Smokey Eyes Icon: Verushka in the Sixties
Seeing smokey eyes in a wider picture can be educational. This makeup, so trendy now, actually dates back to almost a hundred years ago.
The Sixties were an era of smokey eyes’ great influence. I was reminded of that aesthetic while reviewing Sienna Miller’s look at the Met Gala two posts ago. Let’s see the real thing: smokey eyes straight from the Sixties. The example: wonderful and splendid model Verushka on the cover of Vogue. (Below I include a link to view this look).
It is interesting to analyse this makeup and see which elements still apply and which look dated.
My first observation is the brow bone: it would definitely be done differently today. On Verushka it’s quite white and chalky. These days a more subtle and natural approach is encouraged. The eyeshadow/highlighter under the eyebrow is usually more flesh-coloured and sheer.
Another difference is the face. I would say that today a makeup artist would do more sculpting with highlighter, bronzer and blush.
Otherwise, Verushka’s look it very on trend! Black eyeshadow spiced up with some seriously winged eyeliner. Seductive cat-eye shape enhanced by false eyelashes. Peach-coloured mouth and matching blush. And I just love the way she is wearing the head scarf: it frames the eyes and mouth perfectly.
You can admire this historic rendition of smokey eyes by clicking below onto the Irvin Penn photo of Verushka which graced the cover of Vogue in 1964. Isn’t it just groovy?
