The Ultimate Guide to Achieving the Iconic 60s Makeup Look

Ready to turn back time and get your inner retro goddess on? The 60s makeup look is a classic that never goes out of style. From dramatic cat eyes to bold lashes and soft pastel eyeshadows, the 60s were all about making a statement with your makeup. Here’s how to get the look. Grab your eyeliner and let’s get started!

What’s so iconic about the 60s?

The 60s was a decade of big change and fashion revolutions. It was a time of bold and expressive makeup. Women were inspired by icons like Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. The eyes were the focus, with long luscious lashes and thick black eyeliner. Lips were natural or nude, so the eyes could be the star.

Step by Step Guide to get the 60s look

Step 1: Prep your skin

Before you start with your 60s makeup, prep your skin. A smooth base will mean your makeup will last all day.

• Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
• Moisturize: Hydrate with a lightweight moisturizer.
• Prime: Apply a primer to create a smooth surface for your foundation.

Step 2: Flawless Base

The 60s makeup look is all about a fresh face.

• Foundation: Choose a matte foundation that matches your skin tone. The 60s were all about matte, so avoid anything too dewy.
• Concealer: Use concealer to cover blemishes and dark circles.
• Powder: Set your foundation with a translucent powder to prevent shine.

Step 3: Bold Brows

In the 60s, brows were defined but not dramatic. Soft arches and natural fullness.

• Shape and Fill: Use a brow pencil or powder to shape your brows. Keep them natural, focus on filling in sparse areas.
• Brush Through: Use a spoolie to brush your brows for a soft blend.

Step 4: The 60s Eye Makeup

The eyes are the focal point of the 60s makeup look. Here’s how to get those 60s eyes:

• Eyeshadow: Apply a light pastel shade like baby blue or soft pink all over your eyelids. Then apply a darker shade like brown or gray in the crease for depth.
• Cut Crease: The cut crease was a 60s technique. Use a small angled brush to apply a dark shade along the crease line for that bold look.
• Eyeliner: Winged eyeliner is a 60s must. Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to create a thick line along your upper lash line and extend it out for a cat-eye.
• Mascara: Apply several coats of volumising mascara to your top and bottom lashes. For extra drama add false lashes.

Step 5: Soft, Natural Lips

While the eyes were the star of the show, lips were kept soft and neutral in the 60s.

• Lip Liner: Use a nude or light pink lip liner to define your lips.
• Lipstick: Opt for a pale pink, peach, or nude lipstick. Matte finishes were popular, but you can add a touch of gloss for a modern twist.

60s Makeup Look Variations: Twiggy, Mod, and More

Twiggy-Inspired Look

One of the most famous faces of the 60s was Twiggy, known for her doll-like eyes and bold lashes. To get this look, focus on:

• Dramatic Lower Lashes: Use a black eyeliner pencil to draw fake lashes on your lower lash line.
• Minimal Eyeshadow: Stick to white or light pastel shades on your lids.
• Thin Eyebrows: Twiggy’s brows were thin and well-defined, so use a pencil for a precise look.

Mod Makeup Look

The Mod makeup look is all about geometric shapes and bold lines:

• White Eyeshadow: Apply a bright white eyeshadow on your lids to make your eyes pop.
• Graphic Eyeliner: Use a black liquid liner to create graphic shapes, like squares or triangles, on your eyelids.
• Nude Lips: Pair your bold eyes with a simple nude lip.

Best Products for a 60s Makeup Look

To achieve an authentic 60s makeup look, you’ll need the right products. Here are some recommendations:

• Eyeliner: Look for a long-lasting, smudge-proof black eyeliner like Maybelline’s Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner.
• Mascara: Try a volumizing mascara like L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise for that iconic lash effect.
• Eyeshadow Palette: Choose a palette with pastel and neutral shades like the Urban Decay Naked Mini Palette.

FAQs 60s Makeup Look

1. What colours were the 60s makeup colours?

60s were all about bold colours like pastel blue, green and pink for eyeshadow. Lips were nude or soft pink.

2. How do I do a cut crease?

Use a dark eyeshadow along your crease line with a small brush. Blend out slightly but keep the line sharp for that 60s vibe.

3. Who were the 60s makeup icons?

Some of the most famous 60s makeup icons were Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. Each had their own take on the 60s makeup look.

4. Can I wear the 60s makeup look daily?

Yes! While the dramatic cat-eye and false lashes are great for special occasions, you can tone it down for a more everyday look by using softer colours and less eyeliner.

5. How do I make my eyeliner look like a 60s cat eye?

Draw a thin line from the inner corner of your eye, gradually thickening as you go towards the outer corner. Then flick the line up. Practice makes perfect!

Conclusion

The 60s makeup look is a fun and fabulous way to make a statement. Whether you’re dressing up for a themed party or just want to add a bit of retro glamour to your everyday look, these steps will help you get that 60s look. Remember, the key to this look is bold eyes, soft lips and a matte base. So go ahead and get your inner 60s goddess on!

For more tips on retro makeup styles, check out this detailed guide on vintage beauty.