Step into the past with a splash of mod glam! The iconic 1960s brought us some of the most daring and distinctive makeup trends, still celebrated on stages and streets today.

The 1960s was a revolutionising decade that transcended music, film, historical events, fashion, and much more, and is still prominent today. Do you fancy delving into 1960s makeup and hair for an iconic stage performance, or even just to expand your amateur makeup practices? In this article, you will learn about the best 1960s makeup practices that we offer, from examining what makes 60s make-up so popular, to memorable fashion icons of the decade, and a step by step guide on how to apply the perfect 60s makeup look using our bespoke quality materials; we’ll guide you through recreating these timeless looks with a modern twist. 

Key points: 

1960s Makeup Overview

The 1960s were a transformative decade for beauty and fashion, introducing styles that have become timeless. Let’s explore how to recreate these iconic looks with a modern twist, focusing on various techniques from the era that made 1960s makeup and hair legendary.

Evolution of Style in the Early 60s

The early 60s makeup had a seamless transition from 1950s makeup, characterised by its understated elegance. 

Women adorned themselves with soft blush, red-pink lipstick, matte eyeshadow, and the iconic winged eyeliner, topped with a liberal application of powder to achieve a polished look. 

This classic style remained popular among older generations who would’ve grown up with 1920s makeup and 1940s makeup, even as newer trends emerged, making it a staple in the world of sixties make-up.

Late 60s Makeup and Fashion

Towards the late 1960s, the hippie movement began to influence makeup trends, steering towards a more natural look. This laid-back approach included light brown mascara, clear lip gloss, and minimalistic use of blush and powder, reflecting the societal shift towards natural beauty and simplicity.

Iconic 60s Figures

Style icons like Twiggy, Diana Ross, and Brigitte Bardot set the trends that defined a generation, and are amongst the most popular celebrities that defined the 60s. Twiggy’s doe-eyed look and long lashes became emblematic of the decade, influencing both 1960s makeup and hair. 

These figures not only shaped cosmetic trends but also inspired confidence in personal expression through makeup and the industry as a whole.

1960s Makeup: Foundation and Face Practices

Reflecting the 1960s focus on matte textures, face makeup was kept minimal. 

Women favoured matte foundations and concealers set with powder to reduce shine, emphasising a flawless, matte complexion. 

Blush was used sparingly, with preferences leaning towards soft pinks and peaches that offered a subtle flush, elevating the natural contours of the face without overshadowing the dramatic eye makeup.

Check out our recent, detailed guide on how to contour your face for further specifics on contouring.

Winged Eyeliner and Doe Eyes

These striking looks were achieved using thick, bold strokes, which helped elongate and dramatise the shape of the eyes, a staple for any sixties make-up enthusiast. 

Additionally, the emphasis on the eyes was heightened with the use of lengthening mascara and soft eyeliners in white or peach to create the illusion of larger, more innocent-looking eyes.

Graphic Eyeliner

One of the most distinctive features of 1960s makeup was the innovative use of graphic eyeliner. This decade introduced a variety of eyeliner styles that went beyond the traditional. 

From double flicks to fishtail wings, the options were endless and allowed for a personalised touch. These styles ranged from subtle elements to bold, statement looks, making graphic eyeliner a versatile choice for iconic 60s makeup.

Sharp Eyebrows

Eyebrows in the 60s took a turn from the fuller styles of previous decades, embracing a sharper, more sculpted look. 

Sixties make-up often featured well-groomed, neatly arched eyebrows that framed the face and accentuated the eyes. 

To achieve this, use an eyebrow pencil for precision, creating fine, hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas. 

Nude Lips

In 1960s makeup, the lips often took a backseat to the dramatic eyes, with lip colours chosen to complement rather than compete. 

Nude and light pink shades were popular, providing a subtle yet sophisticated finish that allowed the eye makeup to stand out. For those looking to perfect their 1960s makeup and hair, a simple tinted lip balm or a shade match using a virtual tool can provide the perfect understated elegance.

How to Create the Classic 60s Look

To truly embody the 60s makeup looks, start with a radiant, flawless complexion as your base. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this look, using the makeup practices shown above:

Radiant Complexion

Begin with a hydrating foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply it evenly using a foundation brush for a smooth base. 

Use a radiant concealer under the eyes and around any areas that need brightening. Set everything in place with a light dusting of translucent powder for a matte finish.

Thin, Rounded Brows

Shape your eyebrows into a gentle, rounded arch using a fine-tip eyebrow pencil. 

Brush through with a spoolie to blend and soften the look. Set with a clear brow gel to maintain the shape throughout the day.

Bold Eyeliner

For the signature 60s eye makeup look, use a black eyeliner to create bold, graphic lines. 

