20 Iconic 60s Makeup Looks That Are Making a Major Comeback
The 1960s was a decade of revolutionary change, not just in fashion and music, but profoundly in beauty. It was a time when makeup became an art form, a bold statement of individuality and rebellion against traditional norms. Think Twiggy’s mesmerizing eyes, Brigitte Bardot’s sultry gaze, and the vibrant, playful spirit of Mod culture. Today, these iconic 60s makeup looks are experiencing a major resurgence, proving that true style is timeless. If you’re ready to infuse your look with a touch of retro glamour and modern flair, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down the most influential 60s makeup trends and how to master them for today.
The Enduring Allure of 60s Makeup
What makes 60s makeup so captivating even now? It’s the emphasis on expressive eyes, often paired with a fresh, youthful complexion and subtle lips, creating a striking focal point. This era celebrated creativity, pushing boundaries with bold lines, exaggerated lashes, and playful colors. These looks are versatile enough to be adapted for a subtle nod to the past or a full-blown retro transformation, making them perfect for fashionistas looking to stand out.
The Mod Revolution – Eye-Catching Looks
The eyes were undeniably the focal point of 60s makeup. From doll-like innocence to graphic artistry, this decade offered an array of eye-catching styles.
Twiggy’s Signature Doll Eyes
The ultimate icon of the 60s, Twiggy’s look is synonymous with oversized, wide-open eyes. This involves a dramatic cut crease, often drawn with a dark liquid liner or shadow, and heavily emphasized lower lashes. To achieve this, use a matte brown or grey shadow to define the crease, extending it slightly beyond the natural eye shape. For the lower lashes, draw on individual lash lines with a fine-tipped liquid liner or apply multiple coats of mascara, clumping them slightly for that authentic doll-like effect. Pair with a voluminous upper lash for maximum impact. Keep the rest of the face minimal – a touch of blush and a pale lip – to let the eyes truly pop. This look pairs perfectly with a sleek bob or a chic pixie cut.
Graphic Liner Artistry
Beyond the classic wing, the 60s saw eyeliner become a tool for true artistic expression. Graphic liner involved creating bold, abstract shapes, sometimes floating above the crease or extending dramatically from the lash line. Experiment with liquid or gel liners in black or even bright colors like white, blue, or green. Try a double wing, a line drawn just above the crease, or abstract dots. The key is precision and confidence. This look is fantastic with minimalist clothing, allowing your eyes to be the masterpiece. Think simple shift dresses or tailored trousers.
The Classic Wing – Redefined
The winged eyeliner, a staple from the 50s, evolved in the 60s to become bolder and more elongated. It was often thicker at the outer corner, extending into a sharp, upward flick that lifted the eye. Use a liquid or gel liner for a crisp finish. Start thin at the inner corner and gradually thicken as you move outwards, creating a smooth, upward angle towards the end of your brow. This versatile look complements almost any hairstyle, from beehives to loose waves, and pairs beautifully with a simple, elegant dress or a mod-inspired outfit.
Brightening with White Eyeliner
White eyeliner was a secret weapon for making eyes appear larger and brighter. It was commonly applied to the lower waterline and sometimes to the inner corner of the eye. This instantly opens up the gaze, creating a youthful, wide-eyed effect. A white pencil liner is ideal for the waterline, while a liquid white liner can be used for a more dramatic inner corner highlight. This look is fantastic for daytime wear, offering a fresh take on eye brightening, and complements lighter spring and summer outfits.
Spider Lashes – Bold and Separated
Forget perfectly separated lashes; the 60s embraced the ‘spider lash’ effect. This involved applying several coats of mascara, sometimes even using tweezers to gently clump lashes together for a dramatic, spiky look. Focus on both upper and lower lashes. Black mascara is essential, and you can enhance the effect with individual false lashes on the lower lash line. This bold lash style is perfect for adding an edgy, retro touch to any eye look and works well with strong graphic elements.
Floating Crease – An Artistic Touch
A variation of graphic liner, the floating crease involved drawing a line just above the natural crease of the eyelid, creating an illusion of depth and a captivating artistic detail. This line could be thin and subtle or thick and bold, often in black or a contrasting color. Use a fine-tipped liquid liner or a cream shadow with a precise brush. This look is about creating an optical illusion, making it a sophisticated choice for those who want to experiment with avant-garde beauty. Pair with sleek, minimalist hair to keep the focus on the eyes.
Pastel Power – Soft Hues
While bold colors were prominent, soft pastel eyeshadows also had their moment. Shades of baby blue, mint green, lilac, and pale pink were swept across the eyelids, often up to the brow bone. These lighter hues offered a softer, more ethereal contrast to the heavy liner and lashes. Choose matte or slightly shimmery formulas for an authentic feel. This gentle approach to eye color is perfect for a more romantic or daytime 60s vibe, complementing floral prints and delicate fabrics.
Double Winged Drama
Taking the classic wing a step further, the double winged liner created even more drama. This involved drawing two parallel wings—one along the upper lash line and another just above it, sometimes extending from the lower lash line as well. This look adds incredible dimension and an undeniable coolness. Precision is key, so use a reliable liquid or gel liner. This is a show-stopping look that demands attention, perfect for evening events or when you want to make a bold fashion statement.
