Makeup in the 60's: A Retro Beauty Trend That Never Goes Out

Here is your complete guide to Makeup in the 60’s

Introduction to Makeup in the 60’s

The world of fashion and beauty is ever-evolving, with trends coming and going. However, some looks remain timeless and continue to inspire makeup enthusiasts even decades after their inception. One such era that left a lasting mark on the beauty industry is the 60’s, known for its iconic makeup trends and beauty icons. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the makeup trends that defined the swinging 60’s, how to recreate these looks with modern products, and how you can incorporate retro makeup elements into your own beauty routine for a touch of vintage glam.

Historical Context

The Swinging 60’s The 60’s were a revolutionary era marked by significant cultural and social changes that had a profound impact on fashion and beauty. The youth rebellion, women’s liberation movement, and the rise of pop culture icons all contributed to the unique makeup trends of the time.

One of the most iconic makeup looks of the 60’s was the “Twiggy” look, named after the famous British model Twiggy, who was known for her doe-eyed appearance with long lashes and bold eyeliner. The “Mod” look, characterized by colorful eyeshadows, graphic eyeliners, and pale lips, was also a prominent trend of the era. Beauty icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Marilyn Monroe influenced the makeup trends of the 60’s with their signature looks, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty world.

Makeup Products and Techniques of the 60’s

The makeup products and techniques of the 60’s were different from those of today, but they laid the foundation for modern makeup trends. Popular makeup products of the era included creamy foundations, powder blushes, and lipsticks in shades of pink, coral, and nude.

Eye makeup was a focal point, with bold winged eyeliners, false eyelashes, and pastel or shimmery eyeshadows being popular choices. To recreate the iconic “Twiggy” look, you would need to apply several coats of mascara to achieve long, spiky lashes, and draw thick black eyeliner on the upper lash line extending towards the temples.

The “Mod” look often featured bright and bold eyeshadow colors, such as blues, greens, and pinks, applied to the lids and creases with a defined crease line. Lips were kept pale with nude or light pink shades, and cheeks were lightly blushed for a natural flush.

Recreating 60’s Makeup Looks with Modern Products

While the makeup products of the 60’s may have evolved, you can still recreate the retro looks with modern products. For the “Twiggy” look, you can use a lengthening mascara and a waterproof liquid eyeliner to achieve the iconic lashes and bold eyeliner.

False lashes or lash extensions can also be used to add extra drama. For the “Mod” look, you can use bright and bold eyeshadow palettes to create colorful eye looks, and a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip to draw precise lines. Nude or light pink lipsticks and blushes can be easily found in modern makeup collections to complete the vintage look. Experimenting with different textures and finishes of makeup products can help you achieve a modern interpretation of the 60’s makeup trends while still maintaining the essence of the era.

Popular Makeup Trends of the 60’s

The 60’s were known for several iconic makeup trends that are still revered today. The “Twiggy” look, as mentioned earlier, with its emphasis on long lashes and bold eyeliner, was a groundbreaking trend that transformed the traditional makeup aesthetic of the time. The “Mod” look, characterized by bright and bold eyeshadows, graphic eyeliners, and pale lips, was a rebellion against the traditional beauty norms and embraced a more daring and experimental approach to makeup.

Another popular trend of the 60’s was the “Baby Doll” look, popularized by actress Brigitte Bardot, which featured heavy black eyeliner on the upper and lower lash lines, paired with a nude or pale pink lip, and a hint of blush on the cheeks for a youthful and innocent look. The 60’s also saw the rise of the “natural” makeup trend, popularized by icons like Audrey Hepburn, which emphasized flawless skin, minimal makeup, and a fresh-faced glow. This trend focused on enhancing one’s natural features rather than creating dramatic looks, and it continues to be a timeless beauty trend that is widely followed today.

Incorporating Retro Makeup into Your Beauty Routine

You don’t have to be stuck in the past to embrace the retro beauty of the 60’s. Incorporating elements of this iconic era into your modern beauty routine can add a touch of vintage glam and make a bold fashion statement. Here are some tips to help you incorporate retro makeup into your beauty routine:

Embrace the Winged Eyeliner: The bold winged eyeliner was a defining element of the 60’s makeup looks. Experiment with different styles of winged eyeliner, from subtle flicks to bold cat-eyes, to find a look that suits your eye shape and personal style.
Play with Colors: The 60’s were all about experimenting with bold and vibrant eyeshadow colors. Don’t be afraid to play with bright blues, greens, pinks, and purples to create fun and eye-catching looks. You can also incorporate pastel shades for a softer and more romantic vibe.
Focus on the Lashes: Long and voluminous lashes were a staple of the 60’s makeup looks. Invest in a good quality mascara that lengthens and volumizes your lashes or try false lashes or lash extensions for added drama.

