Introduction
The 1970s hippie movement, characterized by its countercultural ideologies and free-spirited values, left an indelible mark on society. This era was a time of rebellion against societal norms, war, and materialism.
The hippie culture embraced peace, love, and harmony while advocating for environmental preservation and equality. It was a transformative period that brought about significant changes in fashion, music, art, and even makeup.
During the 1970s, makeup became a powerful tool for self-expression among the hippie community. It served as a means to reject mainstream beauty standards and embrace individuality.
Makeup allowed individuals to break away from traditional notions of femininity or masculinity and explore their own unique identities. It became an artistic outlet that allowed individuals to showcase their creativity and express their personal beliefs.
While the natural aesthetic was key in achieving the hippie look during this era, it was not meant to imply a complete rejection of makeup altogether. Rather than conforming to heavy foundation or artificial enhancements, hippies focused on enhancing their natural features with subtle yet striking techniques.
The aim was to create an effortless appearance that celebrated authenticity over conformity. Makeup choices were heavily influenced by the bohemian lifestyle embraced by hippies.
They drew inspiration from nature’s color palette with earthy tones such as browns, beiges, and soft pinks dominating their cosmetic collections. This preference for natural shades aimed at accentuating one’s features without overpowering them or altering their inherent beauty.
In addition to rejecting conventional beauty standards, makeup played a crucial role in making political statements within the counterculture movement. Hippies used cosmetics as symbols of rebellion against societal norms and governments engaged in unjust wars during this turbulent time period.
By adorning themselves with vibrant colors and unconventional designs like peace signs or flowers painted on faces or bodies as part of face art or body paintings – hippies showcased their solidarity with the peace movement and their desire for a more harmonious world. Overall, makeup became a means for hippies to express themselves beyond words.
It allowed them to defy societal expectations and embrace their true identities. In the next sections, we will delve deeper into specific makeup techniques popularized during the 1970s hippie movement, exploring how they achieved the iconic natural look as well as bolder choices like eye-catching eyes, statement lips, and face art that were central to this era’s beauty aesthetic.
The Natural Look
During the 1970s hippie movement, one of the core principles was embracing natural beauty. The hippies rebelled against the heavy makeup trends of previous decades and instead focused on achieving a radiant, effortless look.
This newfound emphasis on minimalism allowed individuals to express themselves authentically without conforming to societal standards of beauty. The use of earthy tones and neutral colors played a significant role in achieving the desired natural look.
Instead of vibrant or bold shades, hippies opted for softer hues that complemented their features while still adding a touch of radiance. Shades like warm browns, soft taupes, and muted pinks were common choices for eyeshadow and lipstick.
To achieve a dewy complexion, hippies embraced light foundation or tinted moisturizers that provided sheer coverage while allowing the skin’s natural glow to shine through. The goal was to create a flawless base without appearing heavily made up or masking their features.
These products helped even out skin tone while remaining lightweight, giving the face a fresh and youthful appearance. To add a healthy flush to the cheeks, hippies turned to soft blush in peach or coral shades.
This subtle touch of color enhanced their natural radiance and gave them an overall youthful and rosy glow. Applying blush lightly across the apples of the cheeks created a flushed effect that mimicked a sun-kissed complexion, further emphasizing their connection with nature.
Bold Eyes and Lashes
During the 1970s hippie movement, one of the key aspects of achieving a captivating makeup look was enhancing the eyes with vibrant colors and long, voluminous lashes. The eyes were considered a window to the soul, and hippies embraced this notion by using eye makeup as a means of self-expression.
Eyeshadow in Bright Hues
Hippie makeup enthusiasts during the 70s experimented with bold eyeshadow colors that reflected their free-spirited nature. Turquoise, purple, and gold became popular shades used either all over the lids or as accent colors in the crease.
These bright hues added a pop of vibrancy to the overall look and helped draw attention to their eyes. Applying eyeshadow during this era involved creating a seamless blend of colors.
Hippies often used their fingers or small brushes to achieve a carefree application technique. The result was an artistic mix of vibrant shades that radiated joy and excitement.
Hippies also embraced shimmery eyeshadows that reflected light and created an ethereal effect on their lids. Metallic golds or silvers were frequently employed for special occasions or to complement their bohemian outfits worn at festivals or gatherings.
Thick Coats of Mascara
To further emphasize their eyes’ beauty, hippies favored thick coats of mascara on both upper and lower lashes. Long, exaggerated lashes became a trademark feature in hippie aesthetics as they accentuated an aura of mystery. Mascara during this era aimed to create fullness, length, and drama.
Hippies often layered multiple coats without worrying about clumps or excessive definition – it was about embracing a naturally enhanced look rather than perfectionism. In addition to traditional black mascaras, some hippies also explored colored mascaras to match their eyeshadow or outfit choices.
Blue, green, or purple mascara was another way to express their individuality and add a touch of whimsy to their overall appearance. By focusing on bold eyes and lashes, hippies during the 1970s used makeup as a tool for self-expression.
Vibrant eyeshadows in shades like turquoise, purple, or gold adorned their lids while thick coats of mascara gave their lashes that extra oomph. This combination created mesmerizing eyes that effortlessly captivated attention and embodied the free-spirited nature of the hippie movement.
Statement Lips
Exploration of bold lip colors to make a statement
During the 1970s, the hippie movement brought about a remarkable shift in makeup trends, and one of the most prominent elements was the emphasis on statement lips. Hippies were known for their free-spirited and non-conformist approach to life, and their makeup choices were no exception. To truly express themselves, they embraced bold lip colors that made a striking statement.
The 70s saw an explosion of vibrant shades that adorned hippie lips. Deep reds, hot pinks, fiery oranges, and even electric purples became popular choices among those seeking to stand out from the crowd.
These vivid hues were seen as a rebellion against societal norms that dictated more subdued lipstick colors. Hippies used their lips as canvases for self-expression and opted for shades that reflected their individuality and desire for change.
Vibrant shades such as deep red, hot pink, or orange were popular choices
When it came to choosing lip colors in the 70s hippie era, there was no shortage of options. Deep reds with hints of burgundy were particularly favored by those seeking a bold yet sophisticated look. This rich hue exuded confidence and served as an emblem of passion.
Hot pink lipsticks also gained immense popularity during this time period. The bright intensity of this shade perfectly captured the vibrant energy associated with the hippie movement.
It added an element of playfulness to one’s overall appearance and allowed individuals to express their youthful exuberance. Another favorite choice among hippies was orange lipstick.
This unconventional color embodied creativity and freedom while making a profound visual impact. It evoked images of sunsets, warmth, and optimism – all key values embraced by the counterculture movement.
Matte finishes were preferred over glossy ones for a more natural look
In line with the overall natural aesthetic favored by hippies, matte finishes became the go-to choice for lipsticks. Unlike glossy or shiny textures, matte lipsticks provided a more subdued and earthy appearance, aligning with the desire to showcase one’s natural beauty.
The matte finish exuded a sense of authenticity and simplicity that perfectly complemented the 70s hippie makeup look. By avoiding shimmer or excessive shine, individuals could achieve a more organic and effortless style that resonated with their connection to nature and rejection of mainstream beauty standards.
To enhance the effect of their bold lip colors, hippies often paired them with minimal eye makeup and subtle blush. This allowed the lips to take center stage while maintaining an overall balanced look.
The preference for matte finishes exemplified the commitment of hippies to celebrate their individuality in a way that felt genuine and true to themselves. Statement lips played a crucial role in 70s hippie makeup.
The exploration of bold lip colors reflected the rebellious spirit and desire for self-expression of this counterculture movement. Vibrant shades like deep reds, hot pinks, and oranges were popular choices as they captured attention and conveyed individuality.
Matte finishes were preferred over glossy ones to maintain a natural look that aligned with the overall minimalistic aesthetic embraced by hippies. Through their choice of lipstick colors and finishes, these free-spirited individuals projected confidence, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to authentic self-expression.
Face Art and Body Paintings
The Artistic Expression of Hippie Culture
During the vibrant and expressive 1970s hippie movement, face art and body paintings became an essential aspect of self-expression. These artistic adornments were not merely cosmetic but served as powerful symbols of the counterculture’s values, beliefs, and desire for peace and freedom. Hippies embraced the opportunity to transform their faces and bodies into walking canvases, creating intricate designs that reflected their connection with nature, spirituality, and a rejection of societal norms.
Intricate Designs for Cheeks, Foreheads, and Arms
Face paints were used by hippies to create stunning designs on various parts of the body. Cheeks served as a popular canvas for colorful expressions, with bold patterns etched across them like vibrant brushstrokes.
Foreheads also received special attention with elaborate motifs that stretched across the expanse of skin. Arms were not left untouched either; they became an extension of artistic expression – a place to showcase intricate designs that complemented one’s overall appearance.
