Swingin' 60s Glam Guide
The 1960s was a wild ride for fashion and beauty. From Twiggy's doll-eyed drama to Brigitte Bardot's bold cat eye, '60s makeup took all the rules, dialed them up, and made them groovier than ever. Ready to dive into a little retro glamour? Let's hop in the time machine and see what makeup magic the '60s brought to the beauty scene, with some handy tips so you can capture the iconic look today.
Big Eyes, Big Lashes: The Twiggy Look
The '60s were all about eyes, and no one did it better than Twiggy.
Think dramatic lashes that open up the eyes and give you that doll-like effect. Twiggy's secret was layers of mascara on both the top and bottom lashes, plus drawn-on lower lashes to create that signature look. Grab some false lashes or even individual clusters for extra flair—it's all about making those peepers pop!
Handy Tip: Try applying mascara vertically to catch every lash, just like Twiggy—this gives extra volume and separates lashes beautifully.
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Eyeliner Drama: Wing It Like Bardot
Want to capture the sultry, mysterious vibes of Brigitte Bardot? The iconic winged eyeliner was the look for the 1960s, defining the eyes with a sharp flick that extended well past the corners. This cat-eye look was edgy, bold, and almost rebellious—the bigger, the better! If liquid liner isn't your bestie, swap it for a gel liner and a brush for more control (especially if you have a shaky hand).
Handy Tip: Start by mapping out your wing with a pencil liner—once you’re happy with the shape, go over it with a liquid or gel liner for that classic Bardot finish.
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Flawless Complexion: Retro Matte Magic
Back in the '60s, everything started with a perfectly smooth canvas. No dewy glow here—women wanted a matte, velvety finish that would last all day (no shine allowed, darling!). Foundation was applied generously, and powder compacts were a handbag staple. If you're aiming for that retro look today, think full coverage, set with powder for a flawless finish. Celeb Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn rocked this look consistently—keep your compact on hand like she did for touch-ups throughout the day.
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Pop of Color: Eyeshadow & Vibrant Hues
The 1960s also saw the rise of vivid eyeshadows, from pastel blues to eye-popping greens. This look was all about embracing color—applied in a rounded shape on the lids, it made the eyes the center of attention. Edie Sedgwick was a master at this, often seen rocking bold, colorful eyeshadow that added an artsy flair. If you're recreating this look today, go for pastels or bright blues and sweep them across your lids for a touch of retro glamour.
Handy Tip: Use a white eyeshadow base to really make those pastel shades pop, just like Edie did.
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Soft Cheeks & Nude Lips: The Balancing Act
With all the drama happening on the eyes, the cheeks and lips took a backseat—but they were still gorgeously polished. A soft flush of blush in peach or pink and nude lips were the way to go. Sharon Tate perfected this look with understated pink lips that balanced out her bold eyeshadow. To get this look, choose a pale pink or peach lipstick and dab it on for a natural finish.
Handy Tip: Try a creamy lip liner slightly darker than your lipstick to give a subtle definition without overpowering the rest of the look—this was a trick Sharon often used to define her cupid's bow.
Products to Try:
- Chupa Chups Candy Combo Face Duo in Strawberry Yoghurt
- Rude Cosmetics Berry Juicy Lip Gloss Set Shimmer
The No-Makeup Makeup Look
Not every '60s babe was all about full drama. The natural look also had its moment, where women enhanced their natural beauty with subtle products. Jane Birkin was a perfect example of this—a little mascara, a touch of blush, and a dab of lip balm were all she needed to look effortlessly chic. Today's no-makeup makeup might seem more modern, but it's really just the '60s reimagined! Handy Tip: Focus on fresh, hydrated skin to pull off this look—a tinted moisturizer and a bit of clear brow gel go a long way to keep things naturally gorgeous, just like Jane did.
Products to Try:
Want to try these looks yourself? Check out some of our retro-inspired goodies to help you channel your inner Twiggy, Bardot, or Sedgwick:
- Bearolicious Lip Balm
- Rude Cosmetics Police Eyeliner Up
- Chupa Chups Fruit Basket Eyeshadow Palette
- Juicy Lip Gloss in Coral Kiss
The '60s were a time of bold beauty experiments and iconic makeup styles, from Twiggy's dramatic lashes to Bardot's perfect winged eyeliner. This guide has everything you need to channel those classic looks today. Whether you're into vivid eyeshadows or the soft, natural elegance of a no-makeup look, these tips and product suggestions will help you achieve that signature retro glam.
Explore our 1960s Collection for the perfect outfits to pair with your look!
Ready to groove in your best '60s glam? Remember, whether you're rocking a bold cat-eye or going au naturale, it's all about embracing your individuality—because that's what true '60s style was all about. 💋✨