The History of Makeup: The Breezy, Easy ’70s

It’s been far too long since I did my last History of Makeup lesson post. In case you missed it, I covered the Roaring ’20s. It was fun, but much, much different than the makeup we sport these days.

Summer has just begun here in my part of the world so sun-kissed tresses and bronze skin are back. When I think of a time period that best matches a summer vibe I think of the 1970′s. California beach style, Charlie’s Angels and a general attitude of less is more when it came to the skin all combined for a wonderfully natural yet defined look. The powdery skin of decades past was gone in favor of luminosity. Skin, cheeks and lips were more muted (reds and plums and lip liners were all out the door) while eyes were played up with pearlescent shades of whites, browns and blues.

Photo Credit: Photoree

Gel blush was making a splash with it’s ability to blend into the skin for a natural rosy flush. It’s no question that pastels were big for eyeshadows. Many of the adverts (like the one from CoverGirl above) featured them. But, like every other decade there is more than just one style. I preferred the look of Farrah Fawcett, myself. Bronzed skin, blonde hair and just slight definition of the eyes. Brows were kept natural, not heavily penciled in.

Photo Credit: NYDailynews.com

Although the Farrah style was big later in the decade, women were also wearing their hair long and stick straight (I have seen several photos of my mom sporting this style, parted straight down the middle). Head bands were also a big trend (think Nicole Ritchie style). I combined some of the hairstyles into one on myself.

I tried to keep the look glowy on both the eyes and the cheekbones. I swept bronzer across my temples, jawline and cheeks and topped the cheeks with a rosy gel stain.

Products used: TheBalm Stainiac, Edward Bess Forbidden Flower, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Opal, Mark PRO Bronze, NYX Jumbo Pencil Cottage Cheese (I also used a light foundation/concealer and a pop of mascara)

Swatches L-R: Mark Pro Bronze, Becca Opal, NYX Cottage Cheese, TheBalm Stainiac, Edward Bess Forbidden Flower

I used Becca Opal across my lids (not recommended for long-time wear- it creases on the eyes like crazy!) and added a bit of MAC Mystery to my upper lash line. I used NYX Cottage Cheese on my lower lash line for added brightness. I swept a small amount of mascara on for quick definition. I took Becca Opal to the tops of my cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone. I dotted theBalm Stainiac on the apples of my cheeks and finished with a layer of Edward Bess Forbidden Flower on my lips.

This makeup look is as easy to create as it is to wear. While I wouldn’t have worn the 1920′s get-up I did to anything other than a costume party, this is something I would happily wear all summer long. If you want to punch it up a notch, add some blue shadow to your lids.

What decade/time period would you like to see next?