The 1960s represented a revolutionary shift in beauty and fashion, transitioning from the structured elegance of the 1950s to a decade defined by experimentation and individual expression. Today, we are seeing a significant resurgence of these retro aesthetics on runways and social media alike. From the bold graphic lines of the London mod scene to the soft, bohemian influences of the late sixties, these iconic looks offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern sophistication. This guide explores twenty classic makeup techniques from the era that have been reimagined for the contemporary beauty enthusiast.
1. The Twiggy Lower Lashes
One of the most recognizable looks of the decade is the painted-on lower lashes popularized by the model Twiggy. This look involves using a liquid liner to draw individual vertical lines beneath the lower lash line to mimic thick, dramatic lashes. In modern applications, this creates a doll-like, wide-eyed effect that works exceptionally well for editorial photography and bold evening looks.
2. High-Contrast Cut Crease
The cut crease was a staple of sixties glamour, used to define the eye socket with a sharp, dark line contrasted against a lighter lid. This technique adds incredible depth and dimension to the eyes. Modern makeup artists use blending sponges and concealer to sharpen the edge, creating a cleaner and more wearable version of this vintage trend.
3. Bold Winged Eyeliner
While the cat-eye has been around for decades, the 1960s version was thicker and more architectural. It often featured a blunt flick that extended outward rather than upward. Recreating this today involves using a high-pigment gel or liquid liner to achieve a saturated, matte black finish that frames the eye with precision.
4. Frosted Pastel Eyeshadow
Pastel shades like mint green, baby blue, and soft lilac were everywhere in the mid-sixties, often with a frosted or shimmery finish. This trend is returning as part of the Y2K and retro-revival movements. Using a primer helps these light colors pop on any skin tone while maintaining a contemporary, fresh feel.
5. The Pale Nude Lip
To balance out heavy eye makeup, many women in the sixties opted for extremely pale nude or beige lipsticks. This erased the natural color of the lips to keep the focus entirely on the eyes. Today, this is updated by using nudes with slightly warmer undertones and a hint of gloss to prevent the lips from looking washed out.
6. Extreme False Lashes
The 1960s were all about the lashes. Volume and length were pushed to the limit, often with double-stacked false lashes on both the top and bottom. Modern lash technology allows for this look to be achieved with more comfort, using lightweight mink or silk lashes that provide that signature wide-eyed mod look.
7. White Waterline Eyeliner
Applying white eyeliner to the inner waterline was a clever trick used to make the eyes appear larger and more awake. This technique remains a favorite among makeup artists today for brightening the face. It provides a stark, clean contrast that defines the 60s wide-eyed aesthetic perfectly.
8. Double-Winged Flick
Taking the standard wing a step further, the double wing features a flick on both the upper and lower lash lines. These two lines run parallel to each other, creating a graphic, geometric shape. It is a bold choice that is gaining popularity in the graphic liner community on social media.
9. Matte Porcelain Skin
Before the era of dewy skin, the 60s favored a matte, porcelain-like complexion. This was achieved with heavy powder and full-coverage foundation. The modern version utilizes blurring primers and setting sprays to achieve a velvet finish that looks smooth and flawless without feeling heavy.
10. Subtle Peach Cheeks
Blush in the 1960s was often kept minimal and placed high on the cheekbones to provide a youthful, healthy glow without distracting from the eyes. Soft peach and apricot tones were the preferred shades. This technique is perfect for modern daily wear as it mimics a natural flush.
11. Defined Natural Brows
Unlike the thin brows of the 20s or the bushy brows of today, 60s brows were well-defined but kept to their natural shape. They were usually filled in with a pencil to create a soft arch that framed the dramatic eye makeup. This balanced look is making a comeback as a middle ground in brow trends.
12. Graphic Floating Crease
A variation of the cut crease, the floating crease involves a line drawn above the natural fold of the eyelid. It creates an abstract, high-fashion look that defines the mod era. Modern enthusiasts are experimenting with neon colors and glitters to give this 60s look a futuristic twist.
13
13. The Spider Lash Effect
Clumpy, thick lashes—often referred to as spider lashes—were a deliberate fashion choice in the late 60s. This was achieved by applying multiple coats of mascara and pinching the lashes together. This look is currently trending as a rebellious alternative to the perfectly separated lash look.
14. Soft Lavender Lids
Lavender was a favorite pastel shade for a soft, feminine 60s look. It was often paired with a heavy black liner for a striking contrast. Modern iterations often involve a wash of shimmer lavender across the lid for a dreamy, ethereal appearance that suits all eye colors.
15. Inner Corner White Highlight
To further enhance the brightness of the eyes, 60s makeup often featured a dab of bright white shadow or liner in the inner corners. This trick is still widely used today by celebrities and makeup artists to instantly make the eyes look bigger and more vibrant.
16. Pale Pink Pout
Along with nudes, soft baby pinks were the go-to for lips in the 1960s. These shades often had a creamy or slightly pearlescent finish. This look is making a comeback as a soft, romantic alternative to the bold reds of previous decades.
17. Dotting the Lower Lash Line
A minimalist version of the Twiggy lash involved placing small dots of liner along the lower lash line. This subtly defined the eyes and added a touch of mod flair without being too over-the-top. It is a simple yet effective way to add vintage character to a modern look.
18. Blue Eyeliner Accents
Blue was the definitive color of the decade. Instead of just eyeshadow, blue eyeliner was used to create sharp, colorful wings. Modern beauty trends have embraced this by using cobalt and navy liners to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral face.
19. High-Contrast Monochrome
The 60s mod look often relied on a black and white color palette. This monochrome style used white shadow on the lids and thick black liner in the crease and on the lash line. It is a timeless, high-fashion look that remains popular for its striking visual impact.
20. The Brigitte Bardot Smudged Eye
” Portrait of a model with smudged black eyeliner and voluminous hair, Brigitte Bardot inspired, moody lighting. “Try One More Time
While the London mod look was sharp, the French aesthetic led by Brigitte Bardot was softer and more sultry. This involved smudged black liner and lots of mascara for a lived-in, effortless look. This ‘rock-and-roll’ vibe is the precursor to the modern smoky eye and remains a staple of cool-girl beauty.
Conclusion
The enduring appeal of 1960s makeup lies in its ability to be both playful and sophisticated. Whether it is the precision of a graphic liner or the soft charm of pastel shadows, these twenty looks prove that the beauty trends of the sixties are truly timeless. By incorporating these vintage techniques into your modern routine, you can pay homage to a decade of style icons while staying at the forefront of contemporary fashion. The comeback of these iconic looks ensures that the spirit of the 1960s continues to inspire and transform the world of beauty.
