The 14 '60s Makeup Looks We're Still Not Over (2024)

There's no denying that beauty trends are cyclical, and the iconic looks defined by '60s makeup just so happen to be having a moment. And guess what? We're inspired. Nearly every model, actress, and singer of the decade can be seen wearing a dramatic dose of graphic eyeliner; full, perfectly defined arches; and a bold, opaquely nude lip (give or take an application of gloss or two).

Since it's always fun to take a look back through history in the name of makeup and hair, we gathered some of the most famous looks and photos from our favorite models and entertainers of the time. Warning: They're so good.

Ahead, watch celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter's step-by-step video tutorial for recreating '60s makeup, plus our favorite looks from the iconic decade.

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Click Play to Watch MUA Sandy Linter's '60s Makeup Tutorial

Jane Birkin

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Jane Birkin is a beauty icon—and not only because of her eponymous bangs. The triple-threat actress, singer, and model is also known for her breathtaking, albeit minimalistic, approach to makeup. Here, she poses in France with a neutral-toned lip, subtle flush, and mascara-coated lashes for the ultimate doe-eyed gaze. To keep lower-lash mascara from running, opt for a waterproof formula, like Urban Decay Lash Freak ($12).

Estelle Bennett

One-third of the beloved singing group The Ronettes, Estelle Bennett had a signature inky, black cat-eye with an emphasis on the lower lid. And while her fellow members often opted for bubblegum pink on their pouts, subtle shades of orange and coral (think: Nars Lipstick, $26, in org*sm) was the singer's go-to throughout the decade. We're betting she used a lip liner, too, to create the perfect lip shape and prevent color from feathering.

Brigitte Bardot

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One of our favorite '60s bombshells, French actress Brigitte Bardot made this specific look her forever trademark. Until this point, Old Hollywood starlets favored the classic red lip, but the '60s ushered in mod pink and neutral shades like Bardot's frosted ballerina. Thick cat eyeliner and to-the-sky-lashes were also majorly trending (and still are). And let's not forget Bardot's, sun-kissed complexion. To get her glow—sans sun damage—apply bronzer across your hairline, cheeks, and nose (the bridge and both sides).

Elizabeth Taylor

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In what could be one of the most famous photos of the actress (and though she was technically portraying Cleopatra), her makeup conveys a few of the '60s biggest trends. For instance, that amazing, glittering cerulean-toned lid. It really captures her signature violet eyes, no? ColourPop's Blue Moon Shadow Palette ($14) comes with nine finishes so you can create your own customized blue shade.

Aretha Franklin

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From her beehive hair to her mod makeup, Aretha Franklin is the poster girl of 1960s beauty. She's right on trend with her winged-out liner (consider playing with the application to best complement your eye shape) and perfectly arched brows. Her peachy-orange lipstick with its chrome-like quality is also a staple of the decade. We also can't stop staring at her radiant skin—Is anyone else dying to know what she used for highlight?

Sharon Tate

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If you're curious about black eyeshadow but are worried about (unintentionally) looking too goth, let actress Sharon Tate reassure you. She demonstrates the boldness and beauty of a charcoal lid. Show-stealing eyeliner draped across the entire upper lid and mascara on both top and bottom lashes complete her dramatic eye look. Pair it with a delicate pink lip (we like MAC Lipstick Cream ($19) in Faux).

Sophia Loren

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Be still, our hearts. Those red lips, smoky eyes, defined brows… In 1965, actress Sophia Loren proved she was the ultimate Italian siren—and at the top of our list when it comes to '60s makeup inspiration. Lucky for us, this beauty look is a cinch to pull off—even if you've got sparse brows. With the right pencil, gel, and growth serum, feigning a fuller brow was never so easy.

Donyale Luna

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No stranger to above-and-beyond eye makeup looks, model Donyale Luna (and the first-ever African American model to grace the cover of Vogue) dons a nude, glossy pout; defined, angled brows; and an eye-catching dose of graphic eyeliner. To replicate her '60s aesthetic—and even bring it to the 21st century—consider a colored liner. Sephora Collection Intense Ink Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner ($12) is a solid choice.

Twiggy

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What's a '60s-inspired makeup roundup without the Bambi-eyed likes of Twiggy? We can't get enough of her iconic heavily mascaraed lashes, ultra-high arches, and, of course, that epic graphic liner adorning the crease of her eye. Invest in a waterproof liquid eyeliner, like Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Ink ($26), to keep lines precise and sharp. An understated lip will keep the focus on the eyes—and that Rapunzel-esque braid.

Nancy Kwan

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Nancy Kwan was one of the first actors of Asian heritage to reach stardom on the silver screen. A beacon of beauty, Kwan nails Hollywood glamour with a Swinging Sixties twist (green shadow, anyone?). Her fresh face provides the perfect canvas for adding a fun pop of color. To get the look, swipe shadow up to the brow (or just cover the lid if you want something less dramatic). To sculpt your brows and frame your face, Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil ($24) is key.

