1960s makeup looks were at both ends of the scale, from the au naturel look of the hippie brigade to the dramatic black and white eyes of mod high-fashion – with elegance nestled in between. The 1960s was a youth-oriented decade. The baby boomers were coming of age and defined the decade as their own. Here we look at the popular colours and trends, as well as what influenced the 1960s style.
Influences on 1960s Makeup
The London Scene
London had led the way with the mod look (“modernist”) since the late fifties. New stores catering to the fashion tastes of the younger generation popped up all over, notably in Carnaby Street and Kings Road.
The youth had a big influence on fashion. Since the 1950s, the young had disposable income to hand – and it was spent on looking stylish.
The mod look peaked between early 1964 and mid-1967. During this time, youth-orientated television shows, magazines and films united young people all around the world.
Mods loved bold geometric patterns and black and white colouring. It influenced the white eyeshadow and black eye crease look, as seen on highly influential model Twiggy.
Quant, Makeup & Models
Mary Quant was instrumental in the whole “swinging sixties” youth movement with her fun fashions. In 1966, she launched a cosmetic range aimed squarely at young people – just like her clothing range.
Packaging was humble yet efficient and always featured the Quant daisy logo. Products were affordable and came with how-to instruction leaflets.
The whole range was colourful, fun and had interchangeable components. Quant makeup had tongue-in-cheek names and cheeky advertising – very different to most makeup brands on the market.
Yardley was also instrumental in the whole London scene and produced a popular range of colours and products. The phrase “The London Look” was often used in their adverts, with trendy British models Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy as its poster girls. They were the top models of the era, along with Pattie Boyd. Subsequently, their faces were known worldwide, influencing a generation of women with it.
Music & Television
Music inspired youth-lead fashion. Everything from rock and roll, Motown, pop, mod and psychedelic rock influenced the style of makeup worn. 1960s music took on the messages of the youth and the era. It gave the young permission to rebel, express and assert themselves.
Dances were incredibly popular, so being fashionable and dressing up to the nines was all part of the scene.