70s Makeup Looks: A Retro-Inspired Beauty Routine You Can Totally Pull Off

There’s something about 70s makeup looks that just hits different. They’re bronzy, glossy, bold but effortless—all at the same time. Whether it’s the soft green eyeshadow, berry-toned blush, or that glowing skin that looks like you’ve been kissed by the sun, this decade really gave us a lot of beauty inspiration.

This look is all about capturing the vibe of the ’70s—without trying to make it too modern. It’s meant to feel like it came straight out of a vintage makeup ad. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that true 70s feel, step by step, here’s exactly how it all came together.

70s Makeup Looks: Starting with the Skin: Light, Glowy, and Natural

To kick things off, I started by neutralizing some redness using a color-correcting cream, just to even out the skin tone. Then I applied a hydrating primer to prep the face—it gives everything that nice slip and makes the base feel super smooth.

I didn’t want a super full-coverage foundation for this. The 70s weren’t about heavy makeup; it was more about that natural, glowy skin. So, I used a lightweight foundation with a serum-like texture. Think of it like skin tint or skin milk—it gives enough coverage to even things out but still lets your skin breathe.

Blending it out with a brush (or sponge—whatever works for you), I made sure everything looked soft and seamless. It was already giving that clean, fresh canvas the 70s are known for.

The Glow: Bronzer + Berry Blush Combo

Now here’s the fun part: bronzer. The 70s were definitely a bronzer decade. It wasn’t about contouring or carving out your face—it was more about warming everything up like you’ve been in the sun all day.

So, I used a bronzer with a pearly finish and applied it everywhere the sun would naturally hit:

• Cheeks
• Temples
• Forehead
• Jawline
• Even the bridge of the nose

I wasn’t shy with it either—because honestly, this is what makes the look feel truly retro.

For blush, I picked a berry-toned shade and focused it on the apples of the cheeks. That placement is super 70s—it gives the face a sweet flush, and I even added a little to the nose to tie it all together. Blending it slightly over the cheekbones helped it melt into the bronzer, so there were no harsh lines—just glow.

Brows: Brushed Up and Natural

Brows in the 70s weren’t overdrawn or super structured. They were natural and soft, but still groomed. So I just filled in the sparse areas lightly with a taupe pencil, brushing the hairs up as I went.

Then I locked everything in with clear brow gel. This step gives your brows that fluffy, brushed-up look without making them feel fake or overly drawn. It’s simple, and it totally works with the soft, effortless theme.

The Eyes: Green Shadows for Days

Let’s talk about the eyes—because 70s makeup looks were never boring in this department. For this look, I decided to go with greens, and it honestly brought the whole thing to life.

I started by blending a soft, shimmery green all over the lid and up into the crease. Then I took a slightly brighter lime green shade and layered it over the center of the eye to add brightness.

To create depth, I used a deeper green in the outer corner. But instead of keeping it sharp, I made sure to blend everything together really softly—there are no harsh lines in this look. The goal is to create that hazy, diffused shadow that just feels… dreamy.

On the brow bone and inner corners, I added a minty shimmer highlight. This made everything pop and gave it that slightly ethereal, retro vibe.

For the lower lash line, I used the same green shadows to smoke it out just a little. Nothing too intense—just enough to balance the top and bottom.

Eyeliner and Lashes: 70s Meets Glam

Now for liner. I used black liquid liner on the top lash line, focusing more on the outer third. Instead of doing a sharp wing, I just flicked it out slightly to lift the eye. It’s subtle, but it does make a difference.

For the waterline, I went with a white pencil instead of black. This is a total 70s trick—it makes your eyes look way more open and awake. If you’re going for something more intense, black would work too, but the white just keeps it soft and wearable.

Next, I added false lashes—nothing too dramatic, just a nice pair to add volume and length. After that, I used mascara on both the top and bottom lashes to blend everything together.

Lips: Glossy and Light

Lips were super glossy in the 70s, with a hint of color. I used a soft pink lipstick and tapped it on with my finger to keep it subtle. Then I layered a gloss over the top to get that juicy finish.

No matte lips here. It’s all about shine, and the more reflective, the better. The shade I used had a little bit of a pearly vibe to it, which made it feel even more authentic to the decade.

70s Makeup Looks: Hair to Match the Vibe

To finish it off, I styled my hair in a round-brushed blowout. The 70s were big on volume and bounce, so I used a root-lifting spray and curled the hair back away from the face using a round brush.

Then I flicked out the curtain bangs a bit and brushed everything into shape. The result? Soft, feathered, and flowy—very on theme.

70s Makeup Looks: Final Thoughts

This whole routine is such a tribute to how fun 70s makeup looks can be. From the bronzy skin and green lids to the glossy lips and blown-out hair, it’s a full moment—but still totally wearable.

What I love most is that it’s bold without being complicated. You don’t need a million steps or products. Just a few key shades, some blending, and a little glow, and you’ve got a look that’s equal parts vintage and fresh.

If you’ve been curious about trying something retro but still you, this is the one.