Beauty trends are an ever-changing cycle, so it’s no wonder the ‘60s have made their way back into the mainstream. But are we complaining? No!

The decade’s bold eye makeup was inspired by a London-based youth subculture called the Mods — short for modernists. It was catapulted into pop culture in the mid-’60s by one of the world’s first international supermodels, Dame Lesley Hornby, more famously known by her nickname ‘Twiggy.’

Aptly named ‘the Twiggy,’ her makeup featured a radiant pastel eyeshadow highlighted by a striking cut crease and thick eyeliner accentuating the pupil, coming together with drawn-on lower lashes which she modeled after a doll. The quintessential staple was also made famous by English model Jean Shrimpton, legendary singer Diana Ross and the late actress Sharon Tate.

The era’s influence has remained consistent through the decades and is back in full swing now — but with a modern twist.

Pop superstar Ariana Grande’s “Positions” music video and release of her sixth studio record of the same name in October 2020 officially revived the trend. In the album’s promotional photoshoot, Grande’s trademark cat-eye eyeliner is complemented by a lightened lid and a defined wing shape with lashes atop — a chic, contemporary take on Mod makeup.

Beth Harmon, the main protagonist in Netflix’s smash-hit “The Queen’s Gambit,” and played by Anya Taylor-Joy sports floating eyeliner in the series’ sixth episode.

Taylor-Joy went full retro when she hosted the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” in May, shining in layered metallic eyeshadows and sharp Twiggyesque graphic liner while wielding a subtle eyelash for a finishing touch. 

Want to try this look for the upcoming semester or just for fun? Here’s our guide to ‘the Twiggy’:

The products listed below are what VALLEY recommends based on affordability and effectiveness. 

Tag us @VALLEYmag on Instagram and Twitter with a photo of your Mod makeup!

Niswana is a senior at Penn State double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science with a minor in Health Policy and Administration. In addition to writing for VALLEY since Spring 2021, her interests include politics, law, and BTS. When she’s not studying, she can be found either reading The New York Times or watching an episode of Criminal Minds. After university, Niswana plans to go to law school and become a human rights lawyer.

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Founded in 2007, VALLEY is Penn State's premier student-run life and style magazine. Our mission is to recognize other students for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments, and to feature local style, entertainment and lifestyle trends. We publish one print issue a semester and also post daily online content throughout the academic year.