The Swinging Sixties were known for more than just their revolutionary music; they also brought a significant shift to the beauty scene. The 1960s shifted away from the delicate, feminine looks of the 1950s, embracing bold colors and dramatic styles instead. This era launched a new beauty movement characterized by big hair, striking eyeliner, and long, fluttery lashes. It’s exciting to see these iconic 1960s makeup styles making a comeback today, and we’re thrilled to revisit the glamor of that decade.
Beauty trends are cyclical, and it’s clear that 1960s makeup styles are having a significant revival. From graphic eyeliner to perfectly sculpted brows and bold nude lips, the dramatic looks of the time are as captivating now as ever. We’ve compiled the most famous 1960s makeup styles, showcasing the timeless appeal of this vibrant era. Trust us, these looks are as stunning today as they were then.
The Most Famous 1960s Makeup Styles
Makeup styles have changed significantly over the decades, from the bold, dramatic looks of the 1960s with pale skin, stark white lips, and heavy eyeliner to more playful, youthful trends featuring long lashes, shimmery eyeshadow, and baby pink lips. Today’s makeup often blends elements from various eras, reflecting beauty trends’ dynamic and ever-evolving nature.
Cut Crease Eyeshadow
In the 1960s, eye makeup was all about bold experimentation with bright, vibrant colors. The cut crease technique, which uses concealer to create a sharp contrast between the eyelid and the crease, was trendy and became a hallmark of the era’s makeup trends. To channel some 1960s flair, try using vivid shades like blue, purple, pink, or green. If you’re new to the cut crease look, plenty of simple tutorials help you master this eye-catching style.
Subtle Blush
Blush was used sparingly and kept subtle, especially compared to the bold eye makeup of the time. Women preferred soft pink or peach tones to naturally flush their cheeks without overshadowing their dramatic eye looks. This minimalist approach to blush fits with the era’s focus on striking eye makeup rather than bold facial contours. For an authentic 1960s look, a light touch of soft blush will provide a fresh, natural glow that perfectly complements the decade’s iconic style.
Matte Skin
Face makeup was all about minimalism with a smooth, matte finish. Highlighters, bronzers, and contouring were absent, and women used matte foundations and brightening concealers, setting everything with powder for a flawless, flat look. To achieve this classic style, find your perfect foundation shade using a tool like the Maybelline Foundation Finder. Use a matte primer to prep your skin and keep your makeup looking fresh all day. With the right products and techniques, you can recreate the iconic 1960s matte finish and embrace the era’s understated elegance.
Winged Eyeliner
Eye makeup was about drama, and winged eyeliner was the standout trend. A thick, bold wing added a striking shape to the eyes, making them dramatic and dreamy. To achieve this iconic look, use liquid eyeliner to draw a prominent wing on your upper lid, typically in black. For a mod twist, layer a white liner behind the black on the upper lid or use it on the lower lid for a sharp contrast. Alternatively, stick a simple black line on the upper lid for a more relaxed, hippie vibe and skip the wing. Whether you prefer the dramatic mod style or a more subtle approach, winged eyeliner remains a critical element of 1960s makeup styles.
Doe Eyes
Twiggy, the iconic 1960s model, popularized the doe-eyed look with her long lashes, setting a trend that endures today. If false lashes aren’t your thing, you can still achieve a dramatic effect with a few coats of waterproof, lengthening mascara, making sure to coat your bottom lashes as well. For that extra doll-like charm, line your lower lash line with white, peach, or silver eyeliner instead of black to make your eyes appear larger and more expressive.
Graphic Eyeliner
The 1960s were a vibrant playground for inventive eyeliner styles, with graphic eyeliner emerging as a significant trend. A graphic eyeliner style suits any mood, whether you prefer a classic everyday look or something more daring. From sleek and simple to intricate and eye-catching, graphic eyeliner offers endless ways to express yourself. Embrace the playful spirit of the 1960s by experimenting with different styles and techniques, adding a touch of vintage glamor to your modern makeup routine.
Sharp Eyebrows
Perfectly groomed eyebrows were a hallmark of classic makeup, balancing neither too plucked nor too bushy. The 1960s brows were neatly shaped with high arches highlighting the face’s natural contours. To achieve this timeless look, use an eyebrow pencil to fill in sparse areas with short, hair-like strokes, creating a fuller, defined shape. Finish by outlining your brows with concealer to sharpen the edges and enhance their clean, sculpted appearance. This step tidies up the brows and adds a definition touch, blending seamlessly with the rest of your makeup. These simple tips will help you capture the elegant eyebrow trends of the 1960s with a modern flair.
