This guide covers the vibrant and bold makeup styles that defined the 1980s, especially during the festive Christmas season. Expect bright colors, dramatic eyes, and playful accessories that capture the spirit of the era.
The 80’s Christmas makeup look is all about fun and creativity, allowing you to express your personality with striking colors and unique combinations.
Embracing the 80’s Vibe
The 1980s were a time of bold fashion statements and vibrant colors, especially in the realm of makeup. This festive season, channel that retro energy with a Christmas makeup look that captures the essence of the era.
Bright neon eyeshadows, dramatic eyeliner, and glossy lips are the hallmarks of this style. The playful use of colors and accessories makes it perfect for holiday gatherings, ensuring you stand out in any crowd.
Creating the Perfect Base
Before diving into the fun colors, it’s essential to prepare your skin. Start with a clean face, applying a face primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup.
Next, even out your skin tone with foundation or tinted moisturizer. This step helps to ensure that the vibrant colors pop against a flawless base.
Bold and Bright Eyes
For the eyes, select a bright eyeshadow palette featuring neon pinks, electric blues, and vibrant greens. Apply your chosen shade to the eyelids, blending well for a seamless look.
Enhance the drama with black eyeliner, creating a striking winged effect that accentuates the eyes. Finish off with several coats of volumizing mascara to make those lashes stand out.
Cheeks That Pop
To achieve that quintessential 80’s look, apply a bold blush in hot pink or coral to the apples of your cheeks. Blend it out towards the temples for a flushed and lively appearance.
This bright blush not only adds color but also complements the vibrant eyeshadow, tying the whole look together beautifully.
Glossy Lips for the Win
Complete your makeup with a shiny lip gloss in a vibrant color that harmonizes with your eye makeup. Glossy lips are a signature of the 80’s style, adding a playful touch to your overall appearance.
Choose a shade that stands out, ensuring your lips are as eye-catching as your eyes. This glossy finish will keep your look fresh and festive.
Adding Festive Accessories
No 80’s Christmas look is complete without some fun accessories. Adorn yourself with glittery earrings and a Christmas-themed headband to enhance the festive spirit.
Consider adding a touch of sparkle around your eyes or on your cheeks with glitter or sequins for that extra festive flair. The combination of makeup and accessories will create a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Step-by-Step 80’s Christmas Makeup Look

This retro makeup look features bright eyeshadows, bold blush, and glossy lips, perfect for holiday parties. The application process is straightforward, making it easy to achieve this nostalgic style.
Ingredients
- Bright eyeshadow palettes (neon pink, electric blue, vibrant green)
- Black eyeliner (liquid or pencil)
- Mascara (volumizing)
- Bold blush (hot pink or coral)
- Lip gloss (shiny and colorful)
- Face primer
- Foundation or tinted moisturizer
- Setting spray
- Optional: Glitter or sequins for added sparkle
Instructions
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean face and apply a face primer to create a smooth base for your makeup.
- Apply Foundation: Use foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone.
- Bold Eyes: Apply a bright eyeshadow of your choice to the eyelids, blending well. Use black eyeliner to create a dramatic winged look, and finish with several coats of volumizing mascara.
- Dramatic Blush: Apply bold blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending it out towards the temples for a flushed look.
- Glossy Lips: Finish the look with a shiny lip gloss in a vibrant color that complements your eyes.
- Add Sparkle: For an extra festive touch, consider adding glitter or sequins around the eyes or on your cheeks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Application Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes