How to DIY a 1960s Makeup Look—Plus, Iconic Beauty Looks from the Decade

How to DIY a 1960s Makeup Look—Plus, Iconic Beauty Looks from the Decade
  Reading time 6 minutes

The 1960s was a transformative decade for fashion and beauty, leaving a significant mark with its distinct makeup styles. To achieve a classic 1960s makeup look today, you’ll need to embrace bold eyes, soft lips, and dramatic lashes. This article will guide you through the process of recreating this iconic look and explore some of the most memorable beauty trends from that era.

The Essence of 1960s Makeup

Close-up of a makeup palette with shades of pink and peach blushes.

The 1960s heralded a new era in beauty, characterized by vibrant colors and innovative styles. The focus was primarily on the eyes, with dramatic eyeliner and voluminous lashes setting the tone. Mascara was applied heavily, while false lashes were often used to achieve that quintessential wide-eyed appearance. At the same time, lips were kept soft and subdued, often featuring pastel colors like pink or nude to balance the bold eyes. Foundation during this time shifted to a lighter application, highlighting natural skin while using subtle blushes to add dimension to the face.

To embody the spirit of the 1960s, prioritize these key elements: flawless skin, expressive eyes with bold eyeliner, and understated lips. Whether you’re aiming for a Twiggy-inspired mod look or Brigitte Bardot’s seductive charm, understanding these foundational aspects will help you recreate an authentic 1960s appearance that truly stands out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Achieve the Look

Cozy living room with sofa, plants, and sunlight streaming through windows.

Creating a 1960s makeup look at home is simpler than it seems. Follow these steps to master the art:

  1. Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to achieve a natural skin appearance.
  2. Eyebrows: Keep them sleek and defined. Use an eyebrow pencil to add shape and fill in any sparse areas.
  3. Iconic Eyes: Apply a neutral eyeshadow base. Use liquid eyeliner to create a bold line along the upper lash line, extending outwards for a cat-eye effect.
  4. Voluminous Lashes: Generously apply mascara to both the upper and lower lashes. Consider adding false lashes for added volume and drama.
  5. Lips: Opt for a subtle, soft lip color. Pinks and nudes are your go-to shades to contrast the boldness of the eye makeup.

This list covers the essential steps to perfecting a 1960s makeup look. Each element plays a crucial role, so take your time to enhance each feature deliberately, reflecting the chic elegance that defined this memorable decade.

The 1960s offered a diverse range of beauty icons whose styles inspire makeup artists and enthusiasts even today. From Audrey Hepburn to Twiggy, each played a pivotal role in shaping the beauty standards of the time. These icons popularized not just unique makeup styles, but entire fashion movements.

For instance, Twiggy, the iconic British model, became the face of the “mod” look, featuring a pale face, deeply defined eyes, and short hair. Meanwhile, Audrey Hepburn maintained her timeless elegance with classic winged eyeliner paired with minimalistic lip colors, setting a golden standard for chic sophistication. Understanding the influence of these individuals offers a deeper appreciation for the trends they championed.

Conclusion

Recreating a 1960s makeup look involves more than just applying certain products; it’s about embracing a spirit of innovation and boldness that defined an era. With a focus on striking eyes, natural skin, and understated lips, you can transform any look into one worthy of a 1960s style icon. As you embark on this beauty journey, remember these timeless elements and how they capture the essence of one of the most dynamic periods in fashion and beauty history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What products do I need for a 1960s makeup look?

To achieve a 1960s makeup look, you need a few essentials: liquid eyeliner, volumizing mascara, neutral eyeshadow, false eyelashes, a lightweight foundation, an eyebrow pencil, and a subtle lipstick in shades of pink or nude.

2. Who were some iconic beauty figures of the 1960s?

Some of the iconic beauty figures of the 1960s include Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Edie Sedgwick. Each of these individuals had a unique style that greatly influenced the era’s makeup trends.

3. How can I adapt a 1960s makeup look for modern wear?

To adapt a 1960s makeup look for modern wear, consider using contemporary products and techniques. Maintain the emphasis on eyes but opt for modern formulations of eyeliner and mascara. You can also use current skin products to ensure a flawless base.

4. Was heavy foundation a part of the 1960s look?

No, the 1960s saw a shift towards lighter foundations. The aim was to have a natural look with slightly enhanced features. Any foundation applied was meant to look as natural as possible, allowing the skin to breathe.

5. What role did false eyelashes play in the 1960s makeup style?

False eyelashes were crucial in the 1960s for achieving the dramatic eye look that the decade is famous for. They were used extensively to add volume and create a striking visual impact, enhancing the overall makeup aesthetic.