makeup and stuff because I was at school and I wasn't allowed
to."
The iconic makeup of rock band KISS became a staple of their
stage presence in the 1970s as part of the New York 'glitter
movement'.
Speaking about the inspiration behind their look to fanzine
Porkchops and Applesauce, vocalist Gene Simmons said, "we
knew we wanted to get outlandish—being on stage dressed like
a bum wasn't my idea of respect."
Many other glam rock male performers including David Bowie,
Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop began to wear more flamboyant
makeup looks both on and off the stage.
Bowie in particular, changed the cosmetic landscape with the
cosmic Ziggy Stardust. A bisexual, gender-defying, makeup-
wearing alien, Ziggy had the face that launched a thousand
makeup tutorials.
With access to all makeup imaginable, 1980s looks featured
bright eye shadows teamed with bold lipsticks and big hair—a
style mastered by singers like Boy George and Madonna.
The 1990s brought normcore and grunge to the mainstream.
Faces were either clean and natural or making a statement with
heavily kohled eyes and dark lips.