The 1960s brought a dramatic shift in makeup trends, ushering in the era of bold, playful looks. Where the 1950s was about the polished, feminine housewife, the 60s was defined by the rise of youth culture, modernism, and the iconic mod movement. Makeup became less about enhancing natural beauty and more about making bold statements.
The eyes – it’s all about drama
Key Look – Heavy Liner, Cut Crease and Doll-like Lashes
One of the most well known features of 1960s makeup is, without a doubt, the eyes. Inspired by models like Twiggy and the influence of the mod culture, the eyes became the focal point of the whole face in contrast to the red lip of the 40s and 50s.
Get the look – 1960s eyes
Pastel eyeshadow
Bright colours were commonly worn to bring a popover colour, although white eyeshadow was also popular. With baby pink, soft greens and iconic blues were the colours of the moment, and would usually be used in a powder or creme formation. To get this look, sweep your chosen colour across your whole eyelid if using a colour and covering the entirety of the eye area up to the brow if using white.
Cut crease definition
With defined eyes being the showstopper, many women would use the cut crease for extra impact. Take a black, brown or dark grey shadow and apply to the crease of your eye socket, making it rounded to get that doll-like vibe. Blend this slightly upward to open the eye area but keep it defined so your look doesn’t get muddy.
Masses of lashes
Full, thick and long lashes were a must for any 60s fashionista. Apply several coats of volumising mascara to both the upper and lower lashes.for an authentic look, pop on a set of false lashes. Opt for dramatic, spidery lashes or layer individual false lashes to get that iconic 60s look.
Twiggy’s iconic lower lashes
To really get the mod look, why not add delicately drawn lower lashes. Using liquid liner, carefully draw “lashes” along your lower eye line making sure they angle toward the corner. This gives the illusion of oversized, almost cartoonish eyes for a perfect 60s style.
Eyebrows – defined but natural
Unlike the heavily arched brows of the 1950s, the 1960s embraced a more natural, yet still defined brow. Eyebrows were typically straight with a slight curve and were neither thick or pencil thin.
Get the look – 1960s eyebrows
Shape
Begin by using an eyebrow pencil in a shade close to your natural brow colour. Focus on creating a straight, slightly elongated shape. The idea is to keep them groomed but softer than the previous decades.
Lightly fill any sparse areas, avoiding harsh lines.
Skin – Matte and Natural
While eyes stole the show in 1960s makeup, the skin played a subtle but important role. The complexion was kept pale, matte and flawless, serving as a neutral canvas for the bolder eye look.
Foundation
Choose a matte, full coverage foundation that matches your skin tone. The look was all about an even, flawless base, so take time to blend it in well. Powder was essential in the 60s, to help keep shine at bay and gives the skin a smooth texture.
Blush
Compared to earlier decades,blush was used sparingly. Opt for soft, pastel shades of pink or peach applied to the apples of the cheeks.
The lips – soft and subtle
The bold lip colours of the 50s were traded in for softer, more understated shades in the 1960s. Nude, pale pink and peach tones were the most popular.
Colour
Choose a pale lipstick in soft pink, peach or nude. The colour should be neutral or complement the dramatic eye makeup without overwhelming your look.
Finish
Matte lipsticks were the most popular, but a more playful look can be achieved with a sheer or satin finish. Whole lipgloss wasn’t really used forging the 60s, you could use it if you wanted a more modern twist.
Lip shape
Unlike the highly defined lips of previous decades, the lip line in the 60s was softer. If you’re using a lip liner to outline your lips, but keep it to your natural lip shape.
The 1960s makeup was all about big, bold eyes and a fresh youthful vibe. It’s all about fun and experimentation, which of course is what makeup is all about. With a focus on eyeliner, lashes and of course that cut crease, achieving the 60s look is all about balancing dramatic eyes with soft, understated lips. Are you ready to get your mod on?
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