Throwback to 1975: 40 Years of Beauty Looks

Let’s take a nostalgic look back at some of the most popular beauty looks and trends from the last forty years, and grab some tips on how to replicate the look!

1970’s

There are so many amazing makeup trends from the official decade of disco that can be echoed in today’s beauty looks, from glitter eyeshadow to dramatic contouring and red lipstick.

There was also a 1920’s revival during the first half of the decade, which proved to show the long lasting popularity of the classic smoky eye paired with skinny pencil brows, and an Art Deco inspired look. The latter half was dedicated to the underground world of punk with dark colour palettes, pale skin and a devil may care attitude to boot.

The French manicure was created in the mid-’70s by the founder of nail polish brand Orly, Jeff Pink who was inspired by the Parisian models who rubbed white pencil under their nail tips.

Popular fragrances of the 1970’s include Charlie by Revlon, L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Opium by Yves Saint Laurent.

Famous Faces: Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, Donna Summer & Joan Jett

1980’s

Makeup trends from the 80’s are definitely not for the faint hearted! Everything was bold and dramatic, clothes included, and experimental looks were in – big time. Heavy eye makeup with blended out eyeshadow taken right to the brow bone, contrasting eyeshadow colours and pink blushes used to create sharp contours were popular trends, which all together creates the iconic look of the decade. Think blues, pinks and purples as your colour palette.

For hair, big is beautiful; teased tresses were all the rage, including fringes! A side ponytail pulled high with backcombed ends and finished with a bow was the hair look to go for. And of course, we have the 1980’s to thank for the infamous perm hairstyle…For nails, neon colours fitted well with the theme of brightly coloured clothes.

Scents launched in this decade include Obsession by Calvin Klein, Beautiful by Estee Lauder and your dad’s all time favourite – Brut.

Famous Faces: Cher, Madonna, Molly Ringwald & Annie Lennox

1990’s

The decade of the supermodel and grunge encouraged women to either embrace a natural look or hit the eyeliner. Hair was poker straight and full of shine, a style that definitely proved a keeper due to it’s longevity into the 2000’s.

Clear lipgloss was every 90’s girl’s best friend, but if you can’t live without that colour then simply opt for a sheer tinted lip gloss to give you that hint of pink or red. Brown eyeshadow and subtle brown eyeliner on the waterline left unsmudged was the perfect way to draw attention to the eyes.

Some of the most popular fragrances from the 1990’s include Clinique’s Happy, Davidoff Cool Water for Women and unisex CK One by Calvin Klein.

Famous Faces: Kate Moss, Courtney Love, Drew Barrymore & Naomi Campbell

2000’s to 2016

As is true with fashion, beauty trends really do come back around too! The focus on nude lips and eyebrows has proved to be a main trend, with the no-makeup makeup look being the most popular among celebs and beauty lovers alike.

Overlining the lips with a lipliner in the same colour as your lipstick to create a fuller pout, whilst mastering the subtle cat eye flick with your eyeliner is every girl’s beauty dream look due to the beautiful way it brings out the facial features. In the early 00’s, straighteners were a girl’s best friend, whilst we’re currently seeing a resurgence in mermaid inspired beachy waves.

Perfumes we have enjoyed in recent times include Flower by Kenzo, Flash by Jimmy Choo and Very Irresistible by Givenchy.

Famous Faces: Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne & Amy Winehouse

Take what you know about vintage beauty looks and spin it on it’s head with a contemporary refresh by taking elements of a make up look and incorporating it into your beauty routine with Beauty Base.