'80s Costume Makeup

For 80's makeup, think bold, bright and outrageous.

Whether you're going to a party or just trying to get into character while listening to Bananarama, achieving perfect 1980s-era makeup is simple, especially since nothing is too much. As with 1980s fashion, makeup of the decade was all about bright colors, wild designs and bold accents.

The "Eyes" Have It

In 1980s-era makeup, eyeshadow was the true standout. Unlike today, where it is more socially acceptable to look like you are wearing less makeup, the thinking in the 1980s was "the more, the better." To create an authentic 1980s eye, start by picking either one very bold color (blue eyeshadow is the most popular choice) or several bright colors to block out on the eyelid. Like Totally 80's website recommends lining the eyes with bright blue eyeshadow and putting a strong, bold color above it, in the crease of the eye and as high up as you would like. "Wing" the eyeshadow by making a type of point on the outside of the eye. This type of shape was widely popular. Very caked-on black or blue eyeliner should be liberally applied to the top and bottom of the eye.

Cheeks and Lips

Blush in the 1980s was intended to stand out. Liberally contour the cheekbones in bright, unnatural-looking pink. Start at the top of your ear and brush color towards the top of your mouth. Lip color should be either bright or a hue in a shiny, frosted color. For your 1980s costume look, be sure to line the lips fully and fill in with a corresponding color. As far as foundation is concerned, use matte, bronzed foundation. There is no need for it to look natural.

Brows and Beauty Spots

Brows in the 1980s were bushier and less groomed than today, so brush them out and let them go. Also, thanks to Madonna, the "beauty spot" became a popular trend in makeup in the 1980s. To look legitimate, you can pick up a fake beauty spot at a costume shop or just draw one on with a brown pencil eyeliner.

Glitterize to Glamourize

Don't be afraid to add glitter and shimmer wherever possible in the makeup. Glitter in the lipstick or in the white highlight for the browbone and inner crease of the eye are optimal places to include extra shine. Add shimmer to the top of the cheek as well to create an effect where the shimmer continues around the eye and over to the cheekbones.

Steal a Look

Check out pictures of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Brooke Shields and popular '80s sitcoms to steal the perfect look for your costume. Stars of the 80s had the best and most exaggerated makeup, so you will find the most outrageously authentic look from them.

References

• Makeup-Artist-World.com
• Like Totally 80's
• Lovetoknow