Welcome to a world where makeup wasn't just applied but was an anthem, a celebration, and an unapologetic declaration of self. The swinging sixties were a kaleidoscope of bold colors, daring styles, and a spirit of liberation that echoed through every brushstroke and eyelash bat.
In this transformative decade, makeup became a potent symbol of cultural change, reflecting the vibrant energy and rebellious soul of an era that dared to redefine beauty on its own terms. So, buckle up as we navigate the landscape of 60s makeup trends, where eyes spoke volumes, lips made statements, and every face became a canvas for a psychedelic masterpiece.
1. Nude Lips
In the midst of the vibrant explosion of colors that defined the 1960s makeup scene, there existed a subtle yet powerful trend that spoke volumes with its simplicity; nude lips.
The rage of beige lips in the '60s wasn't about blending in; it was a statement of understated elegance and natural beauty. As the world swirled in kaleidoscopic hues, the nude lip stood as a timeless whisper amid the bold shouts of psychedelic pigments.
2. Sharp Eyebrows
Sounds surreal but makeup from the 60s had sharp eyebrows, shuttle lips and bold eye trend. Inspired by icons like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy, this eyebrow trend transcended the traditional boundaries of beauty, challenging norms and inviting the world to witness the bold evolution of self-expression.
In a decade defined by revolution, the sharp eyebrow became a symbol like an emblem of the audacious spirit that dared to reshape not only faces but the very definition of beauty itself.
3. Matte Skin
In an era where change was not only embraced but celebrated, matte skin became a symbol of breaking free from conventional norms.
This trend was about achieving a smooth, velvety finish that not only complemented the bold eye and lip statements of the time but also spoke to a sense of empowerment and control. It was as if the women of the '60s were saying, "I am here, and I am in charge."
4. Subtle Blush
In the 1960s, the Subtle Blush trend emerged as a nuanced canvas of facial elegance. Abstaining from bold pigments, this trend delicately played with soft, muted tones that whispered rather than shouted.
Following the minimal blush trend, cheeks were brushed with a hint of color, creating a natural, radiant glow that complemented the era's evolving definition of beauty. This approach to blush was more about enhancing individual features than making a dramatic statement.
5. Perfectly Winged Eyeliner
The winged eyeliner of the '60s wasn't merely a trend but it was a statement of poise and confidence. Moreover, each stroke spoke to an era embracing change, with eyes that reflected both rebellion and elegance. The wings were more than a flourish; they were a visual language, a subtle punctuation mark that conveyed a sense of bold individuality.
In a decade defined by revolution and reinvention, the winged eyeliner became an iconic symbol. Also, decorating the eyes fashion icons and trendsetters alike wasn't just a makeup technique; it was a rite of passage into a realm where every glance told a story.
6. Cut Crease Eyeshadow
The Cut Crease technique of the '60s was a departure from the softer, blended styles of the past. It involved carefully carving out a crease on the eyelid, emphasizing a sharp contrast between different eyeshadow hues.
This precision not only accentuated the eyes but also added a transformative dimension, creating an illusion of depth and dimension that echoed the avant-garde spirit of the era. To achieve a cut crease, start with an eyeshadow base and define the crease with a darker shade, then cut across with concealer, setting it with a light shadow. Thirdly, apply a contrasting color on the eyelid, blending for a seamless look. Add eyeliner and mascara simultaneously to complete the sharp, defined eyes.
7. Graphic Eyeliner
Eyeliner wasn't confined to a subtle outline but became a tool for artistic expression in the era. Adorning eyes with intricate designs that challenged conventional beauty norms, each line was a stroke of defiance, an assertion of individuality in a decade defined by change.
In a time when boundaries were being pushed in every aspect of culture, graphic eyeliner became a visual anthem, inviting the world to see eyes not just as windows to the soul, but as canvases for bold and unapologetic creativity.
8. Doe Eyes
Doe eyes means focusing on creating the illusion of larger, more expressive eyes. This trend back in the day was characterized by soft, rounded shapes, accentuated lashes, and subtle eyeshadow hues.
To recreate this look from the '60s, softly define your eyes with neutral eyeshadows. Then elongate lashes with mascara, and subtly line the lower lash line. Meanwhile, use a white or nude eyeliner on the waterline to open up the eyes and finish with a touch of soft blush for a timeless, innocent charm.
9. Matte Bronzer
For an authentic 1960s face contour, embrace a subtle approach. Start by sculpting the cheekbones with a matte bronzer or contour powder, focusing on a natural, gentle shading. Always remember to keep the lines soft, avoiding harsh contrasts.
Then, highlight the high points of the face, like the tops of cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, for a luminous touch. It was about enhancing features with elegance rather than dramatic definition in the era.
10. Natural Finish Powder
In the 1960s, it was all about achieving a polished, matte complexion and face powder which became a staple for a matte finish. If having a matt face is your thing then opt for a finely milled, translucent powder to set foundation and control shine.
As you already know, the emphasis was on a flawless finish, so apply sparingly to maintain a natural look.
Jane Burkin
Jane Birkin, the famous singer and actress was known for her effortless and natural beauty during the '60s. Her makeup was in line with the trends of the time, which favored a fresh and youthful look.
She likely used light, dewy foundation or tinted moisturizer to achieve a fresh-faced look and then a touch of blush on the apples of the cheeks would have given her a healthy, youthful glow. Having said that, the '60s saw a range of lip trends as well, from pale and nude shades to bolder, brighter colors, Jane likely experimented with both, but the overall emphasis was on a natural, 'your-lips-but-better' look.
Brigitte Bardot
Another iconic figure from the '60s, Brigitte Bardot was glamorous and often emphasized her sultry, bombshell image. Similar to Birkin, Bardot favored a flawless complexion and used matte foundation to achieve a smooth and polished look. In addition to the polished skin, Bardot was known for her heavily lined eyes.
She often wore thick, winged eyeliner to create a dramatic cat-eye effect. Then, mascara was applied generously to both the upper and lower lashes, giving her that wide-eyed, seductive gaze. If you look at her photos and videos, her lips were a key feature of her signature look. She often opted for a bold, red lip and sometimes with a slightly overdrawn shape. This classic red lip added a touch of old Hollywood glamour to her overall aesthetic.
Elizabeth Taylor Makeup
Elizabeth Taylor was a true Hollywood legend and her makeup reflected the glamour of the golden era of Hollywood. Her ability to adapt to different styles and trends showcased her versatility as a beauty icon. Her style of makeup evolved over the years, but she was known for her glamorous and often bold looks.
Furthermore, her striking violet eyes were one of her most captivating features, which was often played up with a combination of eyeshadows, eyeliner, and mascara. As bold as her personality was, there's no wonder she wasn't afraid to experiment with eyeshadow colors. Moreover, her porcelain-like complexion and vibrant lips were a signature of Elizabeth Taylor's look. She often wore red or deep-colored lip liners and lipsticks that accentuated her lips.
Sophia Loren Makeup
Sophia Loren's makeup ritual was a timeless ode to understated elegance and sensuality. Starting with a flawless canvas, she would meticulously apply a velvety foundation, imparting a radiant glow to her skin. With a confident sweep of eyeliner, Loren skillfully accentuated her eyes, opting for a subtle cat-eye that enhanced their innate allure.
Her eyeshadow choices were often earthy and warm, harmonizing with her olive complexion and lending a sultry depth to her gaze. Never one to shy away from drama, Sophia indulged in voluminous lashes courtesy of layers of mascara, framing her eyes with an irresistible intensity. Also, the pièce de résistance lay in her choice of lip color; a rich, red hue. looking back, Sophia Loren's makeup wasn't merely a routine; it was a celebration of her own unique beauty!
Audrey Hepburn Makeup
Audrey Hepburn, the epitome of grace and elegance had set a trend of makeup for the 60s, it was a reflection of her inner poise and timeless charm, inspiring generations to embrace simplicity and elegance. Audrey had a signature look which was a ballet of timeless sophistication. Her makeup ritual commenced with a sheer foundation to create a flawless base followed by her iconic doe eyes which were carefully adorned with eyeliner and mascara.
As iconic as she was, it might come as a surprise to many but Audrey opted for a minimalist approach to eyeshadow, favoring neutral tones that accentuated the delicate features of her eyes. Similarly, her eyebrows were perfectly groomed whereas blush was applied delicately to the apples of her cheeks. As far as her lips are concerned, she often wore soft pink or peachy lipstick, contributing to her signature understated allure.
Twiggy Makeup
Twiggy, the face of the swinging '60s and the embodiment of mod fashion! In fact, it was a visual manifesto, challenging norms and ushering in a new era of beauty that celebrated individuality and audacity.
Her makeup ritual was a revolutionary departure from traditional glamour which was categorized by her doe eyes, bold graphic eyes, and spider lashes. Her upper lashes were often laden with dramatic mascara, while her lower lashes remained bare, creating a distinct aesthetic. If you look back at her photos, she embraced a fresh-faced complexion with minimal foundation. She wore a little blush and nude lips allowing her eyes to remain the focal point.