20 '60s Makeup Ideas to Inspire Your Modern Look

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In the beauty trend space, many modern looks are a reference to a bygone era—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Take, for example, 1960s makeup, a decade defined by the sort of whimsical colors, rounded shapes, and graphic details that have helped to make recent red carpets a shade more fun.

Euphoria’s makeup lead Donni Davy makes use of some of the era’s standout elements (think winged liner, babydoll round eyes, and graphic crease definition) on the show, a feel that has infused social feeds and runways alike. Her all-time favorite ‘60s-inspired note? “Pastel eyeshadow with a black wing,” says Davy, who reaches for Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner Pen to execute the flick. “This look is so scrumptious, and really brings a retro energy to the modern wing.”

Related: '60s Fashion Trends to Wear This Season, According to Stylists

For an additional masterclass in 1960s aesthetics, look to makeup artist Jo Baker, who consistently turns to the Mod era when creating for clients like Olivia Wilde, Natasha Lyonne, and more. But if Baker is the queen of ‘60s-inspired makeup, actor Lucy Boynton is her muse. The two have worked together over the past several years to deliver a collection of dreamy, playful, and artfully retro makeup moments.

“Making her into a retro dolly is really fun and suits her personality,” says Baker. “I love creating free-hand, unusual liner looks and I love the edgy, no-nonsense spidery lash look.” (Pro tip: Baker relies on her own Bakeup Tarantulash Mascara for the perfect spider lash.) And though pastels, deep blacks, and rounded shapes are interpreted in myriad ways, there’s a definite consensus: it’s all about the eyes.



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Here, 20 1960s-inspired makeup looks—beginning with a bevy of Boynton’s—to incorporate into your beauty menu.

Negative Space Wing

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucy Boynton

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Lucy Boynton

Cat-eye liner becomes quintessentially ‘60s when the wing is a study in negative space. “It’s bold, graphic, fun liner,” says Baker of the era’s standout looks, echoed by this copycat-worthy creation for Boynton. Mimic Baker’s classic black, or make it your own with white or colored liner.

Related: The 16 Best Gel Eyeliners, According To Makeup Artists

Punctuating Gems

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucky Boynton

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Lucky Boynton

This look is a subtle one but still incorporates the spirit of the ‘60s. Adorn your eyes with single gemstones placed at the outer corners and at the center of the lower lash line for a moment that renders shadow and liner entirely unnecessary.

Glittering Lash Line

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucy Boynton

Getty Images

Lucy Boynton

Baker calls ‘60s-inspired lashes “uber-dolly, outrageous, and fun.” Punch extra-long lashes up even further with a generous pull of glitter beneath the lower lash line.

Pale Blue Cat Eye

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucy Boynton

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Lucy Boynton

“As much as black and white were mega on trend in the 60’s, so is adding pastels to it,” says Baker. This moment trades cat-eye liner for a pressing of pale blue pulled in a similar shape, extending each eye in a soft, whimsical fashion.

Hovering Liner

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucy Boynton

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Lucy Boynton

“When doing hovering eyeliner looks that we’re so prominent of the '60s era, always use a primer to prep the lid and stop your eyeliner from moving or imprinting,” advises Baker. “I formulated Bakeup’s Triple Threat 360 Eye Primer as a clean alternative to the heavier one I was using in my kit for years.”

Spider Lashes

<p>Getty Images</p> Lucy Boynton

Getty Images

Lucy Boynton

As for lashes? Baker’s goal is “a foal mixed with Bambi from Planet Funk.” Ramp up your doe-eyed gaze with lashes coated (and coated again, and again) in a spidery, sky-reaching style, the better to widen and lift. And in this case, clumping is actually encouraged.

Pastel Halos

<p>Instagram/missjobaker</p> Lucy Boynton

Instagram/missjobaker

Lucy Boynton

Should you wake up feeling like a 1960s space cadet, rings of color-blocked pastels around the eyes are obviously the correct choice. Make like Baker and keep the shape oblong (the better to extend the eyes), leaving the loop disconnected at the inner corners.

