The Ultimate Comeback: Why 90s Makeup Is Totally Trending Again
There's something truly special about the 1990s, isn't there? That decade, you know, was a magnificent time for beauty, a period that gave us some of the most memorable and, frankly, iconic makeup looks ever. From the fierce supermodel sculpting that graced every magazine cover to the rather daring spider lashes that made eyes pop, these were the beauty trends that pretty much defined an entire era. It's almost like a trip down memory lane, a chance to remember those looks that were widely adopted by the most beautiful, iconic celebrities of the time.
And guess what? Thanks to platforms like TikTok, it's pretty clear that 90s makeup is having a huge moment, making a major comeback in 2024. People are rediscovering these classic styles, and it's honestly quite exciting. We're seeing everything from body glitter and frosted eyeshadow making waves again, to the resurgence of tightliner and super glossy lips. It just goes to show that everything old, in a way, is new again, and that certainly rings true when it comes to the resurgence of these nostalgic beauty vibes.
So, whether you're looking to recreate these fantastic looks yourself, or just want to reminisce about the fabulous 90s, we've got you covered. We've asked pro makeup artists to break down their favorite looks, and we'll show you how to update these classic 90s makeup trends with modern twists. Get ready to evoke some serious nostalgia and get inspired to rock a retro vibe with expert tips and tricks, because honestly, the 90s supermodel era is so sexy and fierce, and you can totally get that look today.
Table of Contents
- The Essence of 90s Makeup: Focus on Eyes and Lips
- Iconic Eye Looks from the 90s
- Lip Statements That Defined a Decade
- The Glitter and Glamour of the 90s
- Modern Twists on 90s Makeup Trends
- Frequently Asked Questions About 90s Makeup
The Essence of 90s Makeup: Focus on Eyes and Lips
When you think about 90s makeup, whether someone was going for a natural, barely-there look or a bolder, more grunge style, it's pretty clear that eyes and lips were often the main focus. This era really celebrated making a statement with those features, and you can see it in nearly every iconic image from the time. It was a time of expression, of playing with color and definition in a way that felt both cool and a little bit rebellious.
The beauty trends of the 1990s were far from minimal, actually. They embraced a certain level of drama and distinctiveness. We're talking about looks that, you know, truly stood out. Celebrity makeup artist Colby Smith, with the expertise of beauty writer Gabrielle Ulubay, has outlined the dominant makeup trends of the 1990s, and they really highlight this emphasis on eyes and lips. It's interesting to see how these elements were consistently highlighted, regardless of the overall style.
So, if you're looking to capture that specific vibe, you really want to concentrate on making your eyes and lips the stars of the show. It's a fundamental element of the 90s makeup aesthetic, and understanding this basic principle is key to recreating those beloved looks. You'll find that once you get this down, the rest kind of falls into place.
Iconic Eye Looks from the 90s
The eyes in the 90s were, in a way, a canvas for some truly memorable trends. There was a lot of experimentation, and you saw a range of styles from soft and shimmery to incredibly bold and defined. It's almost like every look had its own distinct personality, and people really weren't afraid to try new things with their eye makeup.
Frosted and Colorful Shadows
One of the most popular eyeshadow colors in the 1990s was, quite famously, frosted blue. This color, very often, extended all the way to the brows, creating a distinct, almost ethereal look. It was a bit daring, but also surprisingly chic for the time. You know, it just had that certain something.
Variations for this look included other bright pastels, like pink, violet, and green, often applied with a similar generous hand. These weren't just subtle washes of color; they were, in some respects, a statement. Think about those nostalgic 90s makeup trends like blue eyeshadow and frosted shadow making a major comeback, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist for today. It's pretty cool to see.
To update this today, makeup artists suggest using a lighter hand with the shimmer, or perhaps a more muted pastel shade that still gives that nod to the 90s without being too literal. You could, for instance, just apply a touch of frosted shadow on the inner corner or center of the lid for a subtle pop.
