1. Super Thin, Over-Plucked Eyebrows
The ’70s took eyebrow grooming to an extreme, with many people plucking their brows down to the bare minimum. Inspired by stars like Donna Summer and Farrah Fawcett, women meticulously tweezed their natural brows into ultra-thin arches, sometimes barely more than a single line. Some took it even further, shaving their eyebrows off entirely and drawing them back on with a pencil. The look was meant to be sleek and sophisticated, but in reality, it often left people looking perpetually surprised. It didn’t help that once over-plucked, eyebrows didn’t always grow back the same way shares InStyle.
By the time the ‘80s rolled around, fuller brows were back in, and many people regretted their years of excessive tweezing. Those who had plucked too much often found themselves scrambling for brow pencils or even eyebrow tattoos to make up for the damage. Today, thick, natural-looking brows are the standard, making the barely-there look of the ‘70s seem almost shocking in retrospect. It’s a lesson in not following trends too blindly—because some beauty choices can have long-lasting consequences.
2. Glitter Everywhere—Even in Hair
The ‘70s weren’t just about shimmer—they were about full-on sparkle, and that meant glitter in places you wouldn’t expect. While a touch of glittery eyeshadow is still a thing today, back then, people were dusting it all over their faces, chests, and even into their hair. It wasn’t just for disco nights; it became a mainstream beauty statement. Some went all out by mixing glitter with hairspray to create a shimmering effect that lasted all night. Under the flashing lights of a club, the look was undeniably dazzling, but in the harsh light of day, it could be a bit much adds WWD.
The problem with this trend wasn’t just the over-the-top shine—it was the fact that glitter got everywhere. Once applied, it had a way of sticking to skin, clothes, and furniture for days, no matter how much scrubbing was involved. People would find little flecks of glitter in their hair long after they thought it was gone. Today, while glitter is still used for festivals and fun looks, most people are a little more careful about where they put it. Back then, though, the philosophy was simple: the more, the better.
3. Frosted Lipstick in Unusual Shades
Frosted lipstick was a staple of the ‘70s, and the shinier, the better. Unlike the subtle shimmer in modern lip products, these lipsticks had an almost metallic sheen that made lips look icy and reflective. Popular shades included pale lavender, icy blue, and even frosted silver—colors that didn’t always flatter natural skin tones. The trend was meant to feel futuristic, like something out of a sci-fi film, but it often left people looking a little washed out. Even classic pinks and reds were given the frosted treatment, adding an extra layer of shimmer that was impossible to ignore explains Southern Living.
The problem with these lipsticks was that they tended to settle into lip lines, making lips appear dry rather than luscious. Paired with heavy eye makeup, they created a striking—but sometimes severe—effect. While frosted lips have made occasional comebacks, today’s versions tend to be much more subtle. The extreme frostiness of the ‘70s is now seen as more of a retro novelty than an everyday beauty choice. Still, for those who love a little shimmer, this trend was definitely a bold one.
4. Blue Eyeshadow from Lid to Brow
If there was one makeup rule in the ‘70s, it was that blue eyeshadow had no limits. Women swept vibrant shades of blue across their lids, often extending the color all the way up to their eyebrows. The effect was bold, dramatic, and undeniably eye-catching, making it a go-to look for disco nights. Popular shades ranged from icy pastels to deep electric blues, sometimes even layered together for extra intensity. Paired with heavy eyeliner and thick lashes, the look was meant to be glamorous, but it didn’t always translate well outside of the dance floor says Allure.
The issue with this trend was that it lacked subtlety. In the right lighting, it looked fun and fashionable, but in daylight, it could sometimes resemble face paint rather than makeup. It was also a tricky color to pull off, with certain shades clashing with natural skin tones. While blue eyeshadow hasn’t completely disappeared from the beauty world, modern makeup lovers tend to use it in softer, more blended ways. The solid block of blue from lid to brow remains a distinctly ‘70s choice that’s more nostalgic than practical today.
