The fashion world is forever looking forward, so the opportunity to pause and look back is always a welcome one – and the current resurgence of ’70s make-up trends is exactly that.
It was the decade that brought us everything from disco and decadence to bell bottoms and belly tops. A cacophony of sex, politics and soul music; there was Marvin Gaye, the Bee Gees, Studio 54, Saturday Night Fever and the women’s liberation movement. As for beauty, the period was defined by pencil-thin brows, lacquered lips and lapis lazuli lids, while hair was generally long, shaggy and feathered.
As the temperatures rise and we roll into a new season, there’s no better time to embrace nostalgic ’70s beauty. In need of some inspiration? Below, Vogue rounds up 15 of the decade’s most unforgettable hair and make-up muses to inform your summer look.
Grace Jones
The singer, actor and androgynous style muse brings the drama with defined cheekbones, scarlet lids, a strong winged eye and bold berry lips.Ron Galella/Getty Images
Bianca Jagger
The human rights activist keeps it classy with rosy cheeks, fuchsia lips and fluttery lashes.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
Stevie Nicks
The Fleetwood Mac frontwoman wears her signature cut crease. Fin Costello
Donna Summer
The disco queen makes the case for vibrant hues and high gloss lips. Jack Mitchell/Getty Images
Debbie Harry
The Blondie frontwoman kept it cool with a soft, smoky eye and a high-gloss lip.Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Cher
With her pencil-thin brows, cherry-lacquered lips and dramatic sweep of blusher, Cher embodies the beauty look of the time.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Farrah Fawcett
The Charlie’s Angels actor keeps it natural with glossy lips and a lick of mascara. Bettmann
Pat Cleveland
The model oozes Studio 54-ready high glam with crimson nails and matching high shine lips. Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Amanda Lear
With her defined eyes and high shine scarlet lips, the singer and actress embodies the disco glam synonymous with the era.Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
Jerry Hall
With her rouge cheeks and scarlet lips, the model is the ultimate ’70s make-up muse.Art Zelin/Getty Images
Beverly Johnson
The model and actor makes the case for high impact blush and fuchsia lips.Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Elsa Peretti
The Halston muse and jewellery designer oozes ’70s glam with her high shine lips and rouged cheeks.Jack Mitchell/Getty Images
Diana Ross
The singer gives high glam with her thin brows and XXL lashes. Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Jaclyn Smith
The Charlie’s Angels starlet makes the case for thin brows and bare-faced beauty.ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images
Liza Minnelli
The Cabaret star radiates natural beauty with her signature long lashes and pencil-thin brows. AFP/Getty Images