Grunge Eyeliner and Tightliner
The grunge style, of course, brought with it a particular kind of eyeliner. We're talking about bold liner, often smudged and a little messy, that gave off an effortlessly cool vibe. It wasn't about perfection; it was more about attitude. This look, in a way, really captured the rebellious spirit of the decade.
Then there was tightliner, which offered a more subtle, yet still impactful, definition to the eyes. This technique involves applying liner right into the lash line, making lashes appear fuller without a visible line. Makeup artists are breaking down their favorite looks, and tightliner is definitely one of them, showing how effective it can be for a refined 90s makeup look today. It's a neat trick, honestly.
For a modern take, you might opt for a softer kohl pencil for that smudged grunge look, or a precise gel liner for a clean tightline. The key is to adapt it so it feels fresh and not like a costume.
Spider Lashes and Thin Brows
Spider lashes, a rather bold trend, involved clumpy, separated lashes that almost looked like, well, spider legs. It was a very distinct look that added a lot of drama to the eyes. This was definitely not about natural-looking lashes; it was about making a statement, very much so.
And then, of course, there were the thin brows. This was a defining feature of 90s makeup, with brows plucked into a very slim, often arched shape. It was a look that, you know, really framed the face in a unique way for the time. Learning how to recreate thin brows, but with modern updates for today's beauty trends, is something many are interested in.
Today, while super thin brows might not be for everyone, you can still get that essence by defining your natural arch more precisely or using a brow pencil to create a slightly thinner tail. For lashes, instead of extreme clumping, you might layer mascara for volume and then carefully pinch a few lashes together for that slightly separated, "spiky" effect.
Lip Statements That Defined a Decade
Just like the eyes, lips in the 90s were all about making a statement. Whether it was a deep, moody shade or something incredibly shiny, there was a definite focus on the mouth. It's interesting how, you know, the lip trends really complemented the overall vibe of the era.
Bold Brown and Burgundy Lips
Brown lips were, without a doubt, one of the most iconic 90s makeup trends. From a rich, earthy brown to a deep, almost vampy burgundy, these shades were everywhere. Kaia Gerber's deep purple lip, for instance, makes a statement today, yet looks elegant and very much in line with that 90s aesthetic. It's pretty cool to see how these colors are being embraced again.
These weren't just any brown lips, though. Often, they were paired with a visible lip liner, usually a shade or two darker than the lipstick itself, creating a defined, almost sculpted look. It was a look that, in some respects, really screamed confidence. You can learn how to update classic 90s makeup trends like burgundy lipstick for today, seeing examples from runways and celebrities.
To recreate this today, you could try a matte brown lipstick with a slightly darker lip liner, blending it softly so the line isn't too harsh. Or, for a more modern feel, a satin finish brown that feels less heavy but still gives that distinct 90s feel.
Super Glossy Lips
On the other end of the spectrum from matte browns, we had super glossy lips. This trend was all about shine, shine, and more shine. It gave a plump, juicy look to the lips that was very popular, honestly. Makeup artists are talking about super glossy lips as one of their favorite looks from the decade, and it's easy to see why.
This wasn't just a clear gloss over lipstick; sometimes it was a tinted gloss, or even a sheer, shimmery gloss applied generously. It was about creating a luscious, almost wet look that caught the light. It's a trend that, you know, just makes your lips look fuller and more inviting.
For a modern take, you can pair a clear, high-shine gloss over a nude or brown lip liner, or even over a very sheer wash of color. The trick is to find a non-sticky formula that still delivers that incredible shine.
The Glitter and Glamour of the 90s
The 90s weren't just about defined eyes and bold lips; they also brought a healthy dose of sparkle and fun. It was a time when beauty was, in a way, a bit more playful and less serious. You know, people really embraced the joy of it all.
Body Glitter and Face Gems
Body glitter was a huge part of the 90s aesthetic, especially for special occasions or going out. It was applied to shoulders, décolletage, and arms, giving a shimmering, ethereal glow. This was a trend that, honestly, just made you feel a bit magical. Take a trip down memory lane with face gems, blue eyeshadow, and body glitter—these 90s makeup trends were definitely not minimal.
