1. Wildly Colored Eyeshadow
In the ’70s, makeup was all about experimenting with bold, electric hues. Eyeshadow became a playground for every color of the rainbow, with shades like bright blues, greens, and purples making frequent appearances. The goal? To make your eyes pop in the most dramatic way possible. Women weren’t afraid to layer on the color, often blending multiple shades to create eye-catching looks that stole the show shares Allure.
While neutrals and subtle tones ruled in earlier decades, the ’70s were all about embracing fun, playful shades. The eyeshadow often reached all the way up to the brow bone for maximum impact. The trend was a far cry from the minimalist looks we see today, but it sure was a fun, energetic look that defined the era. If you wanted to feel groovy, a swipe of turquoise or neon pink on your lids was your ticket.
2. Feathered Hair
Feathered hair was all the rage in the ’70s, and it wasn’t just a subtle style. Think Farrah Fawcett—those bouncy, voluminous layers that framed the face perfectly. It was all about soft waves and lots of movement. Women used blow dryers and round brushes to get that smooth, flirty flip at the ends, with the hair often feathered outwards on both sides adds Stylist.
Feathered styles made it easy to embrace volume without the rigidity of a perm. It was the perfect blend of softness and structure, creating a look that felt effortless but still polished. This trend wasn’t exclusive to one particular group either, as both young and older women were rocking it. A trip to the salon for a feathered cut was a must-do if you wanted to embody that ’70s vibe.
3. Bell-Bottoms
Bell-bottoms, which were also a huge fashion trend, quickly became a signature look in the beauty world, especially when paired with platform shoes. The flared legs weren’t just a statement on the runway—they were a way to show off your long, lean silhouette. Whether you were into disco or not, bell-bottoms became the symbol of freedom and self-expression shares Who What Wear.
The beauty of bell-bottoms lay in their versatility. They could be worn with everything from tie-dye shirts to chunky knits, making them an easy choice for the fashion-forward of the ’70s. Of course, the fun part was pairing them with funky accessories, and the more daring, the better. Think big, oversized sunglasses and flower-power headbands to complete the look.
4. Disco Glam
There’s no denying the ’70s were the disco era, and that came with its own set of beauty trends. Think heavy glitter, shiny lips, and an overall glamorous approach to makeup. Whether you were preparing for a night at the club or simply enjoying the disco aesthetic, the goal was to shine brightly under the lights shares Cosmopolitan.
Disco glam wasn’t about subtlety. It was about bold, high-shine finishes on everything from eyeshadow to lipstick. Lashes were often stacked, and the look was completed with a dramatic, glittery finish. Women were all about glittery eyes and glossy lips that made them feel like the star of the night.
5. Afros
The Afro hairstyle became a cultural and beauty revolution in the 1970s, signaling self-love and pride for the Black community. For those with naturally curly hair, it was an expression of freedom, identity, and defiance against societal beauty standards. The bigger, the better—afros were voluminous, bold, and stunning, turning heads wherever they went.
Maintaining an Afro was no easy feat, but it became a symbol of empowerment. Women used an array of combs and oils to keep the hair soft and full of volume, and it was all about embracing texture. Whether you rocked a rounded shape or a more geometric style, the Afro was a way to take control of your hair while breaking away from traditional styles.
6. Platform Shoes
Platform shoes took height to a whole new level in the ’70s, literally and figuratively. These chunky, elevated shoes were a staple on the dance floor, adding an extra dose of confidence and glam. Platform heels, sneakers, and boots all made an appearance, often paired with bell-bottoms or mini skirts for the ultimate retro look.
The beauty of platforms was that they made you feel taller and more poised, but without the discomfort of stiletto heels. With their bold designs and thick soles, platforms became a go-to shoe for those who wanted to stand out. Whether you were headed to a disco or just out for a stroll, a good platform could elevate any outfit.
