DIY 80s Costume A Retro Guide

Makeup and Hair Styles: Diy 80’s Costume

Diy 80’s costume – Embarking on your 80s DIY costume journey requires a deep dive into the era’s signature looks. The hairstyles and makeup of the 1980s were bold, expressive, and often extravagant, reflecting a decade of vibrant self-expression. Mastering these elements is key to achieving an authentic and memorable 80s transformation. Let’s explore the key components, providing you with the tools to recreate these iconic styles.

Iconic 80s Hairstyles and Their Recreation, Diy 80’s costume

The 80s offered a diverse range of hairstyles, each with its own unique appeal. We will focus on three prominent styles: the big hair, the teased bangs, and the high ponytail. Understanding the techniques behind these styles allows for adaptation across various hair types and lengths.

1. Big Hair: This voluminous style was a staple of the 80s. Achieving this look requires teasing (backcombing) the hair at the roots to create lift and volume. Begin by applying a volumizing mousse or spray to damp hair. Then, section the hair and tease each section gently, working from the roots to the mid-lengths. Once teased, smooth the top layer of hair to conceal the teased sections.

   Finish with a generous amount of hairspray to hold the style in place. Consider using a large-barrel curling iron to add further volume and curl to the ends. For those with finer hair, using hair extensions can significantly enhance the volume.

2. Teased Bangs: Teased bangs, often paired with big hair, added a touch of drama and edge. Similar to creating big hair, begin by applying a volumizing product. Gently tease the bangs from the roots, focusing on creating height and volume. Smooth the top layer to conceal the teased sections. Use a small amount of hairspray to keep the bangs in place, avoiding stiffness.

   The key is to achieve a textured, voluminous look rather than a stiff, unnatural appearance. For those with straight hair, using a curling iron to add slight waves before teasing can help the style hold better.

3. High Ponytail: The high ponytail was a versatile and sleek 80s option. Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Gather all your hair high on your head, securing it tightly with an elastic band. For added volume, you can tease the hair at the crown before pulling it into the ponytail. To achieve that extra height, use a teasing comb to lift the hair at the roots.

   You can add a scrunchie or ribbon for a pop of color. This style is easily adaptable to different hair lengths; shorter hair can be styled into a half-ponytail or a high bun.

Classic 80s Makeup Techniques

s makeup was all about bold colors and dramatic effects. The key elements included vibrant eyeshadow, prominent blush, and strong lipstick. Understanding the application techniques is crucial for recreating this iconic look.

The application process begins with a clean, moisturized face. A foundation that matches your skin tone provides a smooth base. Next, focus on the eyes. Apply a base color eyeshadow all over the eyelid, followed by a darker shade in the crease to add depth. Blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.

Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid for added shine. Line your upper and lower lash lines with eyeliner, creating a winged effect. Finish with several coats of mascara. Apply blush generously to the apples of your cheeks, extending it slightly upwards towards the temples. Finally, choose a bold lipstick color, such as bright pink, red, or fuchsia, and apply evenly.

Get ready to rock those totally tubular 80s vibes with your DIY costume! Need some inspiration for a fun, retro character? Check out this awesome guide for a diy mickey mouse costume – imagine Mickey rocking leg warmers and a boombox! Then, add some neon accessories and big hair to complete your killer 80s look!

Visual Guide to 80s Makeup Application

Imagine a visual guide showing a face divided into sections. The first section depicts the application of a light foundation, creating an even base. The second section illustrates the eyeshadow application: a light base shade across the eyelid, a darker shade in the crease blended smoothly, and a shimmery shade in the center. The third section showcases the eyeliner, a bold line extending slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye, creating a winged effect.

The fourth section demonstrates blush application, highlighting the apples of the cheeks and extending upwards. Finally, the fifth section displays the application of vibrant lipstick, filling in the lips completely. The overall effect is a bold, dramatic, and vibrant look.

