The 1960s were a whirlwind of cultural shifts, and the beauty trends of the time reflected that experimentation and rebellion. From over-the-top hairstyles to makeup looks that defied logic, some of these trends seem downright bizarre by today’s standards. Here’s a nostalgic and fascinating look back at the beauty crazes that had everyone buzzing in the swinging ’60s.
1. Beehive Hairstyles
The higher, the better! Women teased and sprayed their hair into towering beehives that defied gravity. It took cans of hairspray and hours of work, but the look screamed sophistication—or at least, that’s what people thought.
2. White Lipstick
Forget natural lip tones; white lipstick was all the rage. It gave off a futuristic vibe that matched the mod aesthetic of the era, but looking back, it’s hard to see the appeal of ghostly pale lips.
3. Twiggy-Style Spider Lashes
Thanks to supermodel Twiggy, thick, clumpy lashes became a must-have. Women piled on layers of mascara or even drew fake lashes under their eyes for a doll-like effect. It was bold, dramatic, and a little unsettling.
4. Frosted Eyeshadow
Shimmery pastel eyeshadow in icy blue, silver, or green was everywhere. It was applied liberally, often all the way up to the brow bone, creating a frosty, otherworldly look.
5. The Flip Hairstyle
Hair was styled to curl out dramatically at the ends, creating a “flip.” It was a clean, polished look that required endless ironing and setting but made you feel like a star when you nailed it.
6. Cut-Crease Eyeshadow
A sharply defined crease became the ultimate in eye makeup sophistication. Women used dark eyeliner or shadow to carve out their eyelids, creating a striking, almost theatrical effect.
7. Hairpieces and Falls
For those who couldn’t achieve the towering styles naturally, hairpieces and “falls” (partial wigs) were lifesavers. They clipped in to add instant volume, though sometimes they didn’t quite match your natural hair.
8. Body Paint as Fashion
For the truly avant-garde, body paint replaced clothing at art-inspired parties and photoshoots. While not mainstream, it symbolized the decade’s embrace of creativity and free expression.
9. Tanning with Baby Oil
People slathered themselves in baby oil and laid out in the sun to bake, often using reflectors to intensify the rays. It resulted in deep tans—and countless sunburns. SPF? What’s that?
10. Bold Brows
Eyebrows were either penciled in thick and arched or plucked into extreme shapes. Both looks were trendy at different points in the decade, but either way, natural brows were a no-go.
11. Flower Stickers on Faces
Hippie culture brought flower power to beauty trends, with women sticking tiny floral decals on their cheeks or around their eyes. It was playful, whimsical, and pure ’60s.
12. Extreme False Eyelashes
Regular false lashes weren’t enough; the 1960s embraced lashes that were as long and heavy as possible. Some styles included rhinestones or feathers, making every blink a statement.
13. Bubble Hairdos
Hair was styled into round, helmet-like shapes, creating a perfect bubble around the head. It was sleek, futuristic, and required a salon-level skillset to pull off.
14. Pale, Matte Skin
While today’s beauty is all about glowing skin, the 1960s trend was to mattify the face with powder, often going for an almost chalky finish. Dewy complexions were out, and matte perfection was in.
The beauty trends of the 1960s were a mix of creativity, rebellion, and just plain weirdness. For those who lived it, these looks bring back fond memories of experimenting with style in an era where anything went. Which of these trends would you dare to try today?
