Embracing Boldness and Innovation: The 1960 Makeup Look
The 1960s stand out as a transformative decade in the world of fashion and beauty, marking a high point for creativity and self-expression. During this era, makeup ceased to be about mere enhancement; it became a vibrant art form and a symbol of the social and cultural revolutions unfolding across the globe.
The Dawn of Dramatic Eyes
The 1960s heralded a revolutionary era in the realm of makeup, with the dawn of dramatic eyes becoming the emblematic beauty trend of the decade.
It was an epoch characterized by experimentation and breaking free from the conservative norms of previous years, a time when mod fashion and cultural icons pushed the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. The eyes became the canvas for expression, with bold, vivid colors like electric blues and greens gracing the lids, while stark white highlights gave the illusion of larger, wide-awake eyes. Eyeliner reached new artistic levels; the winged eyeliner became not just a trend but an art form, with thick, exaggerated lines that extended beyond the natural eye contours, creating the iconic cat-eye look that is still replicated to this day.
Lashes were amplified with volumizing mascara and dramatic false eyelashes, making them stand out like never before. This focus on the eyes encapsulated the vibrant spirit and transformative energy of the 1960s, serving as a mirror to the era’s desire for change and innovation in both beauty and society at large.
Complexion and Contour
The complexion trends of the 1960s stood in stark contrast to the dramatic flair of eye makeup, emphasizing a more subtle and natural aspect of beauty. The focus was on achieving a flawless, matte finish that would not compete with the bold eye designs. Women turned to powders that could mattify the skin without providing excess shine, aiming for a porcelain-like effect. Though contouring as we know it today was not yet a widespread practice, the seeds of this technique were being planted during the ’60s. Light contouring sought to gently define the face’s structure, using shading to enhance cheekbones subtly and to give a refined shape to the face.
This was often done with a light hand, as the makeup aesthetic of the time prioritized a soft and understated base to complement the vivacious and attention-grabbing eye looks that defined this transformative decade.
Lips Take a Backseat
In the cosmetic symphony of the 1960s, while eyes played the lead with their striking compositions, lips took a deliberate backseat in the beauty ensemble. The exuberance of the eye makeup necessitated a more subdued approach to lipstick, ensuring a balanced overall look. Lips were typically adorned in soft pastels, with shades of pale pink and coral taking precedence, often with a slight sheen or a pearlescent finish to subtly catch the light.
Unlike the prominent overdrawn lips of the 1950s, the ’60s saw lipsticks applied within the natural lip line for a demure and understated appearance. This intentional downplay of the lips allowed the dramatic eyes to continue as the era’s statement feature, capturing the revolutionary essence of the ’60s where the focus was on innovation and the audacious redefinition of traditional beauty standards.
A Reflection of the Times
The 1960s makeup look did not emerge in a vacuum; it was a reflection of the era’s spirit and ethos. As civil rights movements, space exploration, and the women’s liberation movement made headlines, the daring and experimental nature of the 1960 makeup style mirrored the societal push towards the future and the breaking of traditional boundaries.
Legacy of the 1960s Makeup
Today, the 1960s makeup look continues to influence contemporary beauty trends. The bold use of color and the emphasis on eye detail are echoed in current styles, and the creative spirit that characterized the 1960s still inspires makeup artists and enthusiasts around the world.
The 1960s demonstrated that makeup could be more than a tool for enhancing natural features—it could be a means of personal expression, an art form, and a political statement. It was a decade that forever changed the face of beauty, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that is celebrated and revisited time and time again.
FAQs About 1960s Makeup Look
What did makeup look like in the 1960s?
Makeup in the 1960s was characterized by dramatic eyes and a focus on bold, graphic looks. The decade saw the rise of thick, winged eyeliner, heavy mascara, and eyeshadows in shades of blue, green, and white. Lips were often kept pale or nude to draw attention to the eyes. The overall look was both mod and youthful12.
How to do 60s makeup?
To achieve a 60s makeup look:
- Base: Apply a matte foundation and set it with powder.
- Eyes: Use white or pastel eyeshadow on the lids. Apply black liquid eyeliner to create a bold wing. Add false lashes for extra drama and apply mascara heavily on both upper and lower lashes.
- Brows: Keep eyebrows well-defined but natural.
- Lips: Choose a pale lipstick shade, such as pink or nude.
- Blush: Apply a light pink blush to the apples of the cheeks34.
What color lipstick did they wear in the 60s?
Lipstick colors in the 1960s were generally pale and understated. Popular shades included soft pinks, peaches, and nudes. These colors complemented the dramatic eye makeup that was in vogue5.
1960 makeup look simple
For a simple 1960s makeup look:
- Apply a matte foundation and set with powder.
- Sweep a light pastel eyeshadow over the lids.
- Line the eyes with a subtle cat-eye using liquid eyeliner.
- Apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes.
- Finish with a pale pink or nude lipstick3.
1960s makeup and hair
1960s makeup paired well with various hairstyles of the time, including bouffants, beehives, and sleek bobs. The combination of bold eye makeup and voluminous hair created the iconic 60s look26.
60s hippie makeup and hair
Hippie makeup in the 60s leaned towards natural and earthy tones, contrasting with the mod look. Women wore minimal foundation, natural brows, and soft lip colors. Hair was often long, straight, and adorned with headbands or flowers78.
1960 makeup look easy
For an easy 1960s makeup look:
- Start with a light, matte foundation.
- Apply a neutral eyeshadow and a subtle winged eyeliner.
- Add mascara to upper and lower lashes.
- Use a pale lipstick shade to complete the look3.
1960s makeup icons
Icons of 1960s makeup include Twiggy, known for her dramatic eye makeup with thick lower lashes, and Brigitte Bardot, famous for her sultry, smoky eyes and nude lips. Other notable figures include Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick, each contributing to the decade’s distinctive styles9.
60s makeup hooded eyes
For hooded eyes, achieving a 60s makeup look involves:
- Using a lighter shade of eyeshadow on the lid and a darker shade in the crease to create depth.
- Applying a bold winged eyeliner that extends past the outer corner of the eye.
- Focusing mascara on both upper and lower lashes to open up the eyes.
- Keeping the rest of the face neutral to emphasize the eyes10.