Adapting 80s Styles for Different Genders and Hair Types

The beauty of 80s styles lies in their adaptability. Big hair, for example, can be styled on various hair lengths and textures; short hair can achieve volume through teasing and styling products. Similarly, the makeup techniques can be adjusted to suit different skin tones and preferences. Men can embrace the bold eyeshadow and eyeliner, creating a unique and expressive look.

The key is to experiment and find what works best for your individual features and preferences. For example, a man might opt for a more subdued eyeshadow palette but still incorporate the bold eyeliner and blush for a masculine take on the 80s look. Women with shorter hair can adapt the high ponytail into a half-up style or a voluminous bun, while those with long hair can easily achieve the big hair and teased bangs.

Budget-Friendly DIY Solutions

Embarking on a journey to recreate the vibrant spirit of the 1980s doesn’t necessitate emptying your wallet. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can craft an authentic 80s costume using readily available materials, transforming everyday items into dazzling retro ensembles. This section explores practical and cost-effective methods to achieve that iconic 80s look without breaking the bank.

Repurposing and recycling existing clothing and household items offers a fantastic opportunity to create unique and memorable costumes while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing your budget. By creatively upcycling, you can achieve a truly authentic 80s aesthetic without compromising on style or originality. Let’s delve into some specific strategies.

Upcycling Existing Clothing

This approach emphasizes transforming already-owned clothes into 80s-inspired garments. Consider the following possibilities:

• Transforming a simple t-shirt: An oversized band t-shirt, perhaps one already in your closet, can become the foundation of an 80s rocker look. Simply tie it in a knot at the side or cut it into a unique asymmetrical shape. This method costs essentially nothing beyond the time investment.
• Leg warmers from old sweaters: Cut the sleeves off an old sweater, and you have instant leg warmers! This saves the cost of buying new leg warmers, which can range from $5 to $20 per pair. The savings are considerable, especially if you have multiple sweaters to repurpose.
• Acid-wash effect with bleach: Create a trendy acid-wash effect on jeans or a denim jacket using bleach and rubber bands. This technique can dramatically alter the appearance of an old denim garment, transforming it into a statement piece reminiscent of the 80s. The cost is minimal, only requiring bleach (approximately $3-$5 per bottle) and rubber bands (a few cents).

Repurposing Household Items

Many everyday household items can be surprisingly versatile in costume creation.

The key here lies in creative thinking and resourcefulness, turning everyday objects into unexpected 80s accessories. The cost savings are significant, as these items are already at your disposal.

• Jewelry from old buttons and beads: Create vibrant, chunky necklaces and bracelets using old buttons, beads, and other small trinkets found around the house. This eliminates the need to buy new jewelry, saving potentially $10-$30 or more depending on the complexity of the design.
• Headbands from fabric scraps: Use leftover fabric scraps to create stylish headbands, a quintessential 80s accessory. This method avoids the cost of buying new headbands, saving a few dollars.
• Shoulder pads from foam: Craft shoulder pads from foam padding or repurposed materials found in old clothes. This saves the cost of buying new shoulder pads, which can range from $5 to $15 per pair.

Creating Accessories from Recycled Materials

This strategy involves making accessories using recycled or repurposed materials.

This focuses on creating key 80s accessories using readily available, inexpensive materials, often already in your possession. The cost savings can be substantial compared to purchasing new items.

• Neon belts from old ties: Transform old ties into vibrant neon belts by simply cutting them to the desired length and adding a buckle (if needed, a cheap buckle can be found at a craft store for a few dollars). This repurposing saves the cost of buying a new belt, which could be $10 or more.

Essential FAQs

What if I don’t have a sewing machine?

Many 80s looks can be achieved without sewing! Focus on layering, using safety pins, fabric glue, or readily available accessories to create the desired effect.

Where can I find affordable materials?

Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and even your own closet are goldmines for 80s-inspired fabrics and clothing. Repurposing old clothes is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option.

How can I adapt these ideas for children?

Scale down the designs! Use smaller amounts of materials and adjust the complexity of the costume to suit the child’s age and abilities. Simpler versions of the hairstyles and makeup are also perfectly acceptable.