Frosty, funky, and effortlessly cool — ’90s makeup is back in a big way. The decade brought a mix of styles: edgy grunge paired with polished glamour, minimalism with a futuristic twist. These iconic trends are making a modern return, and they’re easier to wear than ever.
Think supermodels, matte skin, soft nudes, earthy tones, defined lip liners, and those classic brick-brown lipsticks — all staples of the era’s unforgettable beauty.
Silver Shimmer
Shimmering silver eyeshadow and a peachy nude lip are classic ’90s staples. Add a sleek cat-eye and brushed-up brows for a fresh, modern take on this timeless combo.
Cocoa Shadow
Warm brown tones are a total ’90s throwback, and Emily Ratajkowski nails the look with a modern twist. She shapes her chocolate eyeshadow into an elongated cat-eye and pairs it with bold contouring for a fresh, polished vibe.
Pinks and Blues
Pink and blue were iconic playful shades of the ’90s, and this look is a perfect modern twist. Pale pink eyeshadow is brightened with a hint of silvery blue at the inner corners, grounded by bold black liner for a stylish, updated feel.
Deep Liner
Bold lip liner was a ’90s staple, and Kylie Jenner pulls it off effortlessly. With ultra-long lashes and glossy lip gloss, she transforms this retro trend into a modern, glamorous statement.
Y2K Gaze
Dove Cameron’s aquamarine makeup evokes the bold and playful spirit of the late ’90s. Bright blue tones combined with shimmering glitter pair perfectly with a soft pinkish nude lip, while the iconic face-framing tendrils add a nostalgic element.
More Is More
Rowan Blanchard’s look perfectly embodies the essence of the ’90s with overlined metallic lips, a smoky brownish silver shadow that extends to the brows, and a matte skin finish. Although the decade had a focus on minimalism, these bold, unforgettable moments stood out.
Goth Glam
The ’90s weren’t just about grunge and glitter—goth rock glam had its moment too. Willow Smith’s black lipstick and bold harlequin eyeliner are a nod to the darker side of that era.
Latte Makeup
To capture that classic ’90s Makeup , Ramzy says we’re all about the latte colors. With latte makeup back in style, you can easily update this retro trend—just like Kendall Jenner—by using different shades of brown.
Frosty Finish
Madelyn Cline’s pop star style really shines with a light touch of frosty white eyeshadow. While the ‘90s would have kept this shade just on the eyelids, Cline takes it up a notch by applying it in the inner corners, giving the look a fresh twist.
Rainy Day Shadow
Gigi Hadid puts a modern spin on a classic color with her French blue eyeshadow. She opts for a straight-across cat-eye application instead of the traditional approach, giving it a stylish and contemporary vibe.
Step By Step Guide 90s Makeup
Recreate the iconic makeup looks of the ’90s Makeup with this straightforward guide. The decade was all about bold lips and soft eyeshadows, allowing for plenty of experimentation and personal style. Whether you’re going for a grunge vibe or a fresh daytime look, here’s how to capture that vintage charm.
Steps:
- Prep Your Skin
- Start with a clean face. Apply moisturizer and primer for a smooth base.
- Foundation & Concealer
- Use a matte foundation for an even skin tone, focusing on a natural finish. Blend concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes.
- Brows
- Shape your eyebrows in a natural arch. For a ’90s look, brows can be thinner, so pluck them to your desired shape and lightly fill them in.
- Eyeshadow
- Choose soft, muted tones like taupe, beige, or frosty white. Apply the eyeshadow on your eyelids and blend into the crease. For more depth, use a darker shade along the lash line.
- Eyeliner
- Apply black or dark brown liner to create a subtle wing or a straight line. Smudging it slightly adds a relaxed, grunge effect.
- Mascara
- Apply several coats of mascara to the top lashes for volume and definition. Consider applying some to the bottom lashes for extra drama.
- Blush
- Use a soft peach or pink blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending well for a natural look.
- Lips
- Choose bold colors like rich plums or classic reds. Start with a lip liner to define your lips, then fill in with the lipstick. Gloss is optional for that ’90s shine.
- Finishing Touches
- Set your makeup with translucent powder to keep everything in place. A light spritz of setting spray can add longevity.
- Style Your Hair
- Complete your look with a ‘90s-inspired hairstyle, such as loose waves or a high ponytail.
Points to Remember:
- Embrace bold lip colors paired with soft eye looks.
- Experiment with matte and glossy finishes.
- Mix vintage styles with modern techniques for a unique flair.
- Have fun and let your personality shine through!
FAQs
What makeup look was popular in the 90s?
In the ’90s, makeup was all about bold, defined features with a matte finish. Dark eyeliner, neutral eyeshadows in shades like brown, taupe, and gray, and sculpted brows were key elements. Lip colors ranged from deep browns to soft nudes, blending minimalism with a hint of grunge. Clean skin and sharp, defined lips were central to the look.
How did people in the 90s do their makeup?
The ’90s makeup routine focused on full-coverage, matte foundation for a flawless base. Dark eyeliner defined the eyes, often smudged for a grunge effect. Neutral matte eyeshadows were used to enhance the eyes, while lips featured a bold contrast—darker lip liner with a lighter lipstick. The look emphasized sharp features rather than heavy contouring, with a focus on eyes and lips.
What was the trend in lipstick in the 90s?
The lipstick trend in the ’90s was all about deep, earthy tones. Popular shades included brown, mauve, and brick red, often in matte formulas. The signature “lip liner and lipstick” combo involved darker liner applied just outside the natural lip line for a fuller, more sculpted look.
Why does 90s makeup look so good?
90s makeup is timeless because it’s simple yet bold and flattering. The emphasis on matte skin, defined eyes, and sharp lips creates a clean, polished look. The earthy tones and minimalistic approach to contouring made the style universally appealing. Plus, it allowed for self-expression, blending edgy and natural elements for a look that’s both chic and effortless.
