70s Makeup Looks: The Ultimate Guide to Glowy, Bronzed Beauty

70s makeup looks

If you’ve been following along with the decades makeup series, then you know today we’re diving into a fan-favorite: 70s makeup looks. I’ve been so excited to create this one. The 70s were all about natural, sun-kissed skin, bronzed goddess energy, and fun, colorful eyeshadow moments. It’s the decade of the bronzer, baby, and I’m here for it.

Let’s take a nostalgic stroll back to the era of curtain bangs, ABBA playing in the background, and fresh-faced surfer vibes. I’ll walk you through my full glam 70s makeup routine—from that breezy bronze base to a green eyeshadow moment that feels both retro and modern. Ready to glow? Let’s go!

Skin Prep – Creating a Natural, Healthy Glow

Before diving into any of the color fun, let’s talk base. Prepping your skin sets the tone for that effortless 70s radiance. I started with the Dr. Jart+ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment to calm redness. It works wonders under foundation and keeps the skin looking soft and even.

Next up: a primer. I used the Stila One Step Correct in Kitten, which adds hydration and a subtle glow. Light, liquid formulas were super trendy back then—think barely-there foundation and skin that looks like skin.

Pro Tip: Go for something serum-like and super lightweight. The 70s makeup look was all about letting your real skin shine through.

Foundation – Light, Dewy, and Bronzed

This is where things get exciting. I used the Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk in Light/Medium, which gives that tinted moisturizer effect with a little more fluidity. It’s got a runny, serum-like texture—exactly the kind of coverage you want for that “just came back from the beach” vibe.

Using a damp beauty sponge, I buffed it in gently, focusing more on evening out tone than masking anything. Don’t forget to bring it down your neck and chest—especially if your tan is fading (guilty!).

Bronze and Blush – The 70s Signature Look

Let’s Talk Bronzer

This era loved bronzer. Like, seriously. Bronzer wasn’t just a contour—it was the main character. I applied a glowy, pearlescent formula from MAC called Golden Bronze, using a large brush to sweep it across my cheekbones, nose, chin, and hairline.

Bonus Glow Tip: Mixing pearl bronzer with a matte one (like Too Faced Sweet Tea) helps intensify the bronze while still keeping that soft finish.

Blush Vibes

Berry shades were huge. I used Makeup Geek’s Love Affair, a deep raspberry tone, dabbed right onto the apples of my cheeks. Not my usual technique, but it totally worked for this look.

Blush across the nose added to that cute sun-flushed vibe the 70s were known for.

Highlighting the High Points

Highlighter wasn’t yet the high beam it is today, but the 70s did love a bit of shimmer. I used MAC’s Silver Dusk lightly across my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. Just enough to glow—not sparkle.

Brows – Natural and Brushed-Up

Brows in the 70s? Natural, groomed, and definitely not blocky.

I went in with a bit of Brow Code Imitations Pencil in Taupe, keeping it super light, and set everything with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze. The goal is to polish the brows without making them too “done.” Think feathered and fluffy.

Eyes – Colorful, Creamy, and Creative

Choosing 70s Eyeshadow Colors

This was the era of trio eyeshadow—light, medium, and dark colors all from the same family. While blue and brown were super popular, I wanted to play with green for this look. Why not, right?

Using a mix of shadows from the MAC Simpsons Quad and Me, Myself & Mitchell Palette, I started with a shimmery lime tone all over the lid. Then I deepened the crease with darker green, blending it upward and outward for that soft, lifted effect.

Placement is Key

• Lid: Light and opalescent
• Crease: Medium-to-dark green, blended softly
• Outer Corner: Deepest tone for dimension
• Brow Bone & Inner Corner: Highlight with a shimmery mint
• Lower Lash Line: A sweep of pastel shimmer (I chose light lime)

70s makeup looks: Eyeliner & Lashes

The liner style leaned toward a soft, lifted cat eye. I used ColourPop’s Exits (white) on the lower lash line to brighten things up, and black liquid liner on the top to elongate my eyes. False lashes finished the look—I used the EXO Beauty Romantic lashes, which give just enough oomph without overpowering.

Lips – Glossy, Pink, and Playful

For lips, the 70s makeup looks focused on pinks, berries, and frosted glosses. I dabbed on Holika Holika’s PK04 Heart Lipstick—a beautiful pink that mimics natural lip tone. No lip liner, just a soft flush.

Topped it all off with Charlotte Tilbury’s Opal Magic Lip Gloss, and it was chef’s kiss. Dewy, juicy, and totally 70s.

Hair Vibes – Bonus Blowout & Curtain Bangs

To really seal the deal on this 70s makeup look, I added a little volume with my GHD Rise Hot Brush. Sprayed a root-lifting mist, pulled sections upward, and did a few flips for that bouncy curtain bang energy.

You don’t need to be a hair pro—just add some lift around the roots, let a few layers fall into place, and boom: 70s perfection.

Recap – Your Go-To 70s Makeup Routine

Here’s a quick summary if you want to recreate the full 70s makeup look:

• Prep: Color correct and hydrate with lightweight primers
• Foundation: Light, dewy, serum-like formulas
• Bronzer: All over glow, pearl finish recommended
• Blush: Berry tones on the apples of cheeks
• Highlighter: Soft shimmer on high points
• Brows: Natural and feathered
• Eyes:
  • Cream or shimmer shadows
  • Trio tones: light, medium, dark (same family)
  • Soft cat eye with black liner
  • Natural lashes
• Lips: Pink or berry with glossy finish
• Hair: Curtain bangs, volume, and that “I woke up like this” style

Final Thoughts – Why We Still Love 70s Makeup Looks

There’s something timeless about the 70s. Maybe it’s the carefree bronze skin, maybe it’s the dreamy, disco-ready eyes—but either way, 70s makeup looks continue to inspire modern glam in the best way.

I loved creating this look, and honestly, I think it might be my favorite decade yet. It felt nostalgic, playful, and surprisingly wearable for today.