A sneak peek into 1982 makeup makeovers, before and after
In 1982, bold beauty choices were part of the cultural shift toward individual expression. Powder blush was placed with precision to define cheekbones under studio lighting. Eyeshadow came in strong colors — grays, blues and jewel tones — with sharp lines and high contrast.
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As the decade moved forward, the approach to makeup evolved. By the mid-80s, the loud colors softened. Peach tones replaced neon pinks, and shimmer started to win out over matte finishes. Palettes leaned more neutral, but the idea of using makeup to make a statement stuck around. Even the more natural looks still carried that same polished edge.
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The makeovers featured in beauty magazines from 1982 showed how quickly a person could shift from a simple day look to something more dramatic for evening. The tools were accessible and the styles were flexible. These beauty features gave readers the chance to try something new that fit both their lives and their faces.
Below, we’ve pulled together a magazine feature from 1982 that bring these makeup looks to life. The before and after snapshots show not only the styles of the time but also how beauty routines were shaped by culture, practicality and a love for transformation.
Before and after makeover: Great cut that won’t quit! (1982)
Excerpted from Good Housekeeping magazine (1982)
Perfect for Judy Baer, an exercise instructor — or anyone who’s active. It holds its own all day, converts in minutes to a glamorous evening look. Her new makeup’s just as easy.
Judy before: Her hair was too full for her face, especially at cheek level.
Judy, after a feather cut — and an exercise class! We showed her how to dazzle for evening, with simple fluff-out styling, dramatic eye makeup.
ALSO SEE: Cool 1980s temporary hair colors were wild & trendy
Before and after makeover: Great performance! (1982)
That’s what Nancy Daniels, an actress, wanted in a hairstyle — she races to and from auditions, acting classes, and temporary office jobs in between — so we gave her a short, feathery, no-set cut that practically takes care of itself!
We changed her hair color, too, from a dull brown to a soft red, toned with tortoise shell.
Because of her “redhead” features — light green eyes and a fair complexion — Nancy had considered making the switch and loves the results. The new color instantly lights up her striking good looks.
So does the fresh makeup: heathery shade on eyes, rose and berry on cheeks, lips.
Nancy before: Hair was fine, split, unmanageable. New cut, color, gave her look dramatic dash.
Before and after makeover: 3 steps to sensational! (1982)
When Donna Famularo, a secretary, told us she wanted a more sophisticated look, we saw what she needed: shorter hair, wavy and full, swept back to show off her lovely eyes.
But her hair lacked the body needed for the new styling. The answer: a layer cut, followed by a new-way perm, both designed to add natural-look body and wave (we tell you how). Step 3: lively new makeup.
Donna before: Her hair was too long, limp, her makeup too minimal to bring out her pretty eyes, complexion.
Before and after makeover: Miss USA 1981’s winning new look (1982)
When Kim Seelbrede, Miss USA 1981, asked us to give her a glamorous new look that would be easy to manage, versatile too, we started by layering her long hair for quick-change styling, then created a glowing new ready-in-minutes makeup.
Kim’s “pageant” look: Picture-pretty but not practical for “real life.” Daytime, playtime, or evening, Kim’s long hair has short-hair styling ease. She can blow-dry it for a classic casual look (left), or create an elegant tousle of waves (above) with a curling iron.
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