All about the 60s babydoll look From make-up and hairstyle to nails, like Sabrina Carpenter
It’s no surprise that trends always come back around. This time, however, it’s the turn of the 1960s doll-like aesthetic, brought back into the spotlight in recent years by Sabrina Carpenter: voluminous Brigitte Bardot-style hair, puffy mini dresses, rosy cheeks, dramatic lashes, and that irresistible mix of innocence and the playful boldness of her lyrics. If you want to embrace the babydoll vibe without turning it into a costume, here’s some beauty inspiration and tips on how to recreate it with a modern twist.
All about the 1960s babydoll aesthetic
The babydoll makeup look
In the 1960s babydoll look, all the attention goes to the eyes: everything else follows. The skin stays glowy, the cheeks have a soft pink flush (or a bold one, if you’re channeling Sabrina Carpenter’s version), and the lips are kept nude. But it’s the gaze that defines the look: thick black eyeliner, lids in soft tones like cornflower blue or smoky gray used to trace the crease, and, most importantly, dramatic lashes, long and full, both top and bottom. The goal is to create a wide, round, seemingly innocent gaze, pure babydoll style. For inspiration, look back at vintage icons like Jane Birkin, Pattie Boyd, or Sharon Tate.
The 1960s hairstyle
Besides the eyes, the hair completes the doll-inspired look. The most obvious reference for Sabrina Carpenter’s hair? Brigitte Bardot: super voluminous, fluffy locks styled with headbands, messy buns, or half-updos paired with a signature fringe. To achieve the same effect, it’s not just about volume: texture matters too. Your best allies will be rollers and a good texturizing hairspray. There are other babydoll-inspired blowouts worth trying, like the one with softly flipped-in or flipped-out ends (your choice!). Super easy to recreate: all you need is a flat iron. The key references to keep in mind: Brigitte Bardot, Priscilla Presley, and Dolly Parton.
The nails
Even the hands play their part in the babydoll look: the most fitting nails for this aesthetic are classic and feminine. The timeless French manicure was already a must back then, and still is. Pearlescent nail polishes are also perfect, back in fashion thanks to Hailey Bieber, along with soft baby blues or delicate powder pinks enhanced with tiny accents like rhinestones or polka dots. Simple yet striking choices that perfectly capture the 1960s babydoll vibe.
