The 1960s was a golden era for beauty, with women embracing simple yet effective tricks to enhance their natural looks. Unlike today, where skincare and makeup routines are filled with expensive products and complicated steps, women in the 60s relied on classic beauty secrets that worked. Their routines focused on natural ingredients, basic skincare, and well-applied makeup rather than relying on chemical-heavy cosmetics. Many of these beauty tricks have stood the test of time and continue to deliver better results than today’s overpriced products. If you’re tired of spending money on expensive beauty treatments that don’t live up to their promises, it might be time to revisit some old-school wisdom. Here are the beauty tricks from the 60s that still work wonders today.
1. Cold Cream for Cleansing and Hydration
Women in the 60s didn’t rely on foaming cleansers or trendy micellar waters—cold cream was their go-to for makeup removal and deep cleansing. Cold cream worked as both a cleanser and a moisturizer, melting away dirt and makeup while keeping the skin hydrated. It didn’t strip the skin of its natural oils, unlike many modern cleansers that leave the skin feeling dry and tight. This made it perfect for maintaining a soft, youthful glow without the need for multiple skincare products.
Many expensive cleansers today contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt the skin’s balance. Cold cream, on the other hand, is gentle, effective, and has been a beauty staple for decades. Even Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn swore by it for their flawless complexions. Using cold cream as part of your skincare routine can simplify your regimen while keeping your skin nourished and healthy. According to Clinikally.com, cold cream is a facial cleanser and moisturizer that has been used for centuries to cleanse and hydrate the skin. It soothes dry and sensitive skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because of its moisturizing properties
2. Brushing Hair 100 Times for Shine and Strength
In the 60s, women believed brushing their hair 100 times before bed helped distribute natural oils and boost shine. This practice stimulated the scalp, encouraged healthy hair growth, and kept strands looking silky without needing heavy styling products. Natural bristle brushes, such as boar-bristle brushes, were used to evenly spread oils from the scalp down to the ends, preventing dryness and breakage.
Today, many people overload their hair with serums, sprays, and expensive treatments, often leading to product buildup. Instead of relying on chemicals, reviving this simple brushing technique can improve hair health naturally. A few minutes of brushing before bed can enhance shine, reduce frizz, and promote stronger hair over time. Sometimes, the simplest beauty habits prove to be the most effective. According to Healthline, brushing your hair properly helps distribute natural oils from your scalp to your hair’s ends, promoting shine and overall hair health.
3. Vaseline for Soft Lips and Long Lashes
Before fancy lip treatments and lash serums, women in the 60s relied on Vaseline to keep their lips soft and their eyelashes long. A small dab of Vaseline on the lips before bed is locked in moisture, preventing chapped lips without the need for expensive balms. It was also applied to the lashes as a conditioning treatment, giving them a fuller, shinier look without using mascara.
Today’s beauty industry is filled with expensive lip masks and lash serums that promise miracles but often fail to deliver. Vaseline, a simple and affordable product, does the job just as well—if not better. It hydrates lips naturally and strengthens lashes over time. If you’re looking for an easy, cost-effective way to enhance your beauty routine, this old-school trick is worth bringing back. According to Jill Health, Vaseline is good for your eyelashes because of its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It can help to keep them hydrated, reducing brittleness and potentially decreasing breakage and loss.
4. Standing in Front of the Fridge for the Perfect Lipstick Shade
A clever beauty trick from the 60s involved using the cool air from an open refrigerator to test lipstick shades. Women believed that standing in front of the fridge for a few seconds helped bring out their natural lip tone, allowing them to choose the most flattering shade. This simple hack prevented them from buying lipsticks that looked good in the store but didn’t complement their complexion in natural light.
Today, many people struggle to find the right lipstick shade, often buying multiple expensive options before settling on the perfect one. Revisiting this old trick can help you determine the best lip color without wasting money on shades that don’t suit you. Instead of relying on artificial lighting, using natural or cool air to check your lip tone can make selecting makeup easier and more effective. Sometimes, the simplest tricks offer the best results.
5. Lemon Juice for Natural Skin Brightening
Women in the 60s didn’t rely on chemical-laden brightening creams—they used natural ingredients like lemon juice to keep their skin glowing. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which naturally lightens dark spots, evens out skin tone, and boosts collagen production. Many women mix it with honey or yogurt to create DIY face masks for a refreshed and youthful complexion.
Today’s skincare industry is flooded with brightening serums that come with a hefty price tag and unnecessary chemicals. A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice can provide the same skin-brightening benefits at a fraction of the cost. While it’s important to use sunscreen after applying lemon juice to avoid sun sensitivity, this old-school trick remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to achieve radiant skin.
6. Ice Cubes for Instant Skin Tightening
An old Hollywood beauty trick from the 60s involved rubbing ice cubes on the face to reduce puffiness, tighten pores, and boost circulation. This cold therapy technique gave the skin a refreshed, lifted appearance without needing expensive facials. Many actresses used this trick before applying makeup to create a flawless, smooth base.