Peace Signs, Flowers, Butterflies: A Symbolic Language
The artistry displayed through face paint during the 70s was infused with deep symbolism. Peace signs were omnipresent in these designs as a powerful declaration against war and unrest. The iconic symbol was often painted using bright colors to draw attention to its message of love and harmony.
Flowers – particularly daisies – bloomed on faces in vibrant hues symbolizing nature’s beauty and purity while signifying a return to simplicity over materialism. Butterflies fluttered across cheeks as a metaphor for transformation and personal growth – reflecting the hippie belief in embracing change both within oneself and society.
Psychedelic Patterns: Embracing Alternative Realities
One cannot discuss face art and body paintings during the 70s without mentioning the influence of psychedelic culture. Hippies sought to transcend conventional reality, and their artistic expressions mirrored this desire.
Psychedelic patterns, characterized by intricate swirls and vibrant colors, adorned faces, foreheads, and arms as a means to tap into altered states of consciousness. These trippy designs were an homage to mind-expanding experiences brought on by psychedelic substances like LSD and reflected a rejection of societal constraints in favor of a more liberated existence.
Face art and body paintings were not merely cosmetic embellishments during the 70s hippie movement but rather profound expressions of countercultural values. The intricate designs on cheeks, foreheads, and arms served as symbols for peace, love, harmony with nature, personal transformation, and a rejection of societal norms.
Through these artistic adornments steeped in symbolism and infused with psychedelic influences, hippies aimed to create alternative realities that challenged mainstream culture’s conventions. Face art became a visual language through which they communicated their desires for freedom of expression and an escape from the constraints of everyday life.
Hair Accessories and Headbands
During the 1970s, hair accessories played a vital role in completing the overall hippie look. Hippies embraced their natural hair and often adorned it with a variety of accessories to express their free-spirited nature. One of the most iconic hair accessories of this era was the headband, specifically those made from colorful fabrics worn across the forehead.
Headbands Made from Colorful Fabrics Worn Across the Forehead
The headbands worn by hippies were typically crafted from vibrant, patterned fabrics such as tie-dye, floral prints, or ethnic motifs. These headbands served both functional and fashion purposes by keeping long hair away from the face while adding a stylish element to their overall appearance. The forehead was often chosen as the placement for these headbands as they accentuated facial features and created a bohemian-chic vibe.
Hippies embraced an eclectic mix of styles when it came to wearing headbands. Some opted for wider bands that covered a significant portion of their forehead, while others preferred thinner bands that sat more delicately on their heads.
Furthermore, it was also common to see headbands embellished with beads, feathers, or small trinkets that added an extra touch of individuality. The use of headbands made from colorful fabrics became synonymous with the 1970s hippie movement.
These accessories symbolized freedom, self-expression, and rebellion against traditional beauty standards. They were not only fashionable but also represented unity and connectedness among like-minded individuals who believed in peace, love, and harmony.
Conclusion
The 70s hippie makeup movement was more than just cosmetics; it embodied an entire countercultural revolution focused on peace, love, and harmony. The natural look with minimalistic yet radiant makeup, bold eyes and lashes, statement lips, face art and body paintings, and the iconic hair accessories such as headbands made from colorful fabrics all contributed to the unique and distinctive style of this era. Looking back at the 70s hippie makeup trends can serve as a reminder that embracing our individuality and expressing ourselves freely through fashion and beauty choices is a powerful form of self-expression.
While the hippie movement may have faded away with time, its influence on beauty trends and the broader culture cannot be denied. Let us celebrate the spirit of the 70s hippies by embracing our own unique styles and spreading love wherever we go.
FAQ
To achieve the iconic flower child look of the 70s, start with a natural, dewy complexion. Use earthy tones for eyeshadow and opt for false lashes for a doe-eyed effect. Finish with a bold, colorful lip and adorn your face with floral face paint or stickers. Don’t forget to accessorize with headbands and peace sign jewelry.
The essential makeup products for a 70s hippie makeup look include foundation or tinted moisturizer, earthy-toned eyeshadows, mascara, false eyelashes, colorful lipsticks, blush in peach or rosy shades, and face paints or stickers for floral and psychedelic accents.
To achieve a natural and bohemian look with 70s hippie makeup, use minimal foundation for a fresh-faced appearance. Focus on earthy eyeshadows, opt for mascara instead of false lashes, and choose a lip color that mimics your natural lip shade. Emphasize your features with subtle face paint designs and don’t overdo it with accessories.
Hairstyles that complement a 70s hippie makeup look include long, loose waves, braided headbands, flower crowns, and messy, textured hair. These hairstyles enhance the overall bohemian vibe and perfectly complement the makeup style.
