10 Beauty Trends From The ’70s & ’80s Best Left Behind

AA’s Photography/Pexels

The beauty world constantly evolves, but not every trend deserves a second chance. Some styles were bold, and others were questionable. Looking back, it’s hard to believe these trends once ruled the beauty scene. Ready for a nostalgic trip through beauty history? Brace yourself for a few surprises.

Overly Permed Hair

Louis Calvete/Wikimedia Commons

The ’80s were all about curls, enormous and defying gravity. Salons churned out perms so tight they could bounce like a trampoline. Sure, Dolly Parton rocked it, but for the rest of us? It meant crispy, fried hair that needed a gallon of hairspray to survive the day.

Excessive Use Of Neon Colors

Fredo Jaimes/Pexels

The ’80s had one rule: the brighter, the better. Neon blush and lipstick turned faces into human glow sticks because who wouldn’t want to match their leg warmers? Madonna made it iconic, but let’s be honest, most of us looked like walking highlighters. These days, soft, blended hues reign supreme.

Heavy Application Of Blue Eyeshadow

Kylee Fleek/Wikimedia Commons

The ’70s had a love affair with thick, blue eyeshadow applied to the brows. The result? An icy, space-age look that rarely flattered anyone. It was bold, sure, but also a little cartoonish. Thankfully, makeup trends now focus on balance and shades that complement skin tones.

Crimped Hair Overload

1000heads/Wikimedia Commons

Remember crimped hair? The ’80s sure do! Back then, were you even trendy if your hair didn’t have sharp, zigzagged waves that looked like they were ironed in with a waffle maker? Crimping irons were a must-have, as they turned hair into a textured masterpiece and a frizzy disaster.

Over-Tweezed Eyebrows

Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

Now, full, natural brows rule the beauty world, proving that a bit of texture beats the over-plucked look any day. However, the ’70s took “thin is in” to the extreme, especially regarding eyebrows. Tweezers worked overtime, leaving brows barely there and the face looking permanently surprised.

Glitter Overload

AestheticJourney/Pixabay with AI Assistance

Who doesn’t love a little sparkle? The ’80s sure did, except they didn’t believe in a little. Glitter eyeshadow and glitter hairspray were everywhere, turning people into walking disco balls. The downside? Messy fallout, itchy skin, and rogue specks of glitter that refused to leave, no matter how many showers you took.

Excessive Blush Application

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Thankfully, the modern blush game is all about soft, natural blends that enhance, not overpower. But the ’80s didn’t believe less is more, especially with blush. Swiped from cheeks to temples in electric pinks and reds, it looked more like a sunburn disaster. It was bold but also a bit clownish.

Frosted Lipstick Shades

kaboompics/Pixabay

The ’70s and ’80s were all about frosted lipstick; think silver, lilac, and pale pink with a shimmer that could blind you. The downside? It made lips look dry and a little too space-age. While it had its moment, beauty trends now favor smooth satin and matte finishes that keep lips looking fresh, not frozen.

Sun-In Hair Lightening

Pixabay

Ah, Sun-In—the promise of effortless, sun-kissed highlights with just a few sprays and some sunshine. Sounds dreamy, right? Reality check: most people ended up with uneven, brassy orange streaks instead of the soft blonde they envisioned. Plus, the peroxide-based formula didn’t just lighten hair; it fried it, leaving strands dry and prone to breakage.

Mismatched Foundation Shades

Manu Camargo/Unsplash

Have you ever seen an obvious foundation line along someone’s jaw? Well, in the ’70s and ’80s, that was practically a beauty staple. Back then, finding the perfect foundation shade was nearly impossible. Many brands offered limited shade ranges, leaving people stuck with options that were either too pale or too orange.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Loading…

0