'80s Halloween Hair and Makeup
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Dressing Like an '80s Lady
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What we wouldn't give to return to the 1980s when Aqua Net and teasing combs ruled. Halloween is the perfect occasion to relive the beauty glory days, and we've come up with five beauty icons whose looks you can create with just three products each. But first there are a few hair and makeup trends you need to hit to get the true flashback effect: double up on the blush, triple up on the hairspray, and grab that old scrunchie. Steal these beauty lessons from our favorite '80s celebrities, like Joan Jett and Janet Jackson, and shop your Halloween makeup essentials below!
Joan Jett
Dust off your mullet wig! The '80s were all about the bangs, so you'll need to put in extra time to tease your fringe. But the biggest throwback beauty lesson to steal from Joan Jett is blush application.
This is one occasion where you can never have enough. Use a blunt angle brush to apply hot-pink cheek color and a darker contour shade in the hollows of the face (a diagonal from ear to nose). You'll also need to double down on the eyeliner to get that angsty, goth thing Joan had going on.
Olivia Newton John
Olivia's curls were the epitome of '80s hair. Start by curling strands with a one-inch barrel iron. Alternate which way you wind the curls in order to give it natural volume. Then, use a teasing comb or brush to give the waves added height. The key is to avoid touching the ends, only back-combing at the roots.
Madonna
Oh, Madge. She was definitely going through a Marilyn Monroe phase during the late '80s (post Desperately Seeking Susan). Madonna pioneered a beauty trend that we still embrace today: bold, untamed brows. She also rocked a beauty mark, which you can get with waterproof eyeliner or brow pencil. Finish off the look with your best candy-apple lipstick.
Janet Jackson
"Rhythm Nation" was a theme song for '80s teens, and Janet rocked one of our favorite styles of the day: crimps. To re-create her look, you're going to need a crimping iron and plenty of patience. Pull your hair up into a half-up hairstyle using a scrunchie, the quintessential hair accessory of the time. You'll also need gel and a toothbrush to slick back any short baby hairs around the hairline. We've got Janet's beauty look covered, but those fancy dance moves you'll have to learn somewhere else.
Annie Lennox
Annie was the beauty girl of the decade. With her orange-red hair and extreme makeup looks, she brought the Eurythmics to the forefront of pop music. Start by finding a foundation a few shades lighter than your complexion, then smear on the bold eye shadow in a mask-like fashion (red and black were Annie's go-to colors). Finally, dust your cheekbones with gold dust and layer on the mascara.
