On this day in 1982, Tron first came to theaters. Ever since we first visited the Grid, we couldn’t get enough of the stark contrast of neon against black, the bright streaks of light cycles, and futuristic minimalism of the film.
To celebrate the anniversary of this Disney classic, we’ve created looks that, quite literally, highlight the experimental makeup trends of the present, inspired by the bursts of color, shiny black, and neon of Tron in 1982.
Metallic Alter Ego
Makeup artist Amy Stozzi put a modern day spin on the retro ’80s film. “Our inspiration for this beauty shoot was a modern day Tron. We wanted to create futuristic looks that were still contemporary and wearable.” Strozzi said. “For me that meant metallics, bright colors, and amazing reflective skin.”
Strozzi was able to make that reflective skin still look natural and dewy, something we’re trying to achieve every day with our own highlighting sticks.
Her advice to get this program-perfect look: “I used the highlighter from Tom Ford’s Shade and Illuminate to achieve this, but I also love the Living Luminizer from RMS, Becca Cosmetic’s Shimmering Skin Perfectors, and Marc Jacobs Glow Stick as options. For a softer version of this highlighted skin, try using Dior’s Glow Maximizer underneath your makeup or on it’s own over moisturizer.”
Chartreuse Statement
Yellow liner? Yes. We’re seeing colorful liquid liners in every shade used to accent eye shapes and also the outline of the upper lid. Strozzi’s advice: “Eyeliner doesn’t have to be in typical colors, especially in the summer! This chartreuse green liquid liner from Lime Crime is easy to apply and makes a statement all on it’s own. Pair with a lip balm for daytime, or get inspired with a pink or purple lip for nighttime!”
To add some edge to a typical pink lip, Strozzi went for a metallic magenta. “For a super futuristic lip, start first with a bold color like this bright fuchsia from Maybelline, and for the metallic pop, gently dust a shimmery pigment on top, like this Opal Shimmer from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.”
Neo ’80s Indigo
Another bright idea for eyes: metallic blue eyeliner. Think of it as a throwback to the early ’00s colorful eye shadow, but made more futuristic by applying all the way around the eye.
“Graphic blue eyes are making a big splash this season, and warm weather is the best time for bold colors like this. I used the NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Cressida here, but I also recommend powders like these from Urban Decay or Wet n’ Wild.”
Pro tip from Strozzi: “Powder shadow can be used dry for a light application, or use it with a wet brush for a more dramatic effect. Pair this eye with a nude pink lip to keep the face balanced.”
New Wave Neon
If you’re particularly brave, or are really trying to pay homage to both red and blue light cycles, combine metallic liner and eye shadows of different shades for this two-tone look.
Blue metallic liner is used to outline the eye and in the inner crease, then Strozzi finished the look with metallic magenta. “If you want a seriously metallic eye, try Make Up Forever’s Aqua Cream shadows, they are even waterproof for when you can’t fight the urge to jump in the pool!”
Saffron Cyberpunk
With lip kits in everyone’s shopping cart, we’ve been digging vibrant purple and blue lips all summer. Strozzi says to shake things up, go for yellow.
“Yellow lipstick can be tricky to get in a solid color, as most formulas are semi sheer. Use MAC’s Chromagraphic Pencil in Primary Yellow to color in the lips entirely, then use Mac’s Gold XIXI Lipstick on top.”
Watch to go behind the scenes of how we created these Tron-inspired looks:
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