Groovy Eyes: Achieve the Perfect 1960s Eye Makeup Look

Step back in time and embrace the iconic, bold eye makeup of the 1960s! This era was all about dramatic lashes, precisely defined creases, and a playful use of color. Whether you’re channeling Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, or simply love the retro vibe, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a stunning 1960s-inspired eye makeup look. Get ready to unleash your inner mod goddess!

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the tutorial, gather your essential tools and products:

* **Eyeshadow Primer:** This will create a smooth base, prevent creasing, and make your eyeshadow last longer.
* **Neutral Eyeshadow Base:** A matte beige, cream, or taupe eyeshadow to even out your skin tone.
* **White or Light Beige Eyeshadow:** A key element for highlighting the brow bone and creating that signature ’60s brightness.
* **Black or Dark Brown Eyeshadow (Matte):** For defining the crease. You can also use a dark eyeliner pencil.
* **Eyeliner (Liquid or Gel):** Black eyeliner is the most authentic choice, but you can experiment with dark brown or navy.
* **Mascara:** Lots and lots of mascara! This is crucial for achieving the doe-eyed look. Look for a volumizing and lengthening formula.
* **False Eyelashes (Optional):** Individual lashes or strip lashes will amp up the drama. Choose a style that’s wispy and separated.
* **Eyelash Glue:** For applying false eyelashes.
* **Eyelash Curler:** To prep your natural lashes.
* **Cotton Swabs:** For cleaning up any mistakes.
* **Makeup Remover:** For removing makeup at the end of the day.
* **Small, Angled Brush:** For applying eyeliner and eyeshadow with precision.
* **Blending Brushes:** Various sizes for seamlessly blending eyeshadow.
* **Mirror:** A well-lit mirror is essential for applying makeup.

Step-by-Step Guide to 1960s Eye Makeup

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started!

**Step 1: Prepare Your Eyelids**

* **Cleanse:** Start with a clean, dry eyelid. Remove any traces of previous makeup or oils.
* **Prime:** Apply a thin layer of eyeshadow primer to your entire eyelid, from lash line to brow bone. This will create a smooth canvas for your eyeshadow and prevent creasing.

**Step 2: Apply a Neutral Base**

* Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply a neutral eyeshadow base (beige, cream, or taupe) all over your eyelid, from lash line to brow bone. This will even out your skin tone and create a uniform base for your other eyeshadows.

**Step 3: Define the Crease (The 1960s Signature)**

This is the most important step! The 1960s look is all about a defined crease, often exaggerated and placed higher than your natural crease.

* **Locate Your Crease:** With your eye open, gently feel for the natural crease of your eyelid. This is the fold where your eyelid meets your brow bone.
* **Apply Eyeshadow:** Using a small, angled brush or a detail brush, apply black or dark brown matte eyeshadow into your crease. Instead of following your natural crease, create a new, more defined crease slightly *above* it. This will make your eyes appear larger and more doll-like. Start from the outer corner of your eye and work your way inwards. Don’t go all the way to the inner corner – leave a little space.
* **Blend, Blend, Blend:** Use a clean blending brush to soften the edges of the crease line. The goal is to create a defined crease, but without harsh lines. Blend upwards towards your brow bone, but be careful not to blend away the entire crease definition. You can use small, circular motions to blend the edges.
* **Adjust the Intensity:** If the crease is too dark, use a clean blending brush to soften it further. If it’s not dark enough, add another layer of eyeshadow and blend again. The intensity of the crease is a matter of personal preference, but remember that the 1960s look is generally quite bold.

**Step 4: Highlight the Brow Bone**

* Using a clean eyeshadow brush, apply a white or light beige eyeshadow to your brow bone, just below your eyebrow. This will highlight your brow bone and make your eyes appear even larger. Make sure to blend the highlight into the crease color for a seamless transition.

**Step 5: Eyeliner (The Wing is Key!)**

The eyeliner is crucial for achieving the 1960s look. A classic winged eyeliner is a must.

* **Choose Your Liner:** Liquid eyeliner or gel eyeliner applied with a brush are the best options for creating a precise wing. Pencil eyeliner can also work, but it may be harder to create a sharp line.
* **Start Thin:** Begin by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye and working your way outwards. Keep the line as close to your lashes as possible.
* **Create the Wing:** When you reach the outer corner of your eye, extend the line upwards and outwards to create a wing. The angle and length of the wing are a matter of personal preference, but generally, the wing should be angled upwards towards the tail of your eyebrow. The longer and more dramatic the wing, the more dramatic the overall look will be.
* **Connect the Wing:** Connect the end of the wing back to the lash line, filling in any gaps. Make sure the wing is even on both eyes. You can use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes and sharpen the wing.
* **Optional: Inner Corner Flick:** For an extra touch of authenticity, you can add a small flick of eyeliner to the inner corner of your eye. This will further enhance the doll-eyed effect.

**Step 6: Mascara (Lots of It!)**

* **Curl Your Lashes:** Use an eyelash curler to curl your upper lashes. Hold the curler in place for a few seconds.
* **Apply Mascara:** Apply several coats of mascara to your upper lashes, focusing on the roots. Wiggle the mascara wand back and forth at the base of your lashes to create volume. Make sure to separate your lashes to avoid clumping.
* **Lower Lashes (Optional but Recommended):** Apply mascara to your lower lashes as well. This will further enhance the doe-eyed effect. Be careful not to apply too much mascara to your lower lashes, as this can make your eyes look heavy. You can also use a lash comb to separate your lower lashes.

**Step 7: False Eyelashes (Optional but Adds Drama)**

* **Choose Your Lashes:** Individual lashes or strip lashes can be used to enhance the 1960s look. Individual lashes are a good option if you want a more natural look, while strip lashes will create a more dramatic effect. Look for lashes that are wispy and separated, rather than thick and dense.
* **Measure and Trim:** Hold the false eyelashes up to your eye to measure them. If they are too long, trim them to fit the length of your lash line. Trim from the outer corner of the lash.
* **Apply Glue:** Apply a thin line of eyelash glue to the band of the false eyelashes. Wait a few seconds for the glue to become tacky.
* **Apply Lashes:** Using tweezers or your fingers, carefully apply the false eyelashes to your upper lash line, as close to your natural lashes as possible. Start from the center of your lash line and work your way outwards. Use the tweezers to adjust the position of the lashes until they are in place.
* **Blend:** Once the glue has dried, use an eyelash curler to blend the false eyelashes with your natural lashes. Apply another coat of mascara to further blend the lashes together.

**Step 8: Clean Up and Perfect**

* **Clean Up Mistakes:** Use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes around your eyes.
* **Touch Up:** If necessary, touch up your eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara.
* **Set Your Makeup:** Use a setting spray to set your makeup and make it last longer.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect 1960s Eye Makeup

* **Experiment with Colors:** While black and white are classic 1960s colors, don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors, such as pastel blues, greens, and pinks. These colors were also popular during the era.
* **Use a Stencil:** If you’re having trouble creating a perfect winged eyeliner, use a stencil or tape to guide your application.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the easier it will become.
* **Reference Photos:** Look at photos of 1960s icons, such as Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, and Brigitte Bardot, for inspiration.
* **Adapt the Look:** Don’t be afraid to adapt the look to suit your own style. You can make it more subtle or more dramatic, depending on your preferences.
* **Consider Your Eye Shape:** Different eye shapes may require slight adjustments to the placement of the crease and the angle of the wing. Experiment to find what works best for you.
* **Use Quality Products:** Investing in quality makeup products will make a difference in the overall look and longevity of your makeup.
* **Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Makeup:** While the eyes are the focus of the 1960s look, don’t forget to complete the rest of your makeup. A pale lipstick or nude lip gloss is a classic choice. Keep the skin relatively matte and avoid heavy contouring.
* **Have Fun!** Makeup is all about expressing yourself and having fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

Variations on the 1960s Eye Makeup Look

While the classic winged eyeliner and defined crease are the hallmarks of the 1960s eye makeup look, there are many variations you can try.

* **The Mod Look:** This look is all about graphic eyeliner and exaggerated lashes. Use a thick black liquid eyeliner to create a bold wing, and apply multiple coats of mascara to your upper and lower lashes. You can also add individual false lashes to the lower lash line for an extra dose of drama.
* **The Audrey Hepburn Look:** This look is more subtle and sophisticated. Use a thin black liquid eyeliner to create a delicate wing, and apply a few coats of mascara to your upper lashes. Keep the eyeshadow simple and neutral.
* **The Brigitte Bardot Look:** This look is sultry and glamorous. Use a dark brown or black eyeliner pencil to line your upper and lower lash lines, and smudge the liner for a smoky effect. Apply several coats of mascara to your upper and lower lashes, and add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes.
* **The Colorful Look:** Experiment with pastel eyeshadows in shades of blue, green, and pink. Use a light hand and blend the colors well for a soft and dreamy effect. Pair with a neutral eyeliner and mascara.

Modernizing the 1960s Eye Makeup

While it’s fun to recreate the classic 1960s eye makeup look, you can also modernize it for a more contemporary feel.

* **Soft Crease:** Instead of a harsh, defined crease, try using a softer eyeshadow color and blending it more seamlessly.
* **Subtle Wing:** Opt for a shorter, more subtle wing instead of a long, dramatic one.
* **Neutral Liner:** Use a brown or grey eyeliner instead of black for a softer look.
* **Lash Lift:** Instead of false lashes, consider getting a lash lift to enhance your natural lashes.
* **Glossy Lid:** Apply a clear gloss to your eyelid for a modern and dewy look.

Conclusion

The 1960s eye makeup look is a timeless classic that can be adapted to suit any style. By following these steps and tips, you can recreate this iconic look and unleash your inner mod goddess. So, grab your eyeliner and mascara, and get ready to turn heads with your groovy eyes! Experiment with different colors, styles, and techniques to find what works best for you, and most importantly, have fun with it! The 1960s were all about self-expression and breaking the rules, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make the look your own.