Start from the inner corner of the eye and work your way outwards, adding a dramatic flick at the end. Blend slightly for a soft yet impactful look.

Define with Matte Eyeshadow

To further improve your 60s eye makeup look, use matte eyeshadows from the Delilah eyeshadow palette, (also ideal for drag, beauty, bridal, and other makeup purposes). 

Start by applying the dark brown shades along the eyeliner to deepen and define the eyes. 

Blend in softer cream and brown shades over the lid to create a smooth, nude base that complements the bolder eyeliner, maintaining the matte finish that is signature to 1960s makeup.

Build Volume with Mascara

Apply multiple coats using Ben Nye mascara, perfect for providing volume and length from a creamy formula! to achieve the dreamy, doll-like lashes synonymous with 1960s make-up and hair. 

This product is designed to lift and build lash volume without clumping, maintaining a clean yet dramatic look.

Draw on Faux Bottom Lashes

For an authentic 60s makeup detail, use an appropriate liquid eyeliner to draw on faux bottom lashes. This technique involves small, precise strokes along the lower lash line, mimicking the appearance of individual lashes and bringing forth the iconic doe-eyed look typical of the era.

Soft, Pastel 1960s Lips

Moving to the lips, choose shades like sherbet or bubblegum lip gloss pinks and sweet peaches to achieve a soft, muted look. 

This combination will give your lips a beautifully understated yet polished appearance, perfectly balancing the dramatic eye makeup.

Find out whether lip gloss vs lip oil is better for your lip makeup practices.

Lightly Sculpted-Looking Cheeks

Instead of heavy contouring, opt for a light sculpting using the Tropical contours studio palette, available with a range of colours to accustom for various looks. 

Apply just a few dots along the cheekbones and down the sides of the nose. Blend thoroughly to elevate the natural structure of your face without overshadowing the soft facial features typical of sixties make-up.

Babydoll 60s Blush

Apply a light blush in pastel pink shades. 

Focus the application on the apples of the cheeks to create a round, youthful appearance that echoes the babydoll charm of iconic 60s makeup.

Finishing Touches

Finally, add some whimsical elements to complete your 60s makeup look. 

Lightly dot faux freckles across the nose and cheeks; use the theatrical creme kit in medium brown here (ideal for stage and theatrical practices). 

Don’t forget to complete the look with a few squirts of the Mehron barrier and setting spray to ensure your makeup stays pristine throughout your engagement.

Styling Tips by Treasure House of Makeup

Embrace full 1960s make-up and hair by styling with miniskirts, middle partings, go-go boots, and voluminous hair. These fashion choices will complement your makeup and truly capture the vibrant spirit of the 1960s.

Only with Treasure House of Makeup can you find the widest range of exclusive cruelty free and vegan makeup products suitable for the stage production or even for everyday wear for true makeup enthusiasts – explore our makeup tips for more assistance. 

FAQs

How did women style their eyelashes in the 1960s?

False eyelashes became hugely popular during this decade. Women often wore full sets on the top lashes and sometimes added individual lashes to the lower lash line to create a wide-eyed, doll-like look.

How did the makeup trends evolve throughout the 1960s?

Early 1960s make-up was heavily influenced by the glamorous look of the 1950s, with more emphasis on elegance and a polished appearance. By the mid to late '60s, makeup became more experimental and vibrant, reflecting the youth culture and pop art influence, culminating in styles like the "Mod look" with its emphasis on bold geometric patterns and colours.

What role did makeup play in the youth culture of the 1960s?

Makeup became a form of self-expression and rebellion for the youth of the 1960s. It was an integral part of the Mod subculture, which embraced fashion and music to distinguish themselves from the previous generation.

Sources

National Portrait Gallery (2011) Twiggy. [online] Available at: https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp14270/twiggy-lawson-nee-lesley-hornby [accessed 11/09/24]

The Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2024) Diana Ross. Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Diana-Ross [accessed 11/09/24]

Biography.com Editors (2023) Brigitte Bardot. Biography. [online] Available at: https://www.biography.com/actors/a45974111/brigitte-bardot [accessed 11/09/24]

WWD. (2017) The Sixties: Celebrities Who Defined Their Decade. [online] Available at: https://wwd.com/eye/people/gallery/the-sixties-celebrities-who-defined-their-decade-11076840/andy-warhol-artist-and-edie-sedgwick-actress-at-vidal-sassoons-new-york-launch-party-1965-2/ [accessed 11/09/24]

Harrow, S., (2024) Lip Oil vs Lip Gloss – Which Is Best? It’s a Beauty Thing. [online] Available at: https://www.itsabeautything.co.uk/lip-oil-vs-lip-gloss/ [accessed 11/09/24]