Beauty Archives: The Swinging 60's
- 3 min reading time
The 60s were anything but boring. This decade was full of change: youth culture became defining, fashion got bolder, and beauty looks became more expressive than ever. In this edition of Beauty Archives, we dive into the world of the Swinging 60s, where big eyes, short haircuts and bold lines set the tone. Want to try an iconic look yourself? We’ll show you how to do it easily at home.
The 60s look: bold, graphic and girl power
The 60s were all about breaking the rules. Classic Hollywood glamour was replaced by youthful, modern and artistic expression. Makeup was often high-contrast: think pale lips with dramatic eyes. Eyeliner got thicker, lashes longer and brows more defined. Mod fashion and makeup went hand in hand, with graphic eyeliner shapes and monochrome colour palettes. The look was clean but daring and most of all: perfectly of its time.
Twiggy’s signature look
When you think of 60s beauty, you think of Twiggy. The British model became the face of the decade thanks to her distinctive makeup style. Her signature look included:
- Sharp cut crease: A graphic crease line for a doll-eye effect
- Bold lower lashes: Often drawn on or heavily coated with mascara for that doe-eyed feeling
- Short pixie cut: Her androgynous haircut was revolutionary and influenced an entire generation
Twiggy took the idea of ‘less is more’ to another level, but with major impact. Her looks were minimal in colour but maximal in effect.
Short cuts and mod beauty
It wasn’t just makeup that changed in the 60s, hairstyles took a turn too. The long, wavy styles of the 50s gave way to short bobs, pixie cuts and geometric shapes à la Vidal Sassoon. Sales of hairspray went sky high, teasing was the go-to technique. These sleek lines fit the mod style perfectly: futuristic, clean and super fashionable. Makeup and hair became a joint statement. It was no longer about seduction but about standing out and daring to be different.
How to create a 60s inspired look yourself
You don’t have to be a makeup artist to recreate a 60s look. With a few products and smart techniques, you can go a long way at home. Here’s how to do it:
- Foundation: Use a matte foundation and concealer for an even base.
- Blush: Apply a soft touch of colour to the apples of your cheeks, nothing bold, your eyes are the focus in this look.
- Eyeshadow: Create a cut crease with a soft taupe or grey eyeshadow and a precision brush.
- Eyeliner: Use black eyeliner to draw a straight line along your upper lash line. Let the wing drop slightly just above the outer corner for a sad eyes effect.
- Mascara: Apply plenty of mascara to both upper and lower lashes. Want extra Twiggy vibes? Draw lower lashes with liquid eyeliner or apply lash clusters under your eyes with space in between.
- Lipstick: Keep your lips nude or soft pink with a matte finish.
- Hair: Go for a sleek bob or a retro glam look with lots of volume at the back. Hairspray is your best friend. Want to be bold? Try a real pixie cut. Not in the mood for a haircut? Go for a 60s style wig.
Why the 60s makeup look is still iconic
The Swinging 60s were a turning point in the beauty world. Makeup was no longer just about glamour or seduction. It became a way to express yourself, experiment and dare to be different. To this day, graphic lines, bold eyes and playful hairstyles continue to inspire runway looks, editorials and TikTok trends.
Shop your 60s beauty essentials at Boozyshop
Ready to create your own 60s look? At Boozyshop you’ll find everything you need: from graphic eyeliners to nude lipsticks and tools for that sleek bob. Travel back in time, with a modern twist.
Curious to see our full makeup collection? Shop here --->> Make-up