7. The Bold Lip
While the ’60s leaned toward pale lips and subtle shades, the ’70s saw a complete shift toward bold, statement-making lip colors. Deep reds, browns, and orange hues became staples in the beauty world. It wasn’t just about creating a pop of color—it was about making a bold statement with your lips, often in contrast to the softer eye makeup.
Women loved the versatility of these colors, which could easily transition from day to night. With a swipe of lipstick, you could change the entire vibe of your makeup, creating a strong, empowered look. Lipsticks weren’t just an accessory—they were an essential part of a woman’s beauty arsenal during this decade.
8. Body Glitter
Body glitter was the ultimate accessory for anyone wanting to capture the essence of the ’70s. Whether it was sprinkled on your cheeks, arms, or chest, this sparkly trend made you shimmer and shine in the most dazzling way. It was part of the disco glam look, adding a touch of sparkle to every outfit and elevating your overall aesthetic.
Glitter wasn’t just reserved for special occasions either. It became a daily part of the ’70s beauty routine, applied liberally for that carefree, party-ready vibe. It added an element of fun to beauty, making everyone feel like they were glowing from head to toe. The more glitter, the better—it was the era of sparkle overload.
9. Big, Bold Eyebrows
In the ’70s, thin, over-plucked eyebrows took a backseat to thick, bold brows that made a statement. This trend was a departure from the previous decade’s obsession with razor-thin arches. Full brows became a symbol of beauty, and women embraced their natural shape, often leaving them a little unruly and untamed.
The fuller look also meant less time spent plucking and more time spent embracing natural beauty. It was a liberating movement for those who felt pressured to conform to certain beauty standards. Whether you shaped them or let them grow wild, the ’70s taught us to love our brows in all their thick, natural glory.
10. Sun-Kissed Skin
The ’70s marked the beginning of a golden age for tanning, with a deep, sun-kissed glow becoming the ultimate beauty goal. People flocked to the beaches, sunbathing for hours to achieve that perfect bronzed skin. The ideal tan was seen as a sign of health, vitality, and relaxation, and it was an essential part of the decade’s beauty standards.
Sunbathing often involved oils and lotions that promised a golden glow, even if it meant sacrificing some skin protection. Despite the risks, the desire for tan skin took precedence in fashion and beauty, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks sporting the bronzed look. It was all about achieving that sun-drenched, carefree aesthetic.
11. Colorful Nails
Just like the electric eyeshadow of the ’70s, nail color became a big part of self-expression. Bold, bright shades of orange, blue, purple, and green dominated the nail scene. Women loved to experiment with various colors, often choosing shades that matched or complemented their outfits.
Nail art wasn’t as intricate as we see today, but the emphasis was on making a statement. Brightly colored nails were often paired with long, manicured tips that added to the boldness of the look. It was another way to express individuality and creativity, with fingers and toes becoming little canvases for vibrant hues.
12. The Shag Cut
The shag haircut took on a life of its own in the ’70s, often associated with rock stars and rebellious beauty. This cut was all about texture and volume, with choppy layers and messy, unkempt ends. The key to the shag was that it never looked perfect—it was intentionally messy, creating an effortlessly cool vibe.
The shag cut could be styled in various ways, from soft waves to voluminous curls. It became a symbol of rebellion and free-spiritedness, giving off that carefree, “I woke up like this” look. The haircut was perfect for those who didn’t want to spend too much time on their hair but still wanted to exude style and personality.
13. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair made a splash in the ’70s, becoming a symbol of texture and volume. The crimped look was created by using a special crimping iron, which gave the hair a zigzag pattern. It was an edgy, bold look that caught on quickly, especially among teens and young adults looking to add a little more texture to their hair.
Crimping allowed for a more controlled, voluminous look compared to natural curls or waves. It was the perfect hairstyle for those who wanted to stand out, with its intricate, structured texture offering a funky contrast to the smooth styles of the previous decades. Crimped hair was all about fun, creativity, and embracing a wild, untamed style.