Some makeup looks never truly fade away—they reinvent themselves, finding new ways to feel both nostalgic and fresh. Lately, I’ve been channeling my inner 1960s icon with a mod-inspired look, and I have to say, it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Bold eyes, dewy skin, and a touch of retro flair—it’s a combination that makes you feel instantly ready for a night of dancing, laughter, and a little bit of glamour.

This particular look came together for my very first New York Fashion Week event of the season, where I also happened to be debuting my eight-month baby bump. Let’s just say: if there was ever a time to lean into a style that’s confident, joyful, and unapologetically fun, it was that night. Inspired by a sculptural Cult Gaia dress, I wanted my beauty look to echo that same sense of playful sophistication, from the swish of my bangs to the last coat of mascara.

Here’s how I brought this retro dream to life.

The Skin: Fresh and Dewy

Any great makeup look begins with skin that feels alive, and mod beauty is no exception. While the eyes steal the spotlight, a glowing, luminous base makes everything pop.

I started with a light foundation to even out my complexion, followed by a little contouring to carve out soft definition. To finish, a healthy dose of highlighter across the high points of my face—cheekbones, brow bones, and down the bridge of my nose. The goal is radiance, not perfection; skin that looks lived-in, natural, and lit from within.

The Eyes: Bold, Green, and Retro

Now, the fun part. Mod makeup is all about statement eyes, and for me, that meant diving into shades of NARS green shadows. I played with three shades to build depth and dimension:

• Matcha for that soft, leafy base.
• Nightporter to intensify and darken the outer corners.
• Riding High for a streak of shimmer that catches the light just right.

Once the shadows were blended into a seamless wash of color, it was time for the iconic liner. A flick of black winged eyeliner instantly transforms the look, elongating the eyes with that signature 1960s flair.

But here’s where it gets really fun: in true mod style, I added dots of liquid eyeliner along the lower lash line to mimic the look of exaggerated lashes. It’s a playful detail that feels both retro and editorial, and trust me, it’s a conversation starter.

The Lashes: Bigger is Better

If there’s one rule for 70s-inspired beauty, it’s this: you can never have too much mascara. I layered coat after coat until my lashes felt bold, fluttery, and completely over the top. It’s dramatic, yes—but in the best way possible. The heavier the better when you’re going for mod vibes.

The Hair: Bangs and Balance

To complement the strong eye makeup, I kept my hair sleek but playful. If you have bangs like I do, here’s a trick that never fails: use a clean eyebrow or mascara wand to brush them into place. It gives just enough control to keep them looking polished without feeling stiff. The result? A style that frames the eyes perfectly and ties the whole retro look together.

The Final Touch: Accessories and Attitude

No mod look is complete without the right finishing touches. I let my Cult Gaia dress take center stage, its sculptural lines and statement-making silhouette amplifying the retro glam vibe. Accessories were kept minimal but intentional, giving space for the makeup to shine.

And of course, the best accessory of all? A little confidence and a lot of dance moves. That night at Fashion Week, surrounded by creativity, energy, and the buzz of New York, I felt every bit the 70s-inspired dream girl I’d envisioned. And yes—I danced the night away, baby bump and all.

Why I Love the Mod Look

There’s something liberating about retro-inspired makeup. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and yet it’s packed with personality. The graphic liner, playful lashes, and bold pops of color allow you to express yourself in a way that feels both glamorous and fun.

Even better? It’s surprisingly wearable once you lean into it. Swap the green shadow for a neutral shade if you’re easing into the trend, or keep the full look for a special occasion when you’re ready to go all in. Either way, the mod style has a way of making you feel bold, fresh, and ready for whatever the night brings.

Final Thoughts

At its core, beauty should be about joy and experimentation, and this look embodies exactly that. It’s retro but modern, bold but approachable, and playful in all the right ways. Whether you’re getting ready for a big event, a night out, or even just a mood-boosting moment at home, try leaning into a little mod magic.

Because sometimes all it takes is a winged liner, a streak of shimmer, and a heavy hand with the mascara to remind yourself that beauty is about more than trends—it’s about confidence, creativity, and having fun with the process.

So grab your liner, cue up some retro tunes, and dance your way into your own mod moment.