Face gems, too, added an extra touch of glamour and individuality. These small, adhesive jewels were placed around the eyes or on the temples, creating a whimsical and eye-catching effect. It was a way to add a little sparkle without, you know, going overboard with traditional makeup.
Today, you might see body glitter used more subtly, perhaps a shimmering body oil for a soft glow, or a touch of fine glitter on the collarbones. Face gems are still popular for festivals or creative looks, often placed strategically for a delicate shimmer rather than full coverage.
Modern Twists on 90s Makeup Trends
The great thing about these nostalgic 90s makeup trends is that they're back and, arguably, better than ever. We're not just copying the past; we're updating it, making it relevant for today's beauty landscape. It's about taking the essence of the 90s and giving it a fresh spin, which is pretty exciting.
Updating Classic Looks
Pro makeup artists have shared how to recreate the makeup looks that are synonymous with the decade, but with a contemporary feel. For instance, while blue eyeshadow was popular, you might opt for a softer, more blended application, or a deeper navy instead of a bright sky blue. Glitter can be more finely milled, giving a sophisticated shimmer rather than a chunky sparkle.
The French manicure, a classic of the 90s, is also making a comeback, but with variations like colored tips or micro-French lines. And grunge eyeliner can be less smudged and more diffused, giving a smoky effect that's modern and chic. These updates ensure the looks feel current, not dated, which is, you know, a big part of why they're so popular.
Discover 15 iconic 90s makeup trends making a major comeback—think brown lips, frosted shadow, and bold liner reimagined with a fresh, modern twist. These are the looks you'll want to try. You can learn more about modern beauty techniques on our site, which can help you adapt these classic looks.
Celebrity Inspiration Today
Just like in the 90s, celebrities today are leading the charge in bringing these looks back. We see examples from runways and celebrities, showing how these trends are being worn now. Kaia Gerber's deep purple lip, as mentioned, is a prime example of a 90s-inspired look that feels incredibly relevant and elegant today. It's a subtle nod, but a powerful one.
Many current stars are embracing brown lips, frosted eyeshadow, and bold liner, but with a more refined touch. It's about picking one or two key elements from the 90s and incorporating them into an otherwise contemporary makeup routine. You can find more inspiration on how we're wearing these makeup trends today by visiting Allure's guide to 90s makeup.
So, whether you're obsessed with the 90s supermodel era and its sexy, fierce vibe, or just curious about how to rock a retro look, there's plenty of inspiration out there. These iconic 90s makeup looks are making a huge comeback, and it's a fantastic time to rediscover them and make them your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About 90s Makeup
What were the most popular 90s makeup looks?
Well, some of the most popular 90s makeup looks included frosted eyeshadow, especially in shades of blue, pink, and violet, often extending up to the brows. Bold lip liner paired with brown or burgundy lipstick was also a big one, as were super glossy lips. And, of course, there was the grunge eyeliner and the distinct, often thin, brow shape. Body glitter and face gems were pretty popular for a touch of glamour, too.
How can I recreate 90s makeup looks with a modern twist?
To give 90s makeup a modern twist, you can try softening some of the bolder elements. For instance, instead of a harsh blue eyeshadow, you might opt for a more muted pastel or a sheer wash of color. For brown lips, try a slightly softer liner and blend it more seamlessly. You could also focus on just one or two 90s elements, like a super glossy lip or a hint of frosted shadow on the inner corner, rather than doing a full head-to-toe 90s look. Makeup artists suggest adapting the trends to suit today's preferences, making them more wearable.
Why is 90s makeup trending again in 2024?
It's pretty clear that 90s makeup is trending again, largely thanks to platforms like TikTok, where beauty trends from past decades often find new life. There's a strong sense of nostalgia for the 90s, and people are rediscovering these iconic looks. Celebrities and fashion runways are also showcasing updated versions of these trends, which, you know, helps to bring them back into the mainstream. It’s a fun way to experiment with beauty and evoke a bit of that retro vibe.
The best 90s makeup looks trends from 1990s – Artofit
These ’90s Beauty Trends Are Well And Truly Back | British Vogue
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Late 90s Makeup Trends | Saubhaya Makeup
