The 1960s were a time of great cultural change and shifting beauty standards. As society broke free from the conservative 1950s, views on female beauty evolved as well. While cinched waists and voluminous skirts were still popular in the early 60s, the late 60s brought more natural and free-flowing styles into fashion.
What body type was considered beautiful in the 1960s?
In the early 1960s, the ideal body type still carried over some influences from the 1950s. Small waists and curvy figures remained desirable, as seen on actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot. However, as the 1960s progressed, slim, waifish frames became more mainstream, personified by models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton.
The late 1960s saw a shift towards celebrating more natural figures. While excessively thin bodies were glamorized earlier in the decade, women now aimed for slender yet soft and feminine silhouettes. Athleticism and fitness grew in popularity, resulting in more toned physiques.
What was the beauty routine like in the 1960s?
1960s beauty routines focused on looking natural, fresh and youthful. Heavy, artificial-looking makeup was replaced by lighter applications that enhanced one’s natural features. Foundation and powder were used to create a flawless complexion, accompanied by minimal eye makeup, nude lips, blush and mascara.
Hair became more relaxed and natural, transitioning from severe updos to loose waves, large curls and free-flowing straight hair. Long, straight hair reached its peak of popularity, often parted down the middle. Ponytails, headbands, scarves and hats added whimsical finishing touches.
Nail polish shifted from deep reds to pale pinks and nudes. Skincare focused on maintaining a glowing, youthful radiance often utilizing natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, lemon and cucumber.
How did fashion and style reflect beauty standards?
Fashion in the 1960s mirrored the free-spirited beauty aesthetics of the time. While the early 60s still held onto elements of 1950s fashion, the late 60s underwent a radical style evolution:
- Shift dresses became popular for their loose, flowy silhouettes.
- Mini skirts allowed women to show off their legs.
- Low-rise pants emphasized slender hips.
- Turtleneck bodysuits highlighted the torso.
- Bold, colorful prints and psychedelic patterns added an expressive flair.
- Hippie styles like bell bottoms, peasant blouses, headbands and fringe conveyed a carefree beauty.
- Shorter hemlines, low necklines, sheer fabrics and cutouts revealed more skin.
Makeup, hair and accessories took on creative new forms. Makeup included bold eyeliner, vibrant eyeshadow, face paint and body glitter. Long, natural hairstyles were decorated with headbands, scarves and flowers. Non-traditional jewelry, beads, fringe and head chains completed the eclectic look.
How did the 60s change beauty standards for different cultures?
The 1960s brought in influential cultural changes that expanded and redefined beauty ideals across races:
Black Women
- The “Black is Beautiful” movement resisted Eurocentric beauty standards and uplifted natural black hair textures and darker skin tones.
- Activists like Angela Davis displayed natural afros that later defined 70s style.
- Magazines like Ebony and Jet provided more diverse representations of black beauty.
Asian Women
- Asian film actresses like Nancy Kwan and France Nuyen rose to international fame and presented Asian beauty to wider audiences.
- Asian models graced mainstream magazine covers, like China Machado on Harper’s Bazaar.
- The 1960s chopstick hairstyle became a popular way to integrate Asian culture into beauty looks.
Hispanic Women
- Latina actresses like Rita Moreno and Raquel Welch brought Hispanic glamour to the big screen.
- Telenovelas presented Hispanic beauty ideals like dark hair and eyes, olive skin and hourglass figures to the masses.
- The Chicano civil rights movement inspired Mexican-American women to embrace their cultural identity through Aztec-inspired fashion.
How did 1960s beauty trends compare globally?
While Western beauty ideals spread internationally through Hollywood and the media, distinct cultural beauty standards also developed across the globe in the 1960s. Here are some examples:
| Country | 1960s Beauty Trends |
|---|---|
| France | Iconic styles from French actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau included winged eyeliner, beehive updos, red lipstick and the little black dress. |
| England | Pale skin, minimal makeup and androgynous styles defined the mod look of English models like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. |
| Italy | Sophia Loren’s voluptuous curves, cascading hair and sultry beauty came to represent Italian glamour and sensuality. |
| India | Long, thick hair adorned with flowers and jewelry remained an essential element of Indian beauty ideals for women. |
| Japan | porcelain skin, dark hair and red lips modeled after geisha makeup signified traditional Japanese female beauty. |
How did 1960s media portrayals impact beauty standards?
The advent of television brought popular culture into homes worldwide, giving the media great influence over beauty ideals. TV shows, films, magazines and advertisements conveyed these messages:
- Thin models set an unrealistic standard for the female body.
- Fashion shoots glamorized new styles of makeup, clothing and hairstyles.
- Celebrities presented beauty and fashion aspirations to emulate.
- Housewives in commercials depicted idealized gender roles and appearances.
- The sexualized portrayal of women objectified the female body.
- Eurocentric beauty was propagated, leading to discrimination against other cultures.
- Youth and teen culture became synonymous with beauty.
However, increased media representation also had positive impacts. Diverse cultures, races and styles gained more visibility, and traditional beauty standards faced growing criticism and re-evaluation during the radical social changes of the time.
How did the beauty industry capitalize on changing standards?
The beauty industry profited enormously from the new beauty trends and culture of the 1960s. Marketing campaigns promoted new cosmetics, skincare products, fashion lines and hair care regimens to help consumers attain the era’s evolving ideals.
- Makeup brands created new products like liquid eyeliner, pale lip glosses, vibrant eyeshadows and glitter makeup.
- Hair products promised glossy, flowing mane with ingredients like placenta, eggs and honey.
- Fashion lines adapted quickly to launch new mini skirt styles, psychedelic prints, and mod aesthetics.
- Skincare tapped into natural ingredients like lemon, yogurt and honey for fresh-faced radiance.
- Home workout programs, diet pills and cosmetic surgery targeted insecurities and the desire to achieve idealized bodies.
While cashing in on trends, the beauty industry also further promoted unrealistic standards through persuasive advertising and claims that their products held the secrets to beauty and self-worth.
Conclusion
The 1960s marked a revolutionary shift in female beauty standards. Outrageous fashions, bold makeup, natural hair and unconventional styles replaced the heavily produced 1950s glamour aesthetic. Thinner bodies grew desirable, and tanned skin became stylish for the first time. The late 1960s celebrated a more natural look and ethnically diverse ideals.
Media, celebrity culture and the beauty industry fed into these transitions, sometimes with damaging effects. However, the radical social changes of the era also empowered people to challenge conventional beauty notions. Self-expression, individuality and cultural pride took on greater emphasis. While unrealistic standards remained, beauty became more inclusive and creative than ever before.