14 Best '60s Makeup Looks That Are Still Iconic

Diana Ross

 Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

There's no denying that beauty trends are cyclical, and the iconic looks defined by '60s makeup just so happen to be having a moment. And guess what? We're inspired. Nearly every model, actress, and singer of the decade can be seen wearing a dramatic dose of graphic eyeliner; full, perfectly defined arches; and a bold, opaquely nude lip (give or take an application of gloss or two).

Since it's always fun to take a look back through history in the name of makeup and hair, we gathered some of the most famous looks and photos from our favorite models and entertainers of the time. Warning: They're so good.

Ahead, watch celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter's step-by-step video tutorial for recreating '60s makeup, plus our favorite looks from the iconic decade.

Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin ’60s Makeup Look
Reporters Associes/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Jane Birkin is a beauty icon—and not only because of her eponymous bangs. The triple-threat actress, singer, and model is also known for her breathtaking, albeit minimalistic, approach to makeup. Here, she poses in France with a neutral-toned lip, subtle flush, and mascara-coated lashes for the ultimate doe-eyed gaze. To keep lower-lash mascara from running, opt for a waterproof formula, like Urban Decay Lash Freak.

Estelle Bennett

Estelle Bennett 60s makeup
GAB Archive/Redferns/Getty Images

One-third of the beloved singing group The Ronettes, Estelle Bennett had a signature inky, black cat-eye with an emphasis on the lower lid. And while her fellow members often opted for bubblegum pink on their pouts, subtle shades of orange and coral (think: Nars Lipstick, in Orgasm) was the singer's go-to throughout the decade. We're betting she used a lip liner, too, to create the perfect lip shape and prevent color from feathering.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot '60 make up
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

One of our favorite '60s bombshells, French actress Brigitte Bardot made this specific look her forever trademark. Until this point, Old Hollywood starlets favored the classic red lip, but the '60s ushered in mod pink and neutral shades like Bardot's frosted ballerina. Thick cat eyeliner and to-the-sky-lashes were also majorly trending (and still are). And let's not forget Bardot's, sun-kissed complexion. To get her glow—sans sun damage—apply bronzer across your hairline, cheeks, and nose (the bridge and both sides).

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor 60's makeup
API/GAMMA/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

In what could be one of the most famous photos of the actress (and though she was technically portraying Cleopatra), her makeup conveys a few of the '60s biggest trends. For instance, that amazing, glittering cerulean-toned lid. It really captures her signature violet eyes, no? ColourPop's Blue Moon Shadow Palette comes with nine finishes so you can create your own customized blue shade.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin 60s makeup
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

From her beehive hair to her mod makeup, Aretha Franklin is the poster girl of 1960s beauty. She's right on trend with her winged-out liner (consider playing with the application to best complement your eye shape) and perfectly arched brows. Her peachy-orange lipstick with its chrome-like quality is also a staple of the decade. We also can't stop staring at her radiant skin—Is anyone else dying to know what she used for highlight?

Sharon Tate

Sharon Tate 60s makeup
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

If you're curious about black eyeshadow but are worried about (unintentionally) looking too goth, let actress Sharon Tate reassure you. She demonstrates the boldness and beauty of a charcoal lid. Show-stealing eyeliner draped across the entire upper lid and mascara on both top and bottom lashes complete her dramatic eye look. Pair it with a delicate pink lip (we like MAC Lipstick Cream ($19) in Faux).

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren 60s makeup
Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Be still, our hearts. Those red lips, smoky eyes, defined brows… In 1965, actress Sophia Loren proved she was the ultimate Italian siren—and at the top of our list when it comes to '60s makeup inspiration. Lucky for us, this beauty look is a cinch to pull off—even if you've got sparse brows. With the right pencil, gel, and growth serum, feigning a fuller brow was never so easy.

Donyale Luna

Donyale Luna 60s makeup
Roy Milligan/Evening Standard/Getty Images

No stranger to above-and-beyond eye makeup looks, model Donyale Luna (and the first-ever African American model to grace the cover of Vogue) dons a nude, glossy pout; defined, angled brows; and an eye-catching dose of graphic eyeliner. To replicate her '60s aesthetic—and even bring it to the 21st century—consider a colored liner. Sephora Collection Intense Ink Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner ($12) is a solid choice.

Twiggy

Twiggy 60s makeup
Popperfoto/Getty Images

What's a '60s-inspired makeup roundup without the Bambi-eyed likes of Twiggy? We can't get enough of her iconic heavily mascaraed lashes, ultra-high arches, and, of course, that epic graphic liner adorning the crease of her eye. Invest in a waterproof liquid eyeliner, like Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Ink, to keep lines precise and sharp. An understated lip will keep the focus on the eyes—and that Rapunzel-esque braid.

Nancy Kwan

Nancy Kwan wearing green eyeshadow, red lipstick, and straight hair

@vintageic0ns_ / Instagram

Nancy Kwan was one of the first actors of Asian heritage to reach stardom on the silver screen. A beacon of beauty, Kwan nails Hollywood glamour with a Swinging Sixties twist (green shadow, anyone?). Her fresh face provides the perfect canvas for adding a fun pop of color. To get the look, swipe shadow up to the brow (or just cover the lid if you want something less dramatic). To sculpt your brows and frame your face, Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil is key.

Diana Ross

Diana Ross '60s makeup
Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Singer Diana Ross epitomizes '60s makeup to a T: an opaquely pink-nude lip, flawless complexion, fluttering lashes, and a sharply drawn application of eyeshadow or eyeliner. (Ross demonstrates both simultaneously.) To achieve her pout, reach for Ariana Grande's R.e.m. Beauty On Your Collar Matte Lipstick in Bubbly. As for her glass skin, a tinted moisturizer, such as The Lip Bar Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner with SPF 11 —and healthy habits—are all you need.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone natural afro and smudged liner look

@ninasimone / Instagram

With her dewy skin and lived-in liner, Nina Simone is the epitome of effortless beauty. By smudging eyeliner ever so slightly, she proves you can take your look from day to night like that. Make sure to start with a good eyeliner primer and end with a setting powder to keep makeup in place. (Remember: You're going for sultry, not sloppy). And don't forget to lather on the aptly named Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream for a flawless complexion.

Jean Shrimpton

Jean Shrimpton '60s makeup with glossy lips, pink blush, liner and mascara

@girlsofthesixties / Instagram

English rose Jean Shrimpton was one of Swinging London's most prominent stars. Model, actress, and It-girl, you could say that she helped to write the era's beauty playbook. Her subtle smoky eye, top and bottom lash mascara, glossy lip, and flushed cheeks are sexy, yet tasteful. Meanwhile, high arched brows tie the look together.

Lola Falana

Lola Falana '60s aesthetic

@girlsofthesixties / Instagram

Dancer, singer, and actress Lola Falana exudes 1960s vibes with everything from her groovy garb to her smooth and voluminous hair. Precisely lined eyes, full, thick lashes, and a frosted lip—with the help of NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color in Global Citizen—complete her mod beauty look. Can you dig it?

Related Stories