The 1970s weren’t just a decade, they were a full-blown style revolution which included disco nights and flower-power days, so beauty trends back then were anything but boring. People were loud, proud, and totally fearless with their looks, and if you ever needed proof the ’70s were wild, check out these 12 bold beauty trends.
Blue Eyeshadow
Subtle makeup wasn’t the way to go during this decade, meaning powdery blue eyeshadow was one of the most recognizable beauty choices. It was worn all over the lids and sometimes all the way up to the brow bone – dramatic and unapologetic, people loved that icy, colorful look, pairing it with mascara-heavy lashes and glossy lips.
Shag Haircuts
The shag haircut had a rebellious, rock-and-roll edge that made it insanely popular with its choppy layers and tousled shape, and it gave off serious “I woke up like this” energy. Stars like Jane Fonda and Joan Jett made it iconic, and everyone including musicians and models jumped on board, where it didn’t matter if your hair was thick or thin.
Bronzed Skin
People didn’t know much about SPF yet, so getting that golden tan was more about status than skincare and it was all about looking sunkissed and free-spirited – because if you weren’t sun-kissed, were you even trying?
The 1970s kicked off a major tanning trend, and bronzed skin quickly became the beauty ideal, with the goal being to glow like you’d just come back from a tropical getaway.
Glitter
Nobody was afraid to shimmer, and honestly, the more extra it was, the better, because glitter wasn’t just for special occasions, it was part of the everyday look for anyone wanting to stand out. You could say it was the decade’s version of highlighter, just way more fun, and if it didn’t sparkle, it wasn’t ’70s enough.
Pencil-Thin Eyebrows
Before bushy brows had their moment, slim, carefully tweezed arches where the desired look, and the thinner, the better. Some even shaved and redrew them for a precise, dramatic effect which also gave the face a very defined and stylized look that felt elegant at the time.
Center Parts Ruled the Day
No fuss, no fluff – just straight down the center and ready to roll, so if your hair wasn’t parted perfectly down the middle, you probably weren’t doing it right, at least not in the 1970s.
This style went hand in hand with the laid-back, boho energy that dominated the era, and it didn’t matter whether you had long, flowing locks or a shaggy cut, the center part was a go-to look.
Psychedelic Nail Art
When it came to nails, you’d see everything: bold colors like neon orange and deep purple, paired with funky designs including swirls, flowers, and glitter. While long, square tips weren’t quite the norm yet, people definitely got creative with what they had, and furthermore, matching your nails to your outfit or makeup gave you extra beauty points.
Frosted Lips
There was just something about that icy, shimmery lipstick that everyone loved, where frosted lips – especially in pale pinks and silvery tones – gave off a cool, space-age feel that totally fit the futuristic optimism of the time.
You’d see them on celebrities, models, and everyday people hitting the town, too – and glossy finishes made it even better, adding extra shine for a high-impact look.
Perms
Volume was the name of the game, and perms delivered, which is why getting a perm was a popular choice in the ’70s no matter what length or thickness of hair you had. People loved those soft curls or tight coils, and the style worked for both men and women, giving the hair major body and bounce – just with a whole lot of upkeep.
Dramatic Lashes
Used to the max was mascara, usually layered on thick or even paired with false ones for extra drama – after all, Twiggy’s influence lingered, and people weren’t shy about drawing attention to their eyes. Chunky lashes gave a doll-like, exaggerated look that stood out, especially for a flirty, wide-eyed effect.
Flower Crowns and Hair Accessories
Boho beauty ruled the earlier part of the decade, and nothing screamed free spirit like a flower crown made with real blooms or just handmade accessories. People wore them proudly to festivals, concerts, or just because they wanted to, while scarves and headbands were popular statement pieces, too.
Blush Was Bold and Unapologetic
Forget subtle contouring, because the ’70s was the decade of bold blush where everyday people would sweep strong pinks, peaches, or corals high across the cheeks and even into the temples. It gave a healthy flush that added drama and warmth to the face, often making blush the star of the show.
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