, as necklaces, often with gold charms and small gem-set pendants.

When was makeup unpopular?

Though cosmetics were used discreetly by many women, makeup in Western cultures during this time was generally frowned upon, particularly during the 1870s, when Western social etiquette increased in rigidity.

What women's shoes were popular in the 80s?

Take a look back at a few of the many styles of women's shoes from the '80s, including spike heels, wedges, flats, pumps, penny loafers, moccasins and boat shoes, just to name a few!

Did people wear bronzer in the 80s?

“I really noticed bronzer becoming fashionable in the 1980s when I was still a teenager,” says makeup artist Andrea Claire. “I remember that California sun-kissed look, like Farrah Fawcett.

When did people start using foundation?

The use of cosmetics to enhance complexion reaches back into antiquity. "Face painting" is mentioned in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 23:40). Ancient Egyptians used foundation. In 200 BC, ancient Greek women applied white lead powder and chalk to lighten their skin.

What is the 80s look?

Velour, velvet, and polyester were popular fabrics used in clothes, especially button-up and v shirts. Looser pants remained popular during this time, being fairly wide but straight, and tighter shirts were especially popular, sometimes in a cropped athletic style.

Should older people wear foundation?

“Skin's natural radiance can also diminish with age. So a little foundation goes a long way because the finish brings a healthy glow and some luminosity back into your face.”

What bags were popular in the 80s?

A number of bags were popular in the 1980s, including belt bags made of a variety of materials. Some designer handbags carried by celebrities of the era include the Hermès Birkin, Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag, the Chanel Gold Chain Classic Flap and various Prada nylon bags.

What was the biggest fashion trend in the 80s?

Top 10 Fashion Trends from the 80's
  1. BIG HAIR. Perms, perms, and more perms – you could have sailed the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria in some people's flows. ...
  2. SPANDEX. Lycra changed the world, and the 80s made sure it knew. ...
  3. RIPPED KNEES. ...
  4. LACEY SHIRTS. ...
  5. LEG WARMERS. ...
  6. HIGH WAISTED JEANS. ...
  7. NEON COLORS. ...
  8. MULLETS.

Did they wear big earrings in the 80s?

Oversized hoop earrings undeniably stood out as one of the defining jewelry trends of the 1980s.

Did they wear foundation in the 80s?

Foundation and blush

A big part of 1980s makeup was creating a blank base to allow all the color to pop. Foundation was applied in layers and was typically two shades lighter than the natural skin tone (like Madonna's look from the 1987 AMAs).

What color eyeshadow was popular in the 80's?

Of many colorful makeup trends, blue eyeshadow is one that truly reigned supreme and is emblematic of the '80s. Back in the day, bright baby blue shades were opaquely swiped across the lid for an almost pop art-esque aesthetic.

What was pretty in the 80s?

The eighties was the decade of MORE: Big hair, loud fashion, neon color, fast cars, mega-hold hair gel, and acid-washed jeans, the more rips, the better. Paradoxically, the eighties beauty rules were still about deprivation. When it came to the female body, LESS was still more.

Should you put foundation under your eyes?

To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.

Should foundation be lighter or darker?

Your foundation should ideally not be lighter or darker than your skin—you want to find a perfect match. If you only have a lighter foundation on hand, however, you may be able to make it work by adding warmth and depth with bronzer and contour, respectively.

Do you put primer on before or after foundation?

The most popular way to use a primer is before your foundation, and this is a fantastic method of creating a smoother-looking canvas. As the skincare ingredients treat your complexion, the smoothing makeup will create silky soft feeling skin that helps your face makeup glide on effortlessly.

Previous article
Does chair workout really work?
Next article
How long should Saniderm be left on a tattoo?