Today, skincare brands sell cooling gels and fancy ice rollers, but an ordinary ice cube works just as well. Running an ice cube over your face in the morning can wake up tired skin, reduce redness, and give an instant glow. This simple and effective trick is proof that the best beauty solutions don’t always come in a bottle.
7. Minimal Makeup for a Fresh-Faced Look
Unlike today’s full-coverage, multi-layered makeup trends, women in the 60s embraced a fresh, natural look. Instead of caking on heavy foundation and contouring, they focused on glowing skin, well-defined brows, and classic winged eyeliner. This approach allowed their natural beauty to shine through, preventing clogged pores and skin irritation from excessive product use.
Modern beauty routines often involve layers of foundation, concealer, powders, and setting sprays, which can be harsh on the skin. Taking inspiration from the 60s and embracing a lighter, more natural approach can be both skin-friendly and cost-effective. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to beauty.
8. Olive Oil for Glowing Skin and Shiny Hair
Before expensive serums and moisturizers, women in the 60s relied on olive oil for hydration. Olive oil was massaged into the skin as a natural moisturizer, leaving it soft and radiant. It was also applied to the hair as a deep conditioning treatment to restore shine and prevent dryness.
Today, high-end beauty brands sell similar oil-based treatments at inflated prices, but pure olive oil remains one of the best natural beauty secrets. Applying a few drops to damp skin or using it as a hair mask can provide hydration without the added chemicals found in commercial products. The beauty industry may have evolved, but some of the best solutions have remained the same.
9. Rose Water for a Natural Toner
In the 60s, women used rose water as a natural toner to keep their skin fresh and balanced. This gentle, floral-infused water helped to tighten pores, reduce redness, and hydrate the skin without the harsh chemicals found in modern toners. It was often applied with a cotton pad after cleansing to refresh the face and prepare it for makeup. Many women also used it throughout the day as a facial mist to maintain a radiant glow.
Today, many toners are filled with alcohol and artificial ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Rose water, however, remains one of the best natural alternatives for soothing and hydrating the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for all skin types. Using rose water in place of expensive toners can leave your skin looking fresh, youthful, and naturally beautiful.
10. Baby Powder as a Multi-Purpose Beauty Product
Before dry shampoo and setting powders were common, women in the 60s used baby powder for a variety of beauty needs. It was dusted on the roots of the hair to absorb oil, creating volume and freshness without the need for daily washing. It was also applied lightly to the face as a setting powder to keep makeup in place and control shine throughout the day. Some even used it to prevent chafing and keep their skin feeling smooth and dry.
Today, beauty brands sell separate products for all of these purposes, often at high prices. However, baby powder remains an affordable, effective alternative for oil control and skin comfort. A small amount can go a long way, making it a budget-friendly and versatile addition to any beauty routine. Bringing back this simple trick can save both money and time while keeping your skin and hair looking flawless.
11. Yogurt and Honey Face Masks for a Natural Glow
Women in the 60s didn’t rely on expensive facials—they made their skincare treatments at home. One of the most popular DIY beauty tricks was using yogurt and honey as a natural face mask. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and brightens the skin, while honey has antibacterial and hydrating properties. Together, they created a nourishing mask that left the skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
Today, many store-bought face masks contain unnecessary chemicals, preservatives, and artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin. A simple homemade yogurt and honey mask can provide the same (if not better) results without the extra cost. Using natural ingredients ensures that your skin gets pure nourishment without any harmful additives. This old-school trick is still one of the best ways to achieve a glowing complexion without breaking the bank.
12. Sleeping on Satin Pillowcases for Fewer Wrinkles
Women in the 60s knew the importance of sleeping on a satin pillowcase to protect their hair and skin. Unlike cotton, satin reduces friction, preventing hair breakage, frizz, and split ends. It also helps prevent wrinkles, as the skin glides smoothly over the fabric instead of being pulled and creased throughout the night. This simple switch helped women maintain youthful-looking skin and healthier hair without extra effort.
Today, skincare brands sell pricey anti-aging products, but one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles is still as simple as upgrading your pillowcase. Satin pillowcases remain a beauty must-have, providing a luxurious feel while protecting your skin and hair. Investing in one can save you money on hair treatments and skincare products in the long run. The best beauty solutions are often the simplest. According to Healthline, the smooth, slippery surface of satin decreases friction and tugging, which translates to fewer skin creases and helps retain your skin’s moisture.
The beauty tricks from the 60s weren’t just effective—they were practical, affordable, and relied on natural ingredients that worked. Unlike today’s expensive and overcomplicated beauty industry, women back then embraced simple techniques that enhanced their natural beauty. From cold cream and Vaseline to baby powder and rose water, these timeless secrets continue to prove their worth. By incorporating these old-school beauty habits into your routine, you can achieve stunning results without spending a fortune. Sometimes, the best beauty solutions aren’t new—they’re just waiting to be rediscovered.
