The '80s are back in the beauty world in a big way. We're seeing retro trends like
blue eyeshadow, pink lips,
bold blush, and a more-is-more approach to makeup turning up on both the celeb set and influencers. But let's not forget where these looks came from; we can turn to actresses, models, and singers from the '80s to show us how these trends are really done. “The bright eyeshadow looks, exaggerated blush, and metallic lip are all making a comeback,” says Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay's global makeup artist. “These looks are fun, playful, and complement
all skin tones.”
Compared to the neutral hues we've seen in recent years, you might not be sure you're ready to embrace bold '80s makeup looks, but don't stress: We've got you covered. We rounded up 4 best beauty looks from the '90s with expert tips and statement beauty products to make pulling off these looks more manageable. (Perm not included.)
1. Pretty in Pink Lips
Christie Brinkley is a total '80s icon, so it comes as no surprise that her bold pink lip is serving up serious inspo. If you prefer neutrals and aren't ready to embrace some of the bold looks of the decade, this is a good gateway trend to try if you want to embrace '80s beauty. While Christie rocked her pink fuschia lip with a smoky eye, you can also take the look totally '80s and pair the trend with another popular '80s look: blue eyeshadow. “I love pairing a blue eye look with a pink cheek or lip,” says Kassajikian. If you're looking for a pretty pink gloss, try the URBAN DECAY Revolution High-Color Lipgloss or the SMASHBOX COSMETICS Gloss Angeles in Sorbet Watch.
2. Pink and Purple Only
Debbie Harry was doing the “blush on your eyes” look long before TikTok ever made it a trend decades later. “I love color, so I'm really excited that colorful eyeshadow is trending again,” says Kassajikian. Debbie let the bold hues speak volumes, and if you want to recreate the look, Kassajikian recommends applying “a fun shade like purple all over the lid paired with some mascara for a simple yet bold look.” We love the Bomb AF Eyeshadow Palette from BEAUTY CREATIONS COSMETICS because it has a slew of pink and purple hues to choose from. Whether you want a shimmer shade or a flat matte pigment, this eyeshadow palette has you covered.
3. Blushing Beauty
Forget highlighter—defining your cheeks in the '80s was all about exaggerated blush that matched your eyeshadow. This bold '80s makeup trend (which is also known as draping) was seen on everyone from Debbie Harry to Madonna to Iman. If you want to try it out, simply “apply your blush a little higher starting on the cheekbones and blend back to your hairline,” says Kassajikian. Opt for a pink shade, like KALEIDO COSMETICS' Blush in Primadonna. To avoid streaks, Kassajikian recommends following this pro tip: “Build the color as you go for more of an even blend in a patting motion to avoid harsh lines.”
4. The Bold and the Beautiful Brows
Bold eyes and bold brows defined the '80s, and ever since Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford launched the trend in the '80s, there have been different iterations of this look. If you spent years overplucking your eyebrows, it might be tough to pull off this look, but an eyebrow pencil, brow gel, and a brush can make a major difference. Let Brooke Shields' iconic brows serve up inspo and stock up on the basics. If you feel like your brows are a bit sparse and you want to take a more natural approach to penciling in your eyebrows, try BENEFIT COSMETICS Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel.
