Introduction:

The 1960s marked a revolutionary era in various aspects of culture, fashion, and beauty. With the influence of iconic figures such as Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn, the makeup trends of the ’60s were characterized by bold experimentation, vibrant colors, and a departure from the more conservative styles of the previous decade. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the 20 best makeup looks of the ’60s, celebrating the transformative and timeless beauty that defined this iconic era.

1. The Mod Eye:
   • Perhaps the most iconic ’60s makeup look, the Mod Eye featured dramatic eyeliner drawn in a thick, exaggerated line along the upper lash line. The eyes took center stage with large lashes, creating a doe-eyed effect reminiscent of Twiggy’s signature look.
2. Bold Brows:
   • Embracing a departure from the thin, sculpted eyebrows of the ’50s, the ’60s introduced bold, natural brows. This look emphasized a thicker, more untamed eyebrow shape, framing the eyes with a strong and expressive arch.
3. Pale Lips and Doe Eyes:
   • Complementing the heavy emphasis on eyes, lip colors took a backseat with pale shades. Nude, pink, and peach tones were popular, allowing the attention to remain on the dramatic eye makeup.
4. Twiggy’s Lashes:
   • Twiggy’s iconic lashes became a cultural phenomenon. This look involved using multiple coats of mascara on both upper and lower lashes, creating a wide-eyed and doll-like appearance that defined the essence of the ’60s.
5. Brigitte Bardot’s Cat Eyes:
   • Inspired by the sultry elegance of Brigitte Bardot, the cat-eye look of the ’60s featured elongated and slightly upward-sloping eyeliner, accentuating the outer corners of the eyes for a feline allure.
6. Pastel Eyeshadows:
   • Soft pastel eyeshadows in hues of lavender, mint, and baby blue adorned eyelids in the ’60s. This trend brought a playful and youthful quality to eye makeup, complementing the overall vibrant spirit of the decade.
7. Audrey Hepburn’s Classic Elegance:
   • Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance transcended the ’60s. Her signature look included a subtle cat-eye, minimal eyeshadow, and a focus on perfectly groomed brows, epitomizing sophistication and grace.
8. Edie Sedgwick’s Smoky Eyes:
   • Channeling the edgy spirit of Edie Sedgwick, the smoky eye look gained popularity in the mid-’60s. Dark, sultry eyeshadows were skillfully blended around the eyes, creating a captivating and rebellious allure.
9. Graphic Eyeliner Shapes:
   • Pushing the boundaries of traditional eyeliner application, the ’60s witnessed the rise of graphic eyeliner shapes. From bold winged tips to geometric designs, this trend showcased the era’s experimentation with makeup as an art form.
10. Monochromatic Makeup:
    • Harmonizing lip and cheek colors became a prominent trend. Matching lipstick and blush hues, often in shades of pink or peach, created a cohesive and polished look that exuded femininity.
11. False Lashes and Bottom Lashes:
    • False eyelashes reached new heights of popularity in the ’60s. Not only were upper lashes adorned with dramatic falsies, but lower lashes were often accentuated with the use of individual false lashes, enhancing the overall doll-eyed effect.
12. Sun-Kissed Glow:
    • Inspired by the sun-kissed allure of beach culture, bronzed and glowing skin became a sought-after look. Soft tans and radiant complexions were achieved with the use of bronzers and subtle shimmer.
13. Shimmering White Eyeliner:
    • A trend that embraced a futuristic aesthetic, shimmering white eyeliner was often used to highlight the inner corners of the eyes. This technique added a touch of luminosity and drew attention to the eyes.
14. Petal-Pink Lips:
    • Petal-pink lips, often paired with glossy finishes, were a popular choice in ’60s makeup. This soft and romantic lip color complemented the era’s emphasis on youthful and fresh-faced beauty.
15. Veronica Lake’s Sultry Glamour:
    • Inspired by the Hollywood glamour of Veronica Lake, the ’60s saw a resurgence of sultry, side-swept waves paired with defined cat eyes. This glamorous look exuded sophistication and allure.
16. Dolly Eyes:
    • Dolly eyes, characterized by wide-eyed innocence and soft makeup, gained popularity. This look featured subtle eyeshadow, mascara-coated lashes, and a delicate touch of eyeliner, creating a sweet and doll-like appearance.
17. Silver Screen Sirens:
    • Embracing the allure of silver screen sirens, the ’60s reintroduced classic Hollywood glamour. This look included well-defined brows, softly contoured eyes, and red lips, paying homage to the timeless beauty of film stars.
18. Metallic Eyeshadows:
    • Metallic eyeshadows in silver, gold, and copper hues became a trend, especially for evening looks. These shimmery shades added a touch of opulence and glamour to eye makeup.
19. Cleopatra’s Influence:
    • Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra in the early ’60s left an indelible mark on makeup trends. Winged eyeliner, bold brows, and vibrant eyeshadows were inspired by the ancient Egyptian queen’s captivating beauty.
20. Youthful Innocence:
    • Soft and innocent makeup looks were prevalent in the ’60s, emphasizing a fresh-faced appearance. Subtle eyeshadow, light mascara, and natural lip colors contributed to an understated yet charming aesthetic.

Conclusion:

The ’60s were a transformative period in the world of makeup, witnessing a departure from the conservative styles of the past and embracing bold experimentation and creativity. From the iconic Mod Eye to the sultry glamour of Veronica Lake, each makeup look of the ’60s contributed to the era’s cultural tapestry. These 20 best makeup looks encapsulate the spirit of an unforgettable decade, showcasing the diversity and enduring appeal of ’60s beauty trends that continue to inspire and influence the world of makeup today. As we celebrate the timeless elegance of this iconic era, the makeup looks of the ’60s serve as a testament to the enduring power of beauty and self-expression through the art of makeup.