5. Heavy Blush Draping
The ‘70s took blush to a whole new level with a technique called “draping,” where bright pinks and corals were swept dramatically across the temples, cheekbones, and even into the hairline. Instead of just giving a healthy flush, this technique sculpted the face using bold, unblended streaks of color. Celebrities and models embraced the trend, making it a must-have look for anyone wanting to achieve that high-fashion, disco-ready glow. Under the lights of a club, the effect was striking, but in normal settings, it sometimes looked like an accidental sunburn says Marie Claire.
The problem with heavy blush draping was that it didn’t always translate well to real life. The intense colors and dramatic placement could make faces appear overly made-up rather than naturally radiant. While blush is still an essential part of makeup routines today, modern techniques focus on blending for a more natural effect. The ‘70s approach, however, left little room for subtlety—if you weren’t wearing enough blush to turn heads, you weren’t wearing enough.
6. Feathered Bangs That Required Serious Maintenance
Feathered hair was the epitome of ‘70s style, but it wasn’t just about the overall shape—the bangs were a crucial part of the look. Women meticulously curled and styled their bangs to fan outward in perfect layers, often requiring hours of effort and an excessive amount of hairspray. The goal was to create a soft yet structured effect that framed the face beautifully. Inspired by icons like Farrah Fawcett, this style became a defining look of the decade. But despite its effortless appearance, it was anything but effortless to maintain.
The main challenge was that even the slightest disturbance—wind, humidity, or sleeping on it wrong—could ruin the entire look. Many people had to carry a brush and a can of hairspray at all times to keep their bangs in place. While feathered hair remains iconic, most modern versions are much more relaxed. The original ‘70s version required serious commitment, proving that sometimes, beauty trends demand a lot more effort than they’re worth.
7. The Barely-There, Nude Nail Trend
While some went for long, dramatic nails, others embraced a minimalistic approach with barely-there polish. Nude nails in sheer beige, pale pink, or even clear polish were everywhere in the ‘70s. The look was meant to be effortless and natural, fitting in with the decade’s more laid-back beauty trends. Unlike the elegant neutrals we see today, though, these shades often made nails look a little washed out or unfinished. Some people even skipped polish altogether, opting for a completely bare, buffed nail look.
The problem with this trend was that it sometimes looked too plain, lacking the polish (literally) that made other beauty trends pop. While natural nails can be beautiful, the ‘70s version often left fingers looking underdone. Today, nude polishes have been refined, with more flattering tones that complement a range of skin tones. Back then, though, it was all about stripping things back—sometimes a little too much.
8. Thick, Spidery Mascara Lashes
Lashes in the ‘70s weren’t just long—they were thick, clumpy, and sometimes downright spidery. Women layered on coat after coat of mascara, often using safety pins or toothpicks to separate stuck-together lashes. The goal was to create big, exaggerated lashes, sometimes even applying false ones to the top and bottom lash lines. Inspired by stars like Twiggy and Cher, this look became a defining feature of the era’s makeup. It was dramatic, but it wasn’t always the most practical.
Too much mascara meant flaking, smudging, and stiff lashes that looked more like tiny sticks than soft, fluttery enhancements. While bold lashes are still a trend today, modern formulas and techniques make them appear more natural. The ‘70s version, however, was all about intensity—no matter how over-the-top it looked.
10. Sunburned Skin as a Fashion Statement
Tanning culture was huge in the ‘70s, and people weren’t just aiming for a healthy glow—they wanted deep, sun-soaked skin that often veered into burnt territory. Many skipped sunscreen altogether, slathering on baby oil instead to maximize their time under the sun. The idea was that a reddish, sun-kissed look made you appear vibrant and healthy, even if it came at the cost of peeling skin and long-term damage. Some even used tanning reflectors, which looked like oversized metal book covers, to intensify the sun’s rays on their faces. It was all about looking effortlessly golden, no matter the risks.