Nude Lips
The eyes were the focal point of makeup, with lips taking a more subdued role. Women often chose light, understated lipstick shades or even used powder foundation to mute their lips, ensuring that bold eyeliner and voluminous lashes remained the main attraction. To recreate this classic look, use a tinted lip balm for a hint of color that won’t overshadow your eye makeup.
For a perfect match, try the Maybelline Virtual Try-On tool, which allows you to experiment with different lip shades virtually and find one that complements your natural lip color or skin tone. These tips will help you balance soft lips and standout eye makeup perfectly.
Eyelashes
Fake eyelashes were a significant trend in the 1960s, adding dramatic flair to makeup looks. Women often wore them on upper and lower lashes, sometimes layering them for extra fullness. Mascara in various colors—classic black to fun pastels like purple—was also famous for a more natural touch. While fake lashes are a signature of the 1960s style, they might not suit every situation or production. Always check any guidelines or requirements before applying them.
Timeless 1960s Makeup Styles That Are Still Trending
Hippies Makeup
In the late 1960s, hippie makeup took a completely different turn from the Mod look, even though some hippies still embraced Mod style between 1966 and 1968. The trend favored a more natural appearance, though many women found it challenging to be completely bare-faced. Instead, they chose subtle touches like light brown mascara and clear gloss for their lips. Face powder and blush were used sparingly, focusing on a more effortless and understated look.
The Baby Doll Look
The late 1960s makeup styles was all about dramatic contrasts. Its pale white skin, white lips, bold black eyeliner, and heavy eyeshadow created a striking, intense look. This was a sharp departure from the more feminine styles of earlier in the decade. By the mid-1960s, makeup took on a whimsical, almost childlike quality. Eyes were exaggerated with long lashes, shimmery eyeshadow, and high, arched brows, while cheeks were lightly brushed with blush and lips finished with a soft baby pink. This combination had an eerie vibe, almost like a horror movie, mixing innocence with a hint of the macabre.
How to Create Your Own 1960s Makeup Look
Always customize your makeup look based on the specific details of your project. Different productions may call for distinct styles depending on the period, setting, and overall aesthetic. For example, the 1960s look in WandaVision might differ from what a character needs in For All Mankind. Following the project’s guidelines ensures your makeup complements the overall vision.
If episodes of your project have already aired, studying the styles and color palettes from similar roles can provide helpful inspiration. It’s often easier to add detail than to remove excess, so start with a more subtle approach when in doubt. The on-set makeup team will help refine and perfect your look with the products you bring, ensuring your makeup fits seamlessly with the production’s requirements.
Famous 1960s Makeup Brands
Several makeup brands became iconic in the 1960s for their influential role in shaping the era’s bold and experimental beauty trends.
Max Factor was a significant player, renowned for its professional-quality products that helped achieve the dramatic eye looks and flawless, matte finishes that defined the decade. Their makeup lines were a go-to for celebrities and everyday women who wanted to recreate the era’s striking styles.
Revlon is also significantly impacted with its wide range of vibrant lipsticks, eye shadows, and nail polishes. The brand’s products were instrumental in setting the tone for bold and classic beauty looks, making Revlon a household name in the 1960s.
Elizabeth Arden stood out with its luxurious beauty products, offering a sophisticated approach to makeup. The brand’s foundations and lipsticks were top-rated among women seeking a refined and polished appearance, reflecting the elegance of the time.
Helena Rubinstein was another essential brand known for its innovative skincare and makeup solutions. Its products were celebrated for their quality and effectiveness, catering to women who wanted to achieve a flawless, high-end look.
Yardley of London made its mark with trendy makeup products, including eye shadows and lipsticks that captured the youthful and chic spirit of the 1960s. The brand’s stylish offerings perfectly complemented the era’s bold fashion statements.
Conclusion
The 1960s makeup look remains an enduring symbol of bold, dramatic beauty. From the iconic winged eyeliner and vibrant eyeshadows to the perfectly sculpted brows and understated lips, this era revolutionized how we approach makeup. It embraced a playful, experimental spirit that encouraged individuality and self-expression. Whether the graphic lines popularized by Twiggy or the sultry smoky eyes of Sophia Loren, the 1960s offered a wealth of inspiration that continues to influence contemporary beauty trends. Revisiting these classic looks pays homage to a transformative decade and demonstrates the timeless appeal of creativity and confidence in makeup.