Emphasizing the Lower Lash Line
The 60s was all about the eyes, and this extended to giving the lower lash line significant attention. Dark eyeliner, often black or brown, was applied generously to the lower lash line, sometimes smudged for a softer effect, and paired with heavy mascara on the bottom lashes. This technique further opened up the eye, contributing to the doll-like or mod aesthetic. A kohl pencil is excellent for a smudged look, while liquid liner offers more definition. This emphasis balances the drama of the upper lid and creates a truly captivating gaze.
Lip Service – Pout Perfection
While eyes took center stage, lips in the 60s were far from an afterthought. They played a crucial supporting role, balancing the dramatic eye makeup.
The Nude Lip – Subtle Chic
One of the most iconic lip trends of the 60s was the pale, often almost invisible, nude lip. This allowed the eyes to be the absolute focus. Think shades of beige, light peach, or even a foundation-toned lipstick. Matte or slightly creamy finishes were popular. To achieve this, use a lip liner that matches your natural lip color or the lipstick, then fill in with a pale lipstick. This look pairs perfectly with any of the dramatic eye looks, creating a harmonious balance and ensuring your eyes remain the star.
Peachy Keen – Warm Tones
For those who preferred a touch more color, peachy and coral tones were a popular choice. These warm, inviting shades added a youthful flush without competing with the eye makeup. Look for lipsticks with a slight sheen or a satin finish. Apply directly from the bullet or with a lip brush for precision. This vibrant yet understated lip color is fantastic for brightening the complexion and adds a playful touch, especially when paired with pastel eye makeup or a simpler winged liner.
Youthful Glossy Finishes
While matte and creamy finishes dominated, a touch of clear or lightly tinted gloss was also favored for a fresh, youthful look. This added dimension and a healthy sheen to the lips, making them appear fuller without adding heavy color. Apply a clear gloss over your chosen nude or peach lipstick, or wear it on its own for a truly natural, ‘no makeup’ makeup look for the lips. This is a versatile option that can soften any 60s makeup look, making it more wearable for everyday.
Flawless Canvas – Skin and Brows
The foundation of any great makeup look is the canvas. In the 60s, this meant a fresh, radiant complexion and well-defined but natural-looking brows.
Fresh Faced Radiance
The 60s moved away from the heavily powdered faces of previous decades towards a more natural, radiant skin finish. The goal was a youthful, healthy glow. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer, focusing on evening out skin tone rather than heavy coverage. A touch of concealer where needed, and a subtle dusting of translucent powder in the T-zone. A hint of peachy or pink blush on the apples of the cheeks added to the fresh-faced appeal. This minimalist approach to base makeup ensures the dramatic eye makeup remains the undisputed focal point.
Defined Natural Brows
Brows in the 60s were defined but not overly sculpted or heavy. They framed the eyes without competing with the dramatic eye makeup. The shape was typically natural, well-groomed, and slightly arched. Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your natural hair color to fill in any sparse areas and define the shape. Brush them into place with a spoolie. Avoid overly dark or blocky brows; the aim is a polished yet natural look that complements the expressive eyes.
Bringing the 60s into Today – Modern Adaptations
While full-on retro can be fun, integrating 60s makeup into your contemporary style is effortless. Try pairing a graphic liner with a modern dewy skin finish and a bold red lip for a surprising twist. Or, embrace the Twiggy eye with a more subtle cut crease and a modern nude lipstick. The key is to pick one or two iconic elements and adapt them to your personal style and today’s trends. Mix and match—a floating crease with a glossy lip, or spider lashes with a natural brow. The possibilities are endless for creating a look that is both vintage-inspired and utterly current.
Key Takeaways for Your 60s Comeback Look
- Focus on the Eyes The 60s are all about eye drama, whether it’s graphic liner, cut creases, or exaggerated lashes.
- Balance with Lips Pair strong eye makeup with nude, pale, or peachy lips to maintain focus.
- Keep Skin Fresh Aim for a radiant, natural complexion to complement the bold eye statements.
- Experiment with Lashes Don’t shy away from heavy mascara, individual lashes, or even drawing on lower lashes.
- Precision is Power Especially for graphic and winged liners, a steady hand and good tools are your best friends.
60s Makeup Dos and Don’ts
Do’s for 60s Inspired Makeup
- Do experiment with bold liquid eyeliners in black, white, or bright colors.
- Do embrace dramatic upper and lower lashes, including false lashes.
- Do define your crease with a contrasting shadow or liner.
- Do keep your base light and radiant for a youthful glow.
- Do pair dramatic eyes with pale or nude lips.
Don’ts for 60s Inspired Makeup
- Don’t over-contour or heavily bronze your face; the look is about fresh skin.
- Don’t use overly dark or sculpted brows that compete with eye makeup.
- Don’t forget to blend your eyeshadow edges for a polished finish, even with graphic looks.
- Don’t use heavy, dark lipstick shades if you’re going for a classic 60s eye.
- Don’t be afraid to play with color and unconventional liner shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About 60s Makeup
Conclusion
The 1960s gifted us with some of the most memorable and transformative makeup looks in history. From the wide-eyed innocence of Twiggy to the sophisticated allure of graphic liner, these styles continue to inspire and empower. By understanding the key elements and adapting them to your modern wardrobe, you can effortlessly channel the spirit of this iconic decade. So go ahead, grab your favorite liquid liner and a trusty tube of mascara. Embrace the drama, play with color, and let your eyes do all the talking. The 60s are calling, and your makeup bag is ready to answer!
