Everything old is new again, from anklets to puffy shoulders. While the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s are trending in fashion, the 60s is the biggest source of beauty inspiration. Mod makeup has been all over the runways and red carpets. And the new movie Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood is helping propel the trend with its late 60s aesthetic. Margot Robbie is even paying homage to the period with her recent red carpet looks.
But there’s a fine line between rocking the look in a modern way and looking like you’re trick-or-treating on a random Tuesday. The safest bet is to go for 60s hair or makeup, as opposed to both. Try highlighting one facial feature with some mod makeup, then balance it out with a few modern beauty trends, like neon makeup or blurred lips.
“The 60s were all about the cat eye and graphic lines — a makeup style that is timeless,” says makeup artist Marissa Machado. “For an updated and fun take, use a bright colored liner or glitter to create your desired cat eye. Top with two coats of mascara, your favorite pink pout and you’re mod-ready.”
Gabriel De Santino, founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., says the colorful 60s eye makeup on the runways can be translated with a few simple tweaks. Try a vibrant eyeshadow plus an exaggerated black cat eye and several coats of mascara for the right amount of drama. Then keep the rest of your beauty look clean and minimal.
Here’s how you can rock 60s beauty looks without looking like a blast from the past.
How to Master 1960s Beauty Now
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Bat Those Lashes
Full, flirty lashes are one of the defining features of 60s beauty along with muted lips. Go heavy on your lashes by applying liberal coats of mascara to the top and bottom lashes. (You can even draw strokes on the bottom lash lines with eyeliner for more definition.) For a flattering finish, choose the softest peach lipstick.
Image: Imaxtree
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Itty-Bitty Braids
Margot Robbie is providing retro beauty inspiration on screen and on the red carpet. These face-framing half braids have a Woodstock feel.
Image: @brycescarlett
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In the Crease
Put liner in your creases and everyone automatically thinks 60s. This interpretation doesn't feel cliché thanks to the super skinny strokes and dashes of pink on the lower lash lines. A pink-toned neutral lip lets the eyeliner remain the focal point.
Image: Imaxtree
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Outta Sight
Go modern and messy by taking a more painterly approach to graphic crease eyeliner. Color in your creases and outer corners with a chubby liner, leaving part of your eyelids bare. It's edgy and works with smudging.
Image: Imaxtree
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Put a Bow on It
This understated bow hairband with tousled locks and uneven bangs adds some cool girl insouciance. Finish with a no-makeup makeup take on 60s mascara and nude lips.
Image: Imaxtree
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Go Big or Go Home
Big hair can be hard to pull off, but big hair accessories are another story. Headbands are an easy way to indulge in the 60s trend while camouflaging a bad hair day. Go padded, supersized and possibly studded. Wispy lashes and eyeshadow plus neutral lipstick are the perfect finishing touches.
Image: Imaxtree
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Paint It On
Drawn-on lashes can still have a place in today's beauty looks. Give them an edgy finish by coloring your lids with black eyeliner. Lip balm is all that's needed with eyes this strong.
Image: Imaxtree
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Modern Mod
Remix classic mod eye makeup for a modern, low-key finish. Instead of chalky white eyeshadow and black lashes, try white mascara on your top lashes. A prismatic lip topper adds a trendy touch.
Image: Imaxtree
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Cool Cat Eyes
Take a cue from Lily-Rose Depp and extend black winged eyeliner up into your crease in one smooth arch. The bedhead hair makes it modern.
Image: @lilyrose_depp
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Buzzworthy
Pay homage to Twiggy's iconic crop with a bleached buzz cut. Cropped hair helps showcase mod-approved graphic eyeshadow (think peach).
Image: Imaxtree
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Wrap It Up
Headscarves and kerchiefs are a certified microtrend. They look retro chic and can camouflage any hair sins, like greasy roots. Glossy neutral lips and exaggerated winged liner make it mod. Use glittery teal liner for a cool twist.
Image: Imaxtree
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Minty Mod
Pastel blue and green eyeshadows were 60s staples. Pay tribute with a flattering splash of mint green shadow on the inner corners of your eyes. A peach lipstick ties into the theme.
Image: Imaxtree
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Big Hair, Don't Care
Voluminous hair is making a comeback, but that doesn't mean you have to go full-on beehive. Try adding body to your lengths rather than your scalp. This makeup look is a winner thanks to the classic white and black mod eyes with unconventional white eyeshadow/highlighter.
Image: Imaxtree
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Color Combos
You don't have to stick with a typical 60s makeup palette. Bring a graphic eye into this decade with rich, saturated eyeshadows. This pink and purple combo with a pale pink lip will dramatize any eye color. A dewy lip gloss beats a frosted one for a modern finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Skin Deep
Radiant skin and faux freckles bring modern freshness to exaggerated lashes compared to powdery foundation. Try a your-lips-but-better shade for a flattering take on washed-out 60s lips.
Image: Imaxtree
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Emerald Eyes
This bold makeup look manages to be thoroughly modern yet 60s-inspired. Use an emerald eyeshadow (not eyeliner) to play up your creases. Leave lids bare. And definitely slick your hair back into a low ponytail.
Image: @missjobaker
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Deep Sweep
Mix old and new elements for a vintage-inspired beauty look. The winged black liner and side sweep have a 60s feel, while glossy lips are very of the moment. Contouring automatically brings it into modern times.
Image: Imaxtree
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Far Out Liner
They didn't have prismatic glitter like this in the 60s. The multicolored sparkles are the next-level version of pale green eyeshadow. Black crease liner adds a mod finish. Pale pink lipstick prevents color overdose.
Image: Imaxtree
