The Return of Mod Makeup

Bold outlines, bright contrasts, and thick, feathery lashes are a few defining features of mod makeup, a trend that swept the beauty world throughout the 1960s. Many credit the British model, Twiggy, with popularizing the look into the American mainstream. Twiggy’s large eyes and doe-like appearance inspired a whirlwind of high-profile celebrities at the time, ranging from Cher to Aretha Franklin, to adopt the style.

Though Twiggy helped bring the look over to the States, mod makeup first emerged from a larger subcultural movement in metropolitan England called “mod.” This movement coincided with the “Swinging London” scene that thrived on dynamic colors and blocky geometrics.

The mod (short for “modernist”) aesthetic was all about clear shape, definitive edges, and solid colors. This meant exchanging more natural makeup looks for bold ones. Mod makeup is characterized by lighter colors, such as blue or white, as the eyeshadow backpiece with an addition of heavy black liner. The look sometimes even included white lipstick, wide wings above the eyelid, and painted lines below the eye to mimic darker bottom lashes.

Mod’s flashy eyes eventually gave way to more bohemian, earthier aesthetics with the growing presence of the hippie movement at the end of the decade; however, some predict that mod makeup might be on the rise again, with the hashtag #60sglamour inciting over 42 million views across social media platforms. Today, influencers such as @conniemclean and @little.glow.girl demonstrate mod for the modern girl in ways that add contemporary flair to the look inspired by these fashionable women of the past.

So, how exactly does one achieve the mod makeup look today? Allure suggests using a strong eyeliner, preferably a gel or kohl, to secure visible outlines for the eyes and undereye. Keep in mind that mod is meant to exaggerate features; you’ll want your eyes to look fanned and doll-like, with elevated wings to match. Stencils can help with marking out creases, and a bottom lash effect can be created by using a liner that is both liquid and fast-drying. It’s okay to go dramatic—mod is meant to be loud!

For your eyeshadow, consider pastels or “go-go hues” like lime greens and electric blues paired with bright lipstick. The eyeshadow and lipstick don’t necessarily have to be the same color but you should aim for shades that complement one another—warm and cool colors can be blended in surprising ways. With mod makeup, you can play with the natural contours of your features while shaping them in artful expansions.

Remember: bigger is better. If you’re unsure of whether or not you’re lining your eyes heavily enough, you can always go a little thicker. Your wings can always be a little longer, and your lids can always be higher.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks! Mod women were stylish and adventurous—they rode Vespas, danced to jazz, wore Chelsea boots, had Sassoon haircuts, and listened to up-and-coming bands in the developing British rock scene including The Who and Small Faces. Their makeup looks were reflective of the daring and boldly feminine spirit of the 1960s, a spirit that persists through the look’s iterations today.

Strike Out,

Writer: Emily Clemente

Editor: Lindsey Limbach

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