80s Hair and makeup: Our London Fashion Week highlights

Fashion weeks around the world were awash with block colours, shoulder pads and sheeny fabrics, and naturally, the look has filtered into the beauty world too.

Thankfully 80s makeup doesn’t have to mean neon headbands and glitter lips—there are lots of more subtle ways to take on the trend. 

Images via Vogue

Nina Ricci has always favoured the Sloane Ranger glow of a ruddy cheek and centre parting, but Topshop Unique also got in on the act for AW17, dusting models of all skin tones with a pinky-red sheen that settled just under the eye line.

To recreate this look, proceed with caution and build the colour up slowly—the final look should be a ‘sweep’ of colour rather than a doll-like circle. 

There is, of course, the natural option too – a gentle cheek-pinch or brisk walk should achieve the desired ‘country bumpkin’ affect.

Read more: The daring fashion of the 1980s music scene

Images via Vogue

A time of fun, rebellion and "more means more", the subcultures of the 80s tended to favour a statement hairdo. Colour played a big part in haircare on the AW catwalks—from the punky streaks of Versace to the strong mullets of Y’s and Koche.

An androgynous snip may not be for the faint-hearted, but thankfully, low maintenance is key—think choppy layers and carefree flyaway ends.

There is an abundance of products on the high street that can help you emulate this look—experiment with tousling mousse and wash-out dyes to find the style that suits you. There are also reviews, tips, and tricks on Hair and Makeup Girl that will help you improve your skills. They usually suggest natural and organic products.
 

Read more: 10 Life lessons that we took from 80s movies

Images via Vogue

Eyeshadow is back in a big way—the 80s were all about bold colour after all!

Red lids were popular across many of the high fashion shows, but we prefer something a little different—the electric blues and green shown at Leonard Paris and Kolor offers a real statement that was elevated further by Junya Watanabe’s fake lashes show.

Keep the rest of your makeup neutral to allow your chosen colour to sing. A highly pigmented powder will do all the talking.

Images via Vogue

Most of us have contemplated a fringe at some point, but 2017 may well be the most stylish time to take the plunge.

Dramatic hair was a calling card of AW17; the blunt crop shown at Paul & Joe is perfect for those with heart-shaped faces and delicate features and look great paired with some strong tailoring.

For those with longer locks, a heavy side sweep offers a nod to the New Romantics—try out a different parting or some subtle layers to refresh your image.

Images via Vogue

Good news for all those busy ladies—if you find colour a little intimidating, the barely-there trend is still very popular.

Sympathetic with the rise of the power woman in the mid-80s, this look is all about a dewy finish with natural tones around the eyes and on lips. Mui Mui, Rahul Misra and Trussardi all kept things simple with rosy tones.

Yellow-toned reds suit most skin tones, but it’s worth shopping around—a good investment lipstick and eyeshadow will carry you into next season and beyond. 

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Read more by Jenessa Williams

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