The 1980s were a decade of unapologetic self-expression, and nowhere was this more evident than in the world of makeup. With a “more is more” philosophy, the 80s gave us iconic, colorful eye looks that continue to inspire today. Get ready to explore the wild, wonderful, and surprisingly wearable world of eighties eye makeup.
I remember trying to recreate some of my favorite celebrity looks as a teen, and the key was always to be as bold as possible. Now, I’m here to share some of that firsthand experience with you.
Why This Trend Is Making a Major Comeback
Fashion is cyclical, and the boldness of the eighties makeup look is a breath of fresh air in a world of minimalism. It’s fun, it’s nostalgic, and it encourages pure creativity. Current celebrities and runways are full of nods to this era, proving that these authentic 80s makeup looks have a place in the modern wardrobe.
What Made Eighties Eye Makeup Iconic?
The Bold Color Palette of the 80s
When people think of the 80s, one image comes to mind: color explosion. 80s eyeshadow looks often included electric blues, neon greens, and vibrant pinks—all layered together. Unlike today’s soft glam, eighties makeup pictures show fearless use of color that dominated nightclubs, concerts, and even casual fashion.
Famous Celebrity Makeup Inspirations
From Madonna’s edgy eighties eye makeup look to Grace Jones’ avant-garde glam, celebrities shaped beauty trends. Pop icons like Cyndi Lauper rocked neon lids, while 80s rock bands leaned toward smoky, glittery styles. If you’ve seen a short guitar player with black hair and eye makeup in an eighties band, you know the edgy eyeliner-heavy vibe we’re talking about.
The Influence of Pop Culture, Music, and Fashion
MTV, aerobics fashion, and glam rock made makeup part of the culture. It wasn’t just for women—many male performers embraced 80s makeup and hair as part of their signature identity.
Iconic 80s Eye Makeup Looks to Try
From pop stars to punk rockers, the decade was full of distinct styles. Here are some 1980s makeup looks ideas that are still fun to recreate today.
“Material Girl” Glam
The iconic look of the era, featuring bright, layered eyeshadow and heavy liner.
Inspired by 80s makeup celebrities, this look is all about layering bright, contrasting colors. Start with a vibrant base color on the lid and add a different, bold shade to the crease. Finish with a thick, dramatic winged eyeliner and lots of mascara.
Punk Rock Rebel
A guide to creating a more rebellious, dark, and smudged eye look.
This look is for those who prefer an edgy, grittier style. Use a black or dark-colored kohl pencil to line both your upper and lower lash lines. Then, smudge it out with a small brush or even your finger for a lived-in, smokey effect. This is the kind of look a short guitar player black hair and eye makeup eighties band members might wear.
The “Miami Vice” Pastel Pop
How to use softer, pastel shades for a more glamorous yet understated 80s look.
For a more 80s makeup easy approach, focus on pastel shades. Apply a light blue or pink to your lid and blend it up to the brow bone. Add a touch of shimmer to the inner corner to open up the eye. This look is perfect for those who want a nod to the 80s without going full neon.
Essential 80s Eye Makeup Kit You’ll Need
Having the right tools is half the battle. Here are some key products to build your kit, all of which are easily available from major online retailers.
Bright Eyeshadow Palettes
1. Eyeshadow: High-pigment palettes and single shadows that deliver the vibrant color payoff needed.
- UCANBE 40 Color Eyeshadow Palette have all the colors you like. Featuring 18 matte and 22 shimmer shades to create uniqu…
- People don’t know how pigmented Spotlight palette is until you get it! From intensely-pigmented matte to rainbow metalli…
- Spotlight makeup palette works for everyone, on everywhere! Formulated with the long-wear and crease-resistant technolog…
When looking for an 80s eyeshadow palette, look for brands known for their pigmentation. You’ll want shades that are almost chalky in their intensity. This ensures the color will pop on your eyelid without much effort.
Colored Eyeliners and Mascaras
2. Eyeliner: Kohl pencils and liquid liners for creating graphic shapes and dramatic wings.
- 【Super Value Packing】The eyeliner set contains 15 different colors, which can help you design different charms you more …
- 【Multi-Function Makeup Pen】This eye make-up tool can be used an superb eyeliner, as well as an eyeshadow pen or highligh…
- 【Pearl and Matte】The eyeliner set has pearlescent and matte colors, perfect for smoky effects and dramatic appearance. I…
A good black eyeliner is non-negotiable. A kohl pencil is great for smudging, while a liquid liner is essential for creating a sharp, precise wing. A white or colored eyeliner pencil for the waterline can also add an authentic touch.
Glitter and Shimmer Must-Haves
3. Mascara: Volumizing and lengthening formulas to complete the look.
- 【6Pcs Korean Makeup Liquid Glitter Eye Set】This sparkling eyeshadow & eyeliner set are available in 6 colors to choose: …
- 【Versatile and Multifunctional Use】The moisturizing liquid texture makes it adhere smoothly and thinly on your eye area …
- 【Safe Formula and Comfortable to Use】This eye makeup kit contains no alcohol, no hormones, no fragrance, and will be no-…
Lashes in the 80s were all about volume and length. Don’t be afraid to apply multiple coats to achieve a bold, almost spidery effect.
How to Do Eighties Eye Makeup (4 Steps Tutorial)
Ready to try it yourself? Follow this 4 (four) simple eighties eye makeup tutorial to create a stunning look:
Step 1: Prep the Canvas
Start with a good eyeshadow primer. This is crucial for making those vibrant colors pop and for preventing creasing. Apply a neutral, light base color all over your lid.
Step 2: Building the Color
Using a flat brush, pat your chosen vibrant shade onto the eyelid. Don’t worry about blending too much yet. Layer a second, contrasting color in the crease, blending the two shades gently at the border. Remember, you want a color-blocked look, not a gradient.
Step 3: Defining the Eye
Take your liquid eyeliner and create a dramatic wing. The bigger the better! For added intensity, line your lower lash line with a bright color that complements your lid shade. Apply a generous amount of mascara to your upper and lower lashes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Add a pop of color to your lower lash line with a matching eyeliner pencil. You can even bring the color down slightly to the cheekbone for a truly authentic touch.
Different Eighties Eye Makeup Looks to Try
Neon Glam Look
If you want a look that instantly screams 80s, neon glam is the way to go. The key is stacking vivid shades like neon green, hot pink, and electric orange across the lid and blending them upward toward the brow bone. Unlike modern trends that stop at the crease, eighties makeup often reached dramatically high. To complete the neon glam effect, dust glitter on the brow bone or inner corners for a reflective pop. This look is perfect for themed parties, retro photoshoots, or festivals where bold expression fits right in. Pair it with glossy lips and teased hair for maximum authenticity.
Rock Band Smoky Eyes
The rock-inspired smoky eye is darker, grungier, and moodier than neon glam, but it’s just as bold. Inspired by 80s glam rock bands, this look layers black and charcoal shadows, smudging them heavily across both upper and lower lash lines. Metallic silver or gunmetal shimmer across the lids gives it that rock stage sparkle under bright lights. Think of Joan Jett’s edgy vibe or the look of male glam rock performers who made liner part of their identity. This style works great for concerts, Halloween, or anytime you want to channel pure attitude.
Amazon Finds:
1. Soft Kohl Eyeliner Sets
2. Metallic Shimmer Eyeshadow Singles
3. Silver Liquid Liner
4. Smudge Brushes
Pastel Pop Diva Eyes
Not all 1980s makeup looks ideas were neon and edgy. Pastel tones—especially baby blue, lilac, and mint green—offered a softer but equally iconic look. These shades were often worn all over the lid and blended right into the brow bone for that “larger-than-life” eye space. To modernize it, you can apply pastel blue across the lid and finish with a swipe of white eyeliner on the waterline. This look pairs beautifully with frosted lipsticks (another 80s staple) and works well for spring events, brunch parties, or daytime retro vibes.
Authentic 1980s Celebrity-Inspired Styles
The best way to understand authentic 80s makeup looks is to study the celebrities who made them famous:
- Madonna: Loved her pink-and-blue eyeshadow combos, often paired with heavy eyeliner.
- Cyndi Lauper: Went maximalist with clashing neon shades and glitter.
- Grace Jones: Pioneered structured, graphic shapes with bold, contrasting colors.
- Boy George: Popularized bright, theatrical looks with exaggerated eyeliner.
These looks weren’t about balance—they were about making a statement. If you’re aiming for authenticity, don’t shy away from clashing colors or dramatic application.
Pairing Eighties Eye Makeup with Hair & Fashion
Classic 80s Hair Trends
Eye makeup didn’t exist in a vacuum during the 80s—it was part of a whole aesthetic. Big, voluminous hair ruled. Think perms, teased bangs, mullets, and side ponytails with scrunchies. The higher and fuller the hair, the better it matched the boldness of eighties eye makeup. Hair was often sprayed stiff with aerosol hairspray, making the look last through hours of dancing under neon lights.