Sweet Gems

<p>Getty Images</p> Iris Apatow

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Iris Apatow

Nothing says playful like a heart-shaped face gem. Iris Apatow’s coral lip and flick of liner become instantly referential with the addition of a hot pink gem placed just beneath the outer corner of the eye.

Graphic Frame

<p>Getty Images</p> Olivia Wilde

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Olivia Wilde

“Maybe the biggest comeback has been that graphic crease definition that connects to winged liner,” says Davy. “It gives a negative space feel to the eyelids.” Olivia Wilde’s hover-cat-eye hybrid may not connect, but the look feels quintessentially ‘60s—particularly when coupled with a light lip.

Blue Hovering Liner

<p>Getty Images</p> Natasha Lyonne

Getty Images

Natasha Lyonne

Hovering liner, but make it blue! Natasha Lyonne’s arcs of cobalt blue add an extra layer of fun and funk to her makeup look.

All-Around Cat Eye

<p>Getty Images</p> Tracee Ellis Ross

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Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross demonstrates the art of the retro-inspired cat eye, hers executed in rich onyx. Rather than a subtle, single flick, Ross’ liner encases the entire eye before extending into a wing pulled straight from the bottom lash line.

Related: How to Do a Cat Eye Like a Makeup Pro

Segmented Lashes

<p>Getty Images</p> Zendaya

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Zendaya

Leave it to Zendaya to offer up an impossibly sophisticated take on '60s beauty. The actor’s look is understated and romantic, punctuated by segmentation along the lower lash line for a modish feel.

Twiggy Lashes

<p>Instagram/donni.davy</p> Davy

Instagram/donni.davy

Davy

Davy’s Twiggy-esque lash lines are modernized with a sharp wing extending from the lower lash line. The makeup artist notes that the bottom wing is an ideal choice for those with hooded eyes—or anyone who wants to attempt a sassy-slash-babydoll look.

Detached Cat Eye

<p>Getty Images</p> Jenna Ortega

Getty Images

Jenna Ortega

This double-up cat eye from Jenna Ortega is made '60s through the addition of spidery lashes, nude shadow, and liner. Nude pulled along the waterline further accentuates the negative space created by the detached wing.

White Wing

<p>Getty Images</p> Laura Harrier

Getty Images

Laura Harrier

This one’s for those looking to dip their toes into the '60s pool. Laura Harrier’s little white wing is barely there, but once spotted, it makes a memorable (and easily emulatable) visual statement.


Frosty Pastels

<p>Getty Images</p> Yara Shahidi

Getty Images

Yara Shahidi

The futuristic leanings of the 1960s are best represented by shimmering pastels. Yara Shahidi’s two-toned approach (frosty blue and teal), rounded application, and ample lashes are an era throwback worth considering.

Pearly Wing

<p>Getty Images</p> Kristen Stewart

Getty Images

Kristen Stewart

All things adorned are welcome here. Kristen Stewart’s white wing of liner is elevated by teensy tiny pearlescent additions.

Touch of Glitter

<p>Getty Images</p> Halle Bailey

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Halle Bailey

Glitter is a sign of the ‘60s, and this detailing, worn by Halle Bailey, is easy and ideal for any occasion. Simply pull glitter from the inner corners to the center of the upper lash liner.

Pale Pinks

<p>Getty Images</p> Margot Robbie

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Margot Robbie

Pink pastels deserve a place in your '60s collection, too. Margot Robbie’s full face of baby pinks is romantic and timeless, and best started with a wash of shimmery shadow.

The Sharon Tate

<p>Instagram/samvissermakeup</p> Lily-Rose Depp

Instagram/samvissermakeup

Lily-Rose Depp

And finally, makeup artist Sam Visser’s Sharon Tate-inspired look is a full-on ‘60s celebration. Worn with aplomb by Lily-Rose Depp, the moment combines hovering liner, crease accentuation, negative space, and rounded shapes for a lesson in glamorous retro-futurism.

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