The ’80s were wild when it came to beauty trends. Big hair, blue eyeshadow, and some seriously bold makeup choices ruled the decade. While many of these looks seem totally outdated now, it turns out some of those “crazy” beauty tricks our moms and aunts used actually had real benefits hidden beneath all that hairspray and neon.
Looking back at these vintage beauty secrets is like opening a time capsule filled with surprising wisdom. Some of these techniques have even made comebacks in today’s beauty world, just with modern twists.
Blush Draping
Before contouring became huge, ’80s makeup artists used blush to sculpt the face. They applied it from the temples down to the cheekbones in a “C” shape. This technique actually creates natural-looking definition that frames your face beautifully. It adds warmth and structure without the harsh lines modern contouring sometimes creates. Many makeup artists today are bringing back this gentler approach to facial sculpting.
Cold Cream Cleansing
Those tubs of white cream our grandmothers swore by were onto something big. Cold cream breaks down makeup and dirt while adding moisture back into the skin. It’s especially good for dry skin types who find modern foaming cleansers too harsh. Cold cream gives a thorough cleanse without stripping natural oils, which explains why so many ’80s celebrities had that healthy glow despite heavy makeup use.
Blue Mascara
While blue mascara seemed like just another wild ’80s color choice, it actually serves a purpose. The blue pigment creates contrast with the whites of your eyes, making them appear brighter and whiter. This optical trick works especially well for people with redness in their eyes or yellow undertones. Modern makeup brands have reintroduced subtler versions of blue mascara for this very reason.
Hair Mousses
Those foamy hair products everyone used in the ’80s provided volume without the crunch of hairspray. Quality mousses added texture and hold while still allowing movement, which is why they were so popular before blow-dry bars existed. Today’s reformulated mousses offer the same benefits with less alcohol and more conditioning ingredients. They’re perfect for adding body to fine hair without weighing it down.
Facial Mists
Long before sheet masks and serums, ’80s beauty routines included facial mists to refresh makeup throughout the day. These sprays added hydration on top of makeup without ruining it. The cooling effect also reduced redness and calmed irritated skin instantly. Modern versions now include beneficial ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid while keeping that quick-fix convenience factor.
Body Shimmer
The ’80s loved their shimmer powders and lotions that made skin gleam under disco lights. While the application was often heavy-handed back then, the principle was sound. A subtle shimmer draws attention to collarbones, shoulders, and legs, creating the illusion of more toned definition. Today’s body illuminators use finer particles and skin-loving ingredients for a more natural glow.
Setting Powder Press-and-Roll
Instead of brushing on powder, ’80s makeup artists would press and roll it into skin with a puff. This technique actually sets makeup more effectively by pushing product into the skin rather than just dusting it on top. It creates longer-lasting coverage that prevents midday shine without looking cakey. Many professional makeup artists still use this method for red carpet events.
Lip Liner All Over
Using lip liner across the entire lip before applying lipstick wasn’t just about creating those infamous dark-lined lips. This technique creates a base that helps lipstick last much longer without feathering. The waxy texture of pencils forms a barrier that prevents bleeding while adding dimension to the lip color. Modern “lip primers” essentially recreate this effective ’80s hack with updated formulas.
Heat-Free Curling Methods
Foam rollers, rag curls, and braiding damp hair overnight were ’80s solutions for creating curls without heat damage. These techniques actually protect hair health while creating lasting waves or curls. The slow-drying process allows the hair cuticle to set more permanently in its new shape. Many hair experts now recommend these heat-free alternatives for maintaining hair health.
Petroleum Jelly for Everything
Before specialized products filled store shelves, petroleum jelly was the ’80s multi-purpose beauty hero. People used it to remove eye makeup, moisturize dry patches, and create glossy lids. This affordable product creates a moisture barrier that actually prevents water loss from skin. Dermatologists still recommend it for healing chapped lips and protecting skin in harsh weather conditions.
Clear Mascara as Brow Gel
Before specialized brow products existed, clear mascara kept ’80s power brows in place all day. This simple solution tamed wild hairs while adding subtle definition without the heaviness of today’s brow pomades. The lightweight formula doesn’t flake or create stiffness like some modern brow products. Many makeup artists still keep clear mascara in their kits for natural-looking brow grooming.
Facial Massage
Long before jade rollers became trendy, ’80s beauty routines included facial massage techniques to improve circulation. Regular facial massage helps reduce puffiness and promotes lymphatic drainage for a more sculpted appearance. It also helps skincare products absorb better into the skin. Modern facialists now incorporate these time-tested massage techniques into expensive treatments that deliver the same benefits.
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