’70s Makeup Trends That Are Making a Comeback—and How to Nail Them

A decade synonymous with disco, glitter, bold brows, and graphic eyeliner—the 1970s encapsulate an era of beauty that continues to inspire today. The exciting news is that beauty enthusiasts are embracing ’70s vibes in 2024 like never before. From understated natural looks to full-glam disco styles, the focus is on radiant skin and vibrant colors. Even trendsetter Hailey Bieber is getting in on the action with her trademark pink shimmer, cat eyes, and glossy nails.

“Because the ’70s were marked by significant cosmetic experimentation, makeup styles from that era have reappeared frequently in modern aesthetics,” explains Sam Kyle, a makeup artist at Mirabella. “Bold, graphic liners have made a strong comeback in recent years, and the popular ‘maneater’ makeup look draws heavily from the makeup seen in ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ featuring winged liner, sculpted cheekbones, and defined lips.”

Below, makeup artists dissect iconic ’70s makeup looks reminiscent of Studio 54—read on to discover how to recreate these looks at home.

01. Bold Cut Crease

Cut creases aren’t new to the beauty scene, but they’re experiencing a revival, inspired by ’70s British icon Twiggy. As the pioneer of the hippie pastel aesthetic, Twiggy’s exaggerated eye makeup and pastel hues have stood the test of time.

To achieve this look, start with your base and apply your favorite pastel eyeshadow across the lid, blending as needed. Then, using a felt tip liner like Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, trace above your eye’s crease, following your natural arch. Extend the winged liner along the waterline as usual.

For added impact, try lining your waterline with white cream eyeliner to enhance the shadow and widen the eyes.

02. Priscilla Presley Doe-Eye

Popularized by Priscilla Presley, the innocent yet sultry doe-eye makeup has become a focal point of the reimagined ’70s makeup trend, embraced by celebrities like Sydney Sweeney and TikTok creators.

The key is to create the illusion of larger eyes, achieved with a neutral foundation base for a wide-eyed effect. Use a neutral brown shadow to shape the eyes, blending it across the lids and over the crease. Highlight the waterline with a white liner.

Finish with a volumizing mascara like Mirabella Lash Luxe Mascara for both upper and lower lashes. For a dramatic, Twiggy-inspired touch, use tweezers to group a few lower lashes together for statement definition.

03. Statement Eyeliner

For a runway-ready statement, nothing beats chic statement eyeliner. Despite its bold appearance, this look is surprisingly easy to master. Start by applying your favorite vibrant, pigmented eyeshadow across the lid, ensuring a rich color payoff. Use black shadow to shade lightly under the brow bone on the inner corner of the eye, building dimension gradually.

Next, apply black liquid liner across the eye, extending the line down on both inner and outer corners of the lid. Finish by swiping a line across the bottom lashes with the same liquid liner. For an extra groovy touch, add a few baby lashes using Ardell Baby Lashes.

04. Metallics

When it comes to ’70s makeup, nothing screams glam like metallics. This look focuses on shimmery eyeshadow, complemented by flushed cheeks and subtle contouring for a disco-inspired glow.

Using sturdy, fallout-free products like Lemonhead Glitter Concentrate, apply a vibrant, pigmented shadow to the lid as a base. Follow up with glitter for an ultra-shimmery finish.

05. Freckles

A hallmark of ’70s makeup was radiant skin and innocent, girl-next-door freckles. Achieving this look requires a solid skincare routine to prep the skin, including exfoliation and hydration.

For faux freckles, use an eyeshadow or freckle pen to create natural-looking dots on the face. Tap the pigment with your fingers to blend for a seamless finish. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your desired look.

With these ’70s-inspired makeup trends, you’ll be ready to embrace retro glamour with a modern twist.