Diana Ross

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Singer Diana Ross epitomizes '60s makeup to a T: an opaquely pink-nude lip, flawless complexion, fluttering lashes, and a sharply drawn application of eyeshadow or eyeliner. (Ross demonstrates both simultaneously.) To achieve her pout, reach for Ariana Grande's R.e.m. Beauty On Your Collar Matte Lipstick ($19) in Bubbly. As for her glass skin, a tinted moisturizer, such as The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner with SPF 11 ($17)—and healthy habits—are all you need.

Nina Simone

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With her dewy skin and lived-in liner, Nina Simone is the epitome of effortless beauty. By smudging eyeliner ever so slightly, she proves you can take your look from day to night like that. Make sure to start with a good eyeliner primer and end with a setting powder to keep makeup in place. (Remember: You're going for sultry, not sloppy). And don't forget to lather on the aptly named Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream for a flawless complexion.

Jean Shrimpton

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English rose Jean Shrimpton was one of Swinging London's most prominent stars. Model, actress, and It-girl, you could say that she helped to write the era's beauty playbook. Her subtle smoky eye, top and bottom lash mascara, glossy lip, and flushed cheeks are sexy, yet tasteful. Meanwhile, high arched brows tie the look together.

Lola Falana

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Dancer, singer, and actress Lola Falana exudes 1960s vibes with everything from her groovy garb to her smooth and voluminous hair. Precisely lined eyes, full, thick lashes, and a frosted lip—with the help of NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color ($12) in Global Citizen—complete her mod beauty look. Can you dig it?

32 Vintage-Inspired Makeup Looks That Are Officially Back in Style

The 14 '60s Makeup Looks We're Still Not Over (2024)

FAQs

What did makeup look like in the 1960s? ›

The trend was all about achieving a matte finish, with foundation often applied more generously than in previous decades. Powder compacts were a must-have, and a matte, pale complexion became a symbol of sophistication. The most iconic eye makeup look of the 1960s is undoubtedly the Twiggy look.

What was the trend in eyeliner in the 60s? ›

Winged Eyeliner

Eye makeup was big in the 60s and we cannot talk about 60s makeup without mentioning winged eyeliner. A thick winged eyeliner was one of the most popular crazes back in the day and you can use a liquid eyeliner to create this classic 1960 makeup look and give your eyes a dreamy shape.

What was the look of the 1960s? ›

Ponchos, moccasins, love beads, peace signs, medallion necklaces, chain belts, polka dot-printed fabrics, and long, puffed "bubble" sleeves were popular fashions in the late 1960s. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands.

What was the beauty standard in the 1960s? ›

In the 1960s and 70s, beauty ideals for women shifted from the mature curvaceous body of stars such as Marilyn Monroe to the stick-thin, flat-chested figure epitomized by supermodels such as Twiggy or Kate Moss.

Did Sharon Tate wear wigs? ›

How was Sharon Tate wearing her hair? Sharon wore hairpieces a lot. She also had her own hair—I'd cut her hair just like the hairpieces.

Who did Sharon Tate have a baby with? ›

Roman Polanski's response to Sharon Tate's death

Polanski was in London when he received the news that his pregnant wife had been killed. His friend Andy Braunsberg, who was with Polanski when he got the life-changing phone call, said the Rosemary's Baby director was inconsolable.

Why was Sharon Tate shot? ›

In late 1969 Manson Family member Susan Atkins—a participant in the Tate murders—claimed that the cult murdered Tate “because we wanted to do a crime that would shock the world, that the world would have to stand up and take notice.” Watson made similar claims.

What color lipstick did they wear in the 60s? ›

Lipstick was used light-handedly, with the most popular shades of the 60s being natural, nude tones with a powdery, pastel pink tone that let the eyes be the main event.

Should over 60s wear eyeliner? ›

When it comes to wearing eyeliner as an older woman, subtlety is key. Opt for a light hand and choose soft, natural-looking shades that enhance your features without overpowering them. Pencil eyeliners are user-friendly and easier to apply than liquid liners.

What did women's makeup look like in the 70s? ›

70s makeup embraced beautiful, bronzed skin and irresistible glossy lips while keeping brows bushy and full. Bronzer was swept generously onto the cheeks and forehead to give the complexion a sun-dipped appearance and then complemented by a sumptuous slick of nude lipstick.

Did they wear red lipstick in the 60s? ›

To add fuel to the fire (and ice), actresses like Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Elizabeth Taylor were always shown wearing gorgeous shades of red. Hippie culture and mod fashion came into vogue in the 60s (think more Twiggy than Taylor), causing a nude lip to start to win over red lipstick.

How did people do their hair in the 1960s? ›

While long styles were worn throughout the decade, they became more popular in the late '60s. Long hair was commonly worn middle-parted and curled at the ends or with half-pulled back and a backcombed bouffant. As the hippie look gained popularity so did long hair with bangs that fell below the eyebrows.

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