How to Do 80s Makeup and Hair

Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and Amber Crain

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 References

Big hair. Bright eyeshadow. Tons of blush. Hair and makeup in the 80s were bold and over the top in the best way possible! To help you create your 80s-inspired look, we've put together a list of the best hair and makeup tips we could find. We'll start by walking you through an easy tutorial for 80s makeup and finish up with a variety of awesome hairstyles you can choose from.

Here are 13 makeup tips to help you get that perfect 80s look.

1

Apply full coverage foundation all over your face.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-1.jpg\/aid190820-v4-728px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Use liquid foundation that matches your skin tone for a flawless base. In the 80s, the trend for skin was a velvety, flawless look that wasn't too matte or too glowy. Use a foundation brush or makeup sponge to buff your favorite full coverage foundation all over your face. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For a smooth, pore-less look, apply primer before your foundation.
- Apply full coverage concealer under your eyes to cover dark circles. For a brightening effect, use concealer that’s 1 shade lighter than your natural skin tone. ^{[2]
 X
 Research source}

2

Add bright pink blush to your cheeks.

Download Article

Bright pink blush was the standard for most 80s looks. Start high on your cheekbone and sweep the color along the bone and up, all the way to your temple. Once you hit your temple, use circular motions to blend the blush out toward your hairline.
- If it’s easier, start applying blush at your temple and brush it down along your cheekbone in a “C” shape.

3

Get a glam rock look with bold blue eyeshadow.

Download Article

Try vibrant blue or bright pink eye makeup for high drama. Use the most pigmented eyeshadow you can find! Cover your entire eyelid with medium blue or pink and blend it up to your brows. Brush the color under your eyes to define the lower lashes. Then, sweep a darker version of the original shade in your crease and on the outer third of your eyelid, blending out to your temples. Finish with bold pink lipstick. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For a Blondie vibe, try mauve or dark pink eyeshadow. Her cheeks and eyes often matched, so you use your blush as eyeshadow! Finish with matte or frosted pink lipstick.
- For more glam rock inspiration, check out images of Grace Jones and glam metal bands like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, or KISS.
- For super sharp, angled cheeks, contour your cheeks with bronzer before adding blush on top.

4

Use bright eyeshadow for an 80s pop star vibe.

Download Article

Mimic 80s pop icons with neon eye makeup and bright red lipstick. Bright orange, yellow, and neon are all great eyeshadow choices, especially if your inspiration is Cyndi Lauper. Use bright orange all over your lids and bright yellow right under your brow bones to make your eyes pop. Pop stars like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper usually rocked a bold red lip. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For more 80s pop icon inspiration, check out images of pop stars like Pat Benatar and Boy George.

5

Stick with neutrals for a Molly Ringwald-inspired look.

Download Article

Use brown eye makeup and finish with a reddish orange or nude lip. To create Molly's look in The Breakfast Club , apply a medium brown eyeshadow on your lids and line your upper and lower lash lines with dark brown eyeliner. Finish the look with nude lipstick, like soft brown or natural rose, for a lowkey look. ^{[5]
X
Research source} To amp up the glamour a bit, use a classic red or burnt orange lipstick instead.
- Molly often sported glossy lips, so finish with a swipe of gloss over the lipstick.

6

Pick dark eyeshadow for a goth or punk vibe.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-6.jpg\/aid190820-v4-728px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Go with black, midnight blue, or deep purple eye makeup. Cover your lid in deep blue or a dark iridescent purple shade. Then, work a dark plum or indigo into your crease. Finally, define your crease even more with a gray or charcoal eyeshadow to create that a punk or gothic vibe. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For lipstick, try a deep burgundy, purple, or black shade. A super deep brown would work great. ^{[7]
 X
 Research source}
- For more inspiration, check out pictures of 80s icons like Siouxsie Sioux and Nina Hagen.
- If you're a guy, check out images of Robert Smith of The Cure for inspiration. He often wore dark eye makeup and messy red lipstick.

7

Finish with black mascara and bold eyeliner.

Download Article

Use any dark or bold eyeliner pencil in your lower water line. Black would be completely on point for any 80s look, but you can also use an eyeliner pencil that matches your eyeshadow to make the color even more dramatic. ^{[8]
X
Research source} Add 2 coats of mascara to finish your 80s eye makeup look. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Blue and teal were especially popular eyeliner colors on the lower lash line, especially for glam and pop star looks.
- If you want a bright, wild look, try purple, green, or blue mascara.