Go for Nude or Pale Lips: Nude or pale pink lips were a popular choice in the 60’s makeup looks. Opt for lipsticks or glosses in these shades to complete your retro-inspired look. You can also experiment with other classic lipstick shades like reds or corals for a more daring and glamorous look.
Keep the Skin Flawless: Flawless skin was a key element of the natural makeup trend of the 60’s. Invest in a good skincare routine to achieve clear and healthy skin. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to create a natural-looking base, and add a touch of blush to the cheeks for a fresh-faced glow.

FAQs

What kind of makeup was popular in the 1960s?

During the 1960s, makeup trends were bold and daring, with a focus on dramatic eyes, bright colors, and flawless skin. The iconic “Twiggy” look, featuring heavy eyelashes, graphic eyeliners, and pale lips, was a popular trend. Other popular makeup styles included the “Baby Doll” look, characterized by heavy black eyeliner and nude or pale pink lips, and the natural makeup trend, popularized by icons like Audrey Hepburn, which emphasized minimal makeup and fresh-faced glow.

What influenced makeup in the 60s?

The makeup trends of the 60s were heavily influenced by the social and cultural changes of the era. The feminist movement, civil rights movement, and the rise of youth culture had a significant impact on beauty standards and makeup trends.

Pop culture icons like Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn also influenced the makeup looks of the 60s with their bold and daring styles. Additionally, advancements in technology and mass media, such as television and magazines, played a role in popularizing certain makeup trends of the time.

How do you make your makeup look 60s?

If you want to recreate the iconic makeup looks of the 60s, here are some tips:

Winged Eyeliner: Embrace bold winged eyeliner, either subtle flicks or dramatic cat-eyes, using a liquid or gel eyeliner.
Bright Eyeshadows: Experiment with bold and vibrant eyeshadow colors like blues, greens, pinks, and purples, and apply them on the eyelids and lower lash line for a pop of color.
Dramatic Lashes: Achieve long and voluminous lashes using a good quality mascara, false lashes, or lash extensions to create a statement-making look.

Nude or Pale Lips: Opt for nude or pale pink lipsticks or glosses to achieve the popular lip color of the 60s. You can also experiment with other classic lipstick shades like reds or corals for a more daring look.
Flawless Skin: Focus on achieving clear and flawless skin using a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer, and add a touch of blush on the cheeks for a natural-looking, fresh-faced glow.

What kind of makeup did hippies wear in the 60s?

Hippies in the 60s embraced a more natural and bohemian style, including their makeup. They often opted for a minimal and earthy makeup look that reflected their anti-establishment and free-spirited ideals. This included using natural and organic products, avoiding heavy makeup, and embracing a “no-makeup” makeup look.

Hippies typically emphasized their natural features, such as glowing skin, freckles, and a sun-kissed complexion. They also used earth-toned eyeshadows, like browns and oranges, and often skipped mascara or used clear or brown mascara for a more natural look.

Lips were usually kept neutral with nude or earthy shades, and some hippies even used natural pigments like beet juice or crushed flower petals for a pop of color on their cheeks and lips. Overall, the makeup worn by hippies in the 60s was minimal, natural, and in harmony with their counter-cultural beliefs.

Conclusion

The makeup trends of the 60’s continue to inspire and influence the beauty industry today. From the iconic “Twiggy” look to the daring “Mod” trend, the retro beauty of the 60’s is timeless and can be easily incorporated into your modern beauty routine. Experiment with different makeup products and techniques to recreate the vintage looks with a modern twist, and embrace the bold and daring spirit of the 60’s.

Whether you opt for winged eyeliner, colorful eyeshadows, or nude lips, incorporating retro makeup elements into your beauty routine can make a statement and add a touch of nostalgia to your overall look. So, go ahead and embrace the beauty trends of the 60’s for a timeless and glamorous makeup look that never goes out of style!

Makeup in the 60’s: A Retro Beauty Trend