Last Minute DIY 80s Costume A Quick Guide

Makeup & Hair: Last Minute Diy 80s Costume

Last minute diy 80s costume – Achieving an authentic 80s look requires careful consideration of both makeup and hair styling techniques. The decade was characterized by bold choices and a distinct departure from the more natural looks of previous eras. This section details the key elements of 80s makeup and hair, providing a practical guide for recreating the style.

Eighties Makeup Techniques

The 80s makeup aesthetic prioritized a strong, defined look. Eyeshadow application was particularly dramatic, often involving multiple colors and techniques to create a striking effect. Blush was used generously to accentuate the cheekbones, and lipstick choices ranged from vibrant pinks and reds to more muted tones. Color palettes frequently included bright blues, purples, greens, and pinks, often combined in a single look.

A heavy application of powder was common to set the makeup and enhance the matte finish popular at the time.

Eyeshadow Application in the 1980s

Application typically involved a base color applied across the entire eyelid, followed by a darker shade in the crease to add depth. A lighter shade was often applied under the brow bone to highlight. Bold, graphic eyeliner was essential, often extending beyond the outer corner of the eye in a “winged” effect. Many individuals opted for vibrant, contrasting colors, such as teal and purple, or pink and blue.

Some common palettes included bright blues and greens paired with deep purples and browns, or pinks and corals combined with peaches and bronzes.

Blush and Lipstick Application in the 1980s, Last minute diy 80s costume

Blush was applied generously to the apples of the cheeks and blended upwards towards the temples, creating a high, sculpted effect. Popular shades included bright pinks, corals, and peaches. Lipstick choices were similarly bold, with vibrant pinks, reds, and even browns being common. A matte finish was often preferred, and lip liner was used to define the lip shape.

A popular technique involved applying a darker shade of lipstick in the center of the lips to create a fuller appearance.

Achieving Popular 80s Hairstyles

The 80s were defined by voluminous, often teased hairstyles. Achieving these looks required the use of various styling products and tools. Three popular styles are detailed below, each achievable with common hair tools.

Need a last-minute 80s costume? Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Think bright colors, leg warmers, and maybe a big hairdo! For a surprisingly easy and cute alternative, check out this fantastic tutorial on a diy Monsters Inc Boo costume ; the simplicity of the design could easily be adapted to an 80s vibe with some neon additions.

Back to your 80s look – don’t forget the iconic shoulder pads!

Creating a Big Hair Look

To achieve the iconic big hair look, the following steps are recommended:

• Begin with clean, dry hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to the roots.
• Use a round brush and hairdryer to lift the hair at the roots, creating volume.
• Backcomb sections of hair at the crown and sides to create extra height and texture.
• Finish with a generous amount of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Creating a Crimped Hairstyle

The crimped hairstyle was a popular choice in the 80s. The steps are:

• Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray.
• Use a crimping iron to crimp sections of hair, working from the roots to the ends.
• Once all hair is crimped, gently tousle it with your fingers to loosen the waves.
• Use hairspray to maintain the crimped texture and hold the style.

Creating a High Ponytail with Bangs

The high ponytail with bangs was another signature 80s style:

• Start by sectioning off the bangs from the rest of the hair.
• Gather the remaining hair into a high ponytail at the crown of the head.
• Tease the ponytail to add volume and texture.
• Style the bangs by either curling them under or leaving them straight.
• Secure the style with hairspray.

The Role of Hairspray and Other Styling Products

Hairspray played a crucial role in achieving and maintaining the voluminous hairstyles of the 80s. Its ability to hold the hair in place, despite teasing and other styling techniques, made it an indispensable product. However, excessive use could lead to stiffness and a less natural look. Other products, such as mousse and hair gel, were also used to add volume and texture.

Mousse provided a lighter hold than hairspray, while hair gel offered a stronger hold and a wet look. The choice of product depended on the desired level of hold and the specific hairstyle. The pros of using hairspray included strong hold and all-day styling. Cons included potential stiffness and build-up. Mousse offered a lighter hold and volume, but less hold than hairspray.

Gel provided strong hold but could lead to a crunchy texture.

Accessorizing Your 80s Costume

Proper accessorizing is crucial for achieving an authentic 80s look. The right accessories can elevate a simple outfit, transforming it into a believable and stylish representation of the decade. Careful selection and placement of these items will complete the overall aesthetic.

Five key accessories that define an 80s look include leg warmers, fingerless gloves, oversized sunglasses, statement earrings, and a vibrant belt. Leg warmers, often made of brightly colored knit fabrics, were a staple, adding a sporty yet fashionable touch to outfits. Fingerless gloves offered a unique blend of practicality and style, complementing everything from casual wear to more formal attire.

Oversized sunglasses, often featuring bold geometric shapes or vibrant colors, were essential for shielding eyes from the sun while adding a touch of flair. Statement earrings, frequently large and bold, whether they were geometric designs or dangling styles, provided a powerful visual element. Finally, wide belts, often in bold colors or metallic finishes, cinched the waist and added a structured element to many 80s outfits.

DIY Cassette Tape or Boombox Prop Creation

Creating DIY props enhances the authenticity of the costume. A cassette tape or boombox, symbolic of 80s music culture, can be easily constructed using readily available materials. For a cassette tape, cardboard can be cut and shaped to mimic the iconic rectangular form, with details such as the label and magnetic tape added using markers or paint. Similarly, a boombox can be fashioned from a cardboard box, decorated with colored tape or paint to replicate the buttons, speakers, and overall design.

Adding details like a faux cassette inserted into the “player” further enhances the realism.

Jewelry in 80s Fashion: A Comparative Analysis

The use of jewelry in 80s fashion varied significantly in terms of materials and styles. Large, bold pieces were favored, reflecting the era’s overall aesthetic of excess and vibrancy.

Popular Questions

Can I use existing clothes to create an 80s costume?

Absolutely! Many 80s looks can be achieved by repurposing existing clothing items. The guide provides specific examples of how to transform existing pieces.

What are some affordable materials for creating 80s accessories?

Affordable materials include fabrics like leggings or old t-shirts for leg warmers, scrunchies made from leftover fabric scraps, and fingerless gloves crafted from old socks or gloves.

Where can I find inspiration for 80s makeup looks?

Look to iconic 80s movies, music videos, and fashion magazines for inspiration. The guide also provides specific color palettes and techniques.

How can I make my 80s costume photograph well?

Choose a backdrop that complements your costume, experiment with different poses, and use good lighting. The guide offers suggestions for backdrops and poses.