Retro Lash Styles: Vintage 50s, 60s, and 70s

I remember the first time I saw a photo of '60s model Twiggy with her lower lashes drawn on like little spider legs. I thought, "I need that." But I also thought I could never pull it off. Then I wore a retro style to dinner and never looked back. If you're searching for retro vintage false lashes, you're not just trying to look old-school. You're after a specific shape and energy that modern lashes sometimes flatten out.

A DECADE-BY-DECADE BREAKDOWN OF RETRO LASHES

THE 1950S LOOK: WINGED, THICK, AND FULL OF ATTITUDE

The 1950s gave us Marilyn Monroe's bedroom eyes. Every lash flared outward, which made the eyes look longer and heavier at the outer corners. Marilyn's stylist reportedly used 10 individual flares per eye to build that shape. Today, you can get the same with a strip lash that has longer points at the outer edge. Pair it with a cat-eye liner flick and a soft matte lip.

THE 1960S LOOK: DOLL-LIKE, WIDE, AND PLAYFUL

Twiggy turned the whole beauty world upside down in the 60s. Her lashes were stacked evenly across the eye, top and bottom, creating a wide, surprised "doll eye" effect. Models would double up their falsies to get that dense, fan-shaped look. If you want to try it, use short individual lashes spaced evenly from inner to outer corner. No wing needed. Just a clean, white liner on the bottom waterline to open the eye even more.

THE 1970S LOOK: LONG, SEPARATED, AND EFFORTLESS

The 70s were all about bohemian ease. Think Farrah Fawcett: long, feathered lashes that looked natural but still gave major presence. The secret was separation. Instead of thick volume, the 70s used long lash clusters placed toward the center of the eye. This made the eyes look bigger and rounder without feeling heavy. A brown mascara over the top (or a soft brown false lash) keeps it authentic.

HOW TO MAKE VINTAGE LASHES WORK TODAY

You can absolutely wear retro lashes without looking like you raided a costume box. The trick is to pick one vintage element and build the rest of your makeup around it.

• With 50s lashes, keep your lips muted and your skin satin.
• With 60s lashes, go bold on the liner and skip blush.
• With 70s lashes, add bronzer and a bare lip.

A friend of mine wore a 60s style lash to a wedding and said, "Three people asked if I had gotten lash extensions. I told them they were falsies, and they still didn't believe me."

QUICK ANSWERS ABOUT RETRO LASHES

ARE RETRO LASHES STILL IN STYLE?

Yes, vintage-inspired lashes have been trending for years. The 60s doll lash is a favorite among bridal and editorial looks.

CAN I WEAR 50S STYLE LASHES WITH GLASSES?

Sure. Just pick a pair with shorter length and a medium curl. You'll get the shape without touching your lenses.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 50S AND 60S LASHES?

The 50s look is more winged and dramatic with thick flares. The 60s look is wider and doll-like, with lashes stacked evenly across the eye.

WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE BUYING RETRO LASHES

Not all vintage-inspired lashes are created equal. Here's what I look for when I'm shopping for that perfect throwback pair:

• Band flexibility: A stiff band won't follow the curve of your eye, especially with winged 50s shapes.
• Lash length: The 60s look often needs 12-14mm, but if you're new to falsies, start at 10mm.
• Material: A soft synthetic fiber holds the curl better than heavy mink-style fibers.
• Comfort: You should be able to blink naturally without feeling the band.

These same criteria led me to the most comfortable retro-inspired lashes I've worn in years.

That's why I was so into PHANSTA LASHES when I found them. Their retro collection has the 50s winged flare, the 60s doll stack, and the 70s feathery center — all with a thin, flexible band that doesn't pinch. You get the exact vintage shape you're after, but none of that heavy, plastic feeling.

If you've been wanting to try a retro lash look, this is your sign. Their vintage styles are the closest I've found to the original photos I grew up loving.

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