👉Product Recommended: 1) Volumizing mousse, 2) Root lift sprays, 3) Crimping irons, 4) Extra-strong hold hairsprays.
Matching Outfits with Your Makeup Vibe
The 80s was all about coordination and exaggeration. If you wore neon pink eyeshadow, chances are your leggings or jacket echoed the same shade. Sequins, leather jackets, shoulder pads, and metallic fabrics often tied the whole look together. For a fully immersive retro look, consider wearing leggings with an oversized off-the-shoulder top or sequined blazer. It creates a cohesive vibe that enhances the drama of your makeup.
Tips for Themed Parties and Events
When recreating 80s looks for a party, the trick is choosing one feature to exaggerate. If your eyes are super dramatic, balance with nude or glossy lips. If you want to wear both bold eyes and bold lips (a true 80s staple), make sure your hair and outfit stay playful rather than too polished. For events like retro nights, lean into color confidence—after all, subtlety wasn’t the goal of the 80s.
Modern Twists on Eighties Eye Makeup
Minimalist 80s-Inspired Looks
Today’s makeup lovers may not want full neon across the brow bone—but you can still nod to the trend. A single neon eyeliner swipe along the upper lash line or a pop of shimmer in the inner corner can bring the 80s vibe in a fresh, wearable way. Think of it as a “retro accent” rather than a full throwback.
Best Palettes Mixing Retro and Modern
Today’s palettes are designed for versatility. Many combine neons, metallics, and neutrals, so you can go full retro or keep it soft. For example, a palette might feature teal, fuchsia, and yellow next to beige and taupe. This makes it easy to create everyday wearable looks while still having the tools to attempt authentic 1980s makeup looks ideas when needed. Look for palettes that advertise “vivid” or “festival colors” to get that 80s payoff.
How to Adapt Eighties Glam for Everyday Wear
If you want an office-friendly nod to the 80s, skip layering three neon shades and instead use one bold color as the centerpiece. Teal across the lid, purple on the lower lash line, or even metallic pink liner can give you that retro edge without overwhelming your look. Pair it with modern techniques like clean blending and subtle mascara for balance. This way, you get the fun of eighties eye makeup without committing to a full retro costume.
FAQs About Eighties Eye Makeup
What did eye makeup look like in the 80s?
In the 1980s, eye makeup was defined by a “more is more” philosophy. It was all about being bold, bright, and unapologetic. The style was a dramatic departure from the natural looks of the 1970s. Key features included:
1. Vibrant Colors: Neon and pastel eyeshadows in shades like electric blue, hot pink, vivid purple, and vibrant green were popular.
2. Heavy Application: Eyeshadow was often applied heavily, sweeping from the lash line all the way up to the brow bone, sometimes extending to the temples.
3. Color Blocking: Instead of subtle blending, the looks often featured distinct blocks of contrasting colors.
4. Dramatic Eyeliner: Thick lines, often winged, were a staple. Both the top and bottom lash lines were heavily lined to frame the eye.
Why was 80s makeup so bold?
The boldness of 80s makeup was a reflection of the decade’s broader cultural trends. It was an era of self-expression, innovation, and excess, influenced by the rise of MTV and music genres like pop and punk rock. Makeup was used as a form of art to “decorate” the face, rather than just enhance features. The loud, vibrant styles were a perfect match for the decade’s fashion, which included big hair, shoulder pads, and neon clothing.
What color eyeliner did they wear in the 80s?
While black eyeliner was a staple for creating dramatic and rebellious looks, the 80s also embraced a wide range of colored eyeliners. Popular colors included:
1. Electric Blue: This was a standout color, often paired with matching eyeshadow.
2. Purple: Shades of purple, from light lilac to deep violet, were common.
3. White: White eyeliner was sometimes used to create a graphic, open-eyed look.
4. Neon Shades: Liners in neon pink, green, and other bright colors were used to match or contrast with bold eyeshadow.
Conclusion,
Mastering eighties eye makeup is less about technical perfection and more about embracing a mood—one of confidence, fun, and sheer audacity. It’s a celebration of color and creativity that feels incredibly relevant today. So dig out that bright palette, turn up the classic hits, and have fun making a statement that’s totally radical. Have a Bold, Glamorous Day—80s Style!