8

Define your eyebrows with brow pencil.

Download Article

80s brows were usually dark, defined, and a little bushy. Pick a brow pencil that’s a shade darker than your natural brow. Using light, feathery strokes, fill in and define each eyebrow with your brow pencil for iconic 80s brows. ^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Use a spoolie to comb through each brow and blend any harsh lines.
- You can also use brow powder or even eyeshadow for your brows—whatever you have on hand will work.

9

Crimp your hair for the ultimate mall vibe.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid190820-v4-728px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
Dry your hair completely before you get started. Clip most of your hair up on top of your head except the bottom layer. Grab a 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) section of hair, slide it between the crimp plates close to your roots, and press down for 5 seconds. Release the hair, move down to the next section, and crimp again. Crimp each section top to bottom, then tease your hair gently and lock the style in place with hairspray. ^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can still buy crimpers online and at big box stores.

10

Dry curly hair with a diffuser for lots of volume.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-10.jpg\/aid190820-v4-728px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Use about a quarter-sized amount of hair gel and spread it all over your hair from root to tip. Fit your hair dryer with a diffuser, flip your head over, and gently scrunch your hair as you diffuse it. Once your hair is dry, flip your head back over and set your look with hairspray. ^{[12]
X
Research source}

11

Curl your hair into ringlets to mimic an 80s perm.

Download Article

Use a ¹ ⁄ ₄ in (0.64 cm) curling wand to get super tight curls. Dry your hair completely and brush it out. Starting in the front, grab a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair and wrap it tightly around the curling wand. Wait for 3-4 seconds and release the curl. Move to the next 1 in (2.5 cm) section and repeat. Continue making tight ringlets all over your head. Give your hair a little tease and set it with hairspray. ^{[13]
X
Research source}
- To minimize damage from teasing your hair, work a volumizing product into your hair first, like sea salt spray or dry shampoo. That way you won't have to tease your hair as much. ^{[14]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Arthur Sebastian
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 29 April 2019.}

12

Tease short hair for tons of volume and height.

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-12.jpg\/aid190820-v4-728px-Do-80s-Makeup-and-Hair-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Use a comb or pick to backcomb (tease) your hair. Work with small sections of hair at a time, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends until you achieve plenty of volume. Generously apply hairspray after you finish each section and give your head an all-over misting of hairspray at the very end. ^{[15]
X
Research source}

13

Try a high ponytail for a simple look.

Download Article

This is a cute, simple look for both straight or curly hair. You can also combine this with crimped or curled hair. Gather all of your hair on top of your head either in the center or off to the side a little. Wrap a hair elastic around your hair to hold it in place. Then, wrap a scrunchie around the base to hide the elastic, tease your ponytail, and set it with hairspray. ^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Add a flashy headband to kick this look up a notch.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

It is ok if I have very short hair?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Of course! If you have enough to tease, just tease your hair with a comb or pick to create lots of volume. Then, apply plenty of hairspray to keep the style in place all day.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
Question

Do you have to curl your hair?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Nope! You can pull it up in a high ponytail for a simple solution. If you have shorter hair, tease it to create a ton of height and volume, then lock the look in place with a generous amount of hairspray.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
Question

Can I use different shades of eye shadow?

Community Answer

Yes, but make stick to neon or light colors to give it more of an 80s look.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 37

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Whether you prefer a more neutral, tamer look or a bolder, brighter style, there's an '80s look for you!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Make sure to add earrings that are huge and bright, and rock lots of bright necklaces and bracelets. The '80s are all about color.
Need inspiration? Look at photos or videos of Madonna or Whitney Houston and copy their looks!

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Video

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

Expert Source

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist

[15]

[16]

Log in

How to Do 80s Makeup and Hair

Steps

Apply full coverage foundation all over your face.

Add bright pink blush to your cheeks.

Get a glam rock look with bold blue eyeshadow.

Use bright eyeshadow for an 80s pop star vibe.

Stick with neutrals for a Molly Ringwald-inspired look.

Pick dark eyeshadow for a goth or punk vibe.

Finish with black mascara and bold eyeliner.

Define your eyebrows with brow pencil.

Crimp your hair for the ultimate mall vibe.

Dry curly hair with a diffuser for lots of volume.

Curl your hair into ringlets to mimic an 80s perm.

Tease short hair for tons of volume and height.

Try a high ponytail for a simple look.

Community Q&A

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Video

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories