During 60s, makeup wasn’t just something you wore—it was a bold declaration of who you were.
The '60s were a burst of color, wild styles, and a freedom that shone through every swipe of eyeliner and flutter of lashes.
During this transformative decade, makeup became a symbol of cultural revolution, embodying the energetic, rebellious spirit that sought to redefine beauty on its own terms.
So, get ready to dive into the world of '60s makeup trends—where eyes told stories, lips made bold statements, and every face was a canvas for something extraordinary.
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
1960s 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 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.
The famous singer and actress likely used light, dewy foundation or tinted moisturizer to achieve a fresh-faced look. She then added a touch of blush on the apples of her cheeks, which 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 of the '60s, Brigitte Bardot exuded glamour, embracing her sultry, bombshell appeal. Much like Birkin, Bardot sought a flawless complexion, choosing matte foundation to achieve a smooth, refined finish.
Her signature look also included bold, dramatic eyes. She frequently defined her lids with thick, winged eyeliner, crafting an iconic cat-eye shape.
Generous coats of mascara to both upper and lower lashes enhanced her captivating, wide-eyed stare. In her photos and films, her lips were always a standout feature, adding to her irresistible charm.
Elizabeth Taylor Makeup
A true Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor’s makeup radiated the glamour of the golden era. Always evolving, she mastered bold, glamorous looks that showcased her versatility.
Her violet eyes stood out, often accentuated with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. In every look, her eyes were impossible to ignore.
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 routine was a timeless celebration of elegance and allure. She began with a flawless base, carefully applying a smooth foundation to create a luminous complexion.
With a bold stroke of eyeliner, Loren expertly defined her eyes, opting for a subtle cat-eye that amplified their natural magnetism.
Her eyeshadow palette often featured warm, earthy tones, perfectly complementing her olive skin and adding depth to her captivating gaze.
Sophia wasn't one to hold back on drama—voluminous lashes, built up with generous layers of mascara, framed her eyes with undeniable intensity.
And the crowning touch? Her signature bold red lips. In retrospect, Sophia Loren’s makeup was far more than a ritual; it was an expression of her unparalleled 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
As the symbol of the swinging '60s, Twiggy defined mod fashion. Her look was a bold statement, defying conventions and ushering in a new era of beauty that championed individuality and daring style.
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.