Unfortunately, this trend led to some serious consequences, with many people developing premature wrinkles and sunspots long before their time. By the time the dangers of excessive sun exposure became more well-known, many were left regretting their tanning habits. Today, self-tanners and bronzers offer a safer alternative, but back in the ‘70s, people were all about getting the real thing—even if it meant suffering for beauty. If you weren’t sporting a tan, you almost felt out of place. Looking back, the obsession with a “healthy” burn seems pretty wild, but at the time, it was just another part of the beauty routine.
11. Crazy Long Fake Nails
While natural, nude nails were trendy for some, others took the opposite approach, embracing extremely long, artificial nails. Acrylic nails weren’t as common as they are today, so many women used press-on nails, which had a tendency to pop off at inconvenient times. Some of these nails were so long that even simple tasks—like typing or buttoning a shirt—became unnecessarily complicated. It was all about drama, with square or slightly rounded tips painted in bold colors or shimmering metallics. Some women even experimented with clear nails embedded with tiny designs or glitter.
The problem with these super-long nails was that they weren’t always practical. They had a habit of getting caught on things, breaking at the worst moments, or making everyday life a challenge. Despite this, they were seen as the height of glamour, especially among disco-loving fashionistas. While long nails are still popular today, modern versions tend to be sturdier and more functional. The ‘70s version was more about commitment—if you were rocking ultra-long nails, you had to accept the struggle.
12. Thick, Clumpy Lip Liner
A strong lip liner was a must in the ‘70s, and the goal wasn’t to blend—it was to make it obvious. Many women used dark brown or deep red liners that were a few shades darker than their lipstick, creating an almost outlined effect. This trend gave the illusion of fuller lips, but when the lipstick started to wear off, it sometimes left behind just the harsh outline. Some people even skipped filling in their lips entirely, leaving them with a stark, unblended ring of color. While it looked fashionable at the time, in retrospect, it wasn’t the most flattering look.
The contrast between liner and lipstick could be dramatic, especially when paired with frosted or glossy finishes. It was meant to make the lips pop, but instead, it often looked overdone. In modern times, lip liner is still a makeup staple, but blending is key. Back in the ‘70s, though, subtlety wasn’t the point—it was all about bold, exaggerated features. The dark liner look may have faded, but every now and then, it makes a brief (and usually improved) comeback.
13. Ultra-Shiny, Greased-Up Hair
Sleek, shiny hair was the goal in the ‘70s, but sometimes, people took it a little too far. Instead of just a healthy sheen, some ended up with hair that looked downright greasy. The obsession with glossy locks led to the overuse of products like setting gels, pomades, and even straight-up baby oil. Some people would pile on so much shine-enhancing product that their hair looked permanently wet. While it worked under the dramatic lights of the disco, in daylight, it often looked more oily than intentional.
This trend was especially popular among men, who styled their hair with heavy pomades to get that smooth, slicked-back look. Women also embraced the shine, especially those who preferred a sleek, straight hairstyle over the voluminous feathered look. The downside was that washing all that product out was a serious task, often requiring multiple rounds of shampooing. Nowadays, the goal is still healthy shine, but with lightweight serums rather than heavy, oil-based products. In the ‘70s, though, the greasier the better.
14. Colored Mascara in Every Shade Imaginable
If plain black mascara felt too boring, the ‘70s had a solution—bold, brightly colored lashes. Electric blue, emerald green, and even bright red mascara made eyelashes pop in ways that hadn’t been seen before. It was all about adding a playful, unexpected twist to makeup, often paired with equally colorful eyeshadows. Some people even layered multiple shades for an extra psychedelic effect. This trend wasn’t just for the daring—it became surprisingly mainstream, with major makeup brands offering a rainbow of options.
While colored mascara can still be found today, it’s usually reserved for special occasions or avant-garde fashion looks. In the ‘70s, though, it was worn just as casually as black or brown mascara. The only problem was that some formulas weren’t the most flattering, often clumping together or fading into a strange tint by the end of the night. Still, it fit right in with the experimental beauty trends of the decade. The ‘70s were all about pushing boundaries, and even lashes weren’t safe from the wild, wacky world of beauty experimentation.