When throwback makeup looks come to mind, you probably think of glittery ‘70s eyeshadow, the infamous ‘90s skinny brow or the ‘60s era of mod makeup and double-winged eyeliner. These nostalgic makeup looks cycle back into the trends over and over because what is old can always become new again.
From doe eye makeup tutorials on TikTok to intricate graphic liner looks gracing our social media feeds, it’s clear that the groovy ‘60s are reborn and thriving. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your makeup routine with retro ‘60s styling or you want to pay homage to this era with your Halloween costume — we’re breaking down the most iconic looks. Take notes as we share nine ‘60s makeup looks that are worth rocking today.
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1. Frosted Lips
Frosted, baby pink lips were a fan-favorite in the ‘60s. Proving that history truly does repeat itself, the frosted makeup trend resurfaced in the ‘90s and continued into the early aughts with the Y2K trend of frosted eyeshadow.
For an updated take on frosted lips, apply a cool-toned shade of baby pink lipstick like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes. Then, take a little bit of concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24H Full Coverage and use a finger to lightly dab it onto the center of your lips. This easy hack will help to give any lipstick a modern, frosted effect without washing you out, plus, it’s a great way to fake the appearance of a plumper pout.
2. Cut Crease Eyeshadow
When it came to the eyes, the ‘60s loved a cut crease moment. While this dramatic eye makeup look is still on-trend today, consider giving it a modern twist by trying a negative space cut crease. Go with shades of black and white for monochrome styling or try it in shades of brown and nude to sport a neutral eyeshadow look.
Editor’s tip: A negative space cut crease is one of the most flattering eyeshadow looks for hooded eyes. Since the negative space is a great way to counteract the minimal lid space that characterizes hooded eyes.
3. Under-Eye Cat Eye
Any variation of a sharp cat eye is one of those looks that will never go out of style. The ‘60s version of winged eyeliner is a little different than what we’re used to seeing today., instead of placing the cat eye on the upper lash line, they took to the lower lash line and rocked an under-eye wing. Lining your lower lash line helps to give the eyes a lifted appearance. As a result, the finished piece is ultra-flattering for many different eye shapes and it’s a bit easier to achieve than a classic wing.
To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner to connect a cat eye to your lower lashes. Use a pencil eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner to smoke out the lower lash line and complete the look.
4. Graphic Eyeliner
Fun fact — the graphic eyeliner looks that are trending on social media today actually originated in the ‘60s. Along with graphic eyeliner was the double-winged eyeliner and other twisty and intricate variations that switch up the basics.
For a graphic, double-winged liner look, liquid eyeliner with a precise felt tip like the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner is essential. Start by creating a wing that connects with your lower lash line like you’re creating an under-eye cat eye. Then, create a wing on the upper lash line and you’re finished. The look is quite simple to achieve and the end result looks more time-consuming than it actually is.
5. Natural-Looking, Glowing Skin
When it came to face makeup, people in the ‘60s kept things to a bare minimum. With intricate eyeliner, cut creases and pastel hues spotlighting their makeup looks, a natural-looking, glowing complexion served as the perfect canvas.
To get glowing skin, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation. This tinted balm foundation is a skin care-makeup-hybrid, infused with firming serum to smooth fine lines and even skin tone. It gives your complexion a healthy, natural-looking finish and it suits all skin types.
6. Doe Eyes
This iconic ‘60s-inspired eye makeup look is all about creating the illusion of innocent, wide eyes. To achieve doe eye makeup, apply a white or nude eyeliner to the waterline to give your eyes a bright pop. Then, take the L’Oréal Paris Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner, Waterproof in Brown Denim and use it to line the upper and lower lash line. Finish with the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eyes Oversized Eye Washable Mascara Instant Volume to amplify your lashes and accentuate your eyes.
7. Nude Lips
Since the ‘60s favored dramatic eye looks, much like the skin, a natural lip prevailed. Whether it’s a nude matte lipstick or a sheer lip balm, it allows the focus to be on the graphic eyeliner, the bold cut crease or the frosted lips.
For a your-lips-but-better look, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude, Bronze Coin or Ginger Spice. For a sheer, glossy lip, try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract.
8. Voluminous Lashes
It’s only fitting that beauties in the ‘60s indulged in bold lashes to complement their iconic eyeshadow and eyeliner looks. For bold, voluminous lashes, look no further than the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara. A few coats of this waterproof formula will give the appearance of dense, full and defined lashes.
9. Gray Eyeshadow
During the ‘60s, gray eyeshadow was a go-to neutral shade for many. Like our favorite shades of brown and taupe eyeshadows today, gray shadow can complement a number of different looks and it’s not overly harsh. To embrace a gray eye look, try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Silver Couture.
Next: 3 Elevated Ways to Wear Glitter Eye Makeup
Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Ciza, IG @/hailciza, @/ams.colours, Design credit: Sarah Duvivier