80s Makeup Ideas for a Retro Party

If any decade knew how to say “more is more,” it was the ’80s. Electric blue eyeshadow, hot pink cheeks and plenty of glitter made for a look you could spot from across the room. That’s exactly what makes it so much fun to wear again.

Whether you’re heading to a retro party, a festival or a birthday, start with one bold colour and see where it takes you. This is the look where adding a little more blush is usually a good idea.

What Makes 80s Makeup So Recognisable?

Think bright blue, pink or purple eyeshadow, full brows, black eyeliner and plenty of mascara. Blush sits high on the cheekbones and sweeps up towards the temples. Finish with a bright lip and a touch of glitter wherever you want the light to catch.

You can pick just one of those details or wear them all together. Electric blue eyeshadow and pink lips already read as ’80s. Add a sweep of blush towards the temples if you want to go all in.

What Do You Need for an 80s Makeup Look?

Start with a bold eyeshadow, a black or colourful eyeliner, bright blush and a lipstick or gloss you love. Add mascara or false lashes for extra definition.

If you want sparkle, have Glitter Primer and cosmetic glitter ready. Fine glitter works well for small details, while chunky glitter makes a statement along the temples or collarbones.

How to Do Bold 80s Eye Makeup

1. Sweep a bright shade, such as electric blue, across your eyelid.
2. Blend a second colour, such as violet or hot pink, into the outer corner.
3. Dab a little Glitter Primer onto the centre of the lid, then gently press on a few flecks of fine glitter. Check that both products are suitable for eyelid use and keep them clear of the waterline.
4. Draw a bold black line along your upper lashes.
5. Finish with a generous coat of mascara or add false lashes for more drama.

Let both colours show. A bright blue lid with a clear flash of pink or purple at the outer corner gives you that retro effect with very little blending.

Sweep Your Blush Up Towards the Temples

In an ’80s look, blush gets a starring role. Apply bright pink or coral high on the cheekbones, then sweep it upwards towards the temples. Check the colour in good light and build it up until it looks as bold as you want.

Finish With a Bright Lip

Try glossy fuchsia, vivid red, neon pink or purple. If you’re already wearing two eyeshadow colours, repeat one of them on your lips to tie the look together. For a final hit of sparkle, add a few flecks of glitter to your cheekbones, temples or collarbones.

Five 80s Party Makeup Ideas

• Electric blue and silver. Pair electric blue eyeshadow with a touch of silver glitter and bright pink lips.
• Pink and purple. Blend the two across your lids and add holographic glitter at your temples.
• Neon green. Wear a bold green liner, colourful lashes and a little glitter along your hair parting.
• Coral and gold. Sweep coral blush towards your temples, add gold glitter to your cheekbones and finish with red lipstick.
• Glitter freckles and flowers. Scatter glitter freckles across your cheeks or finish a colourful eye look with a few pressed Face Flowers at one temple.