Retro chic is a style that embraces the nostalgia of the past and mixes it with the trends of the present. One of the most popular retro chic styles is the ’90s makeup, which is making a comeback with a modern twist. In this article, we will explore some of the iconic ’90s makeup trends and how to recreate them with a fresh and updated look.
The ’90s were a decade of experimentation and diversity in makeup. From the grunge-inspired dark lips and smoky eyes to the minimalist nude tones and glossy finishes, there was something for everyone. Some of the celebrities who defined the ’90s makeup style were Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Gwen Stefani, and Naomi Campbell.
Frosted Eyeshadow
Iridescent lilacs and silvers were popular shades for the eyes, creating a cool and shimmery effect. Frosted eye shadow can be updated for 2023 by using a light wash of color and pairing it with dewy skin and clear gloss.
Brown Lipstick
Brown lipstick was a staple for many celebrities and supermodels in the ’90s, giving a sophisticated and sultry vibe. Brown lipstick can be modernized by choosing a shade that suits your skin tone and blending it with a lip liner for a seamless finish.
Sultry Black Tight Liner
Tightlining is the technique of applying eyeliner along the upper waterline, creating the illusion of fuller lashes and more defined eyes. It was often seen on ’90s stars like Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Lopez. Tightlining can be done with a black gel or pencil liner, and can be paired with mascara and a neutral lip for a simple yet sexy look.
Ultra-Lined Lips
Another ’90s trend that is making a comeback is overlining the lips, which involves drawing slightly outside the natural lip line to create the appearance of fuller lips. This was often done with a dark lip liner and a lighter lipstick or gloss. To avoid looking too harsh, you can blend the liner with the lipstick and choose shades that are close to your natural lip color.
All Over Body Glitter
Body glitter was a fun way to add some sparkle to your look in the ’90s, especially for parties and festivals. You could find glitter in various forms, such as gel, spray, or powder, and apply it to your face, hair, or body. Body glitter can still be worn today, but in moderation and with a more subtle formula.
Thin Eyebrows
Many celebrities and models in the ’90s plucked their eyebrows to achieve a thin and arched look, such as Drew Barrymore, Gwen Stefani, and Kate Moss. Thin eyebrows can be recreated by using a fine-tipped eyebrow pencil to draw thin strokes along the natural brow shape and then blending them with a spoolie brush.
Dark Lip Liner
Dark lip liner was often paired with a lighter lipstick or gloss to create a contrast and define the lips. This trend was seen on stars like Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, and Naomi Campbell. Dark lip liner can be modernized by choosing a shade that is close to your natural lip color and blending it well with the lipstick.
Grunge Makeup
Grunge makeup was inspired by the music genre of the same name and featured dark, smoky, and messy eye makeup, often with shades of black, brown, gray, or green. Grunge makeup can be achieved by using a kohl eyeliner to line the eyes and smudge it with a brush or finger, and then applying a dark eye shadow on the lids and lower lash line.
Blue Eyeshadow
Blue eyeshadow was a bold and colorful choice for the eyes in the ’90s, ranging from pastel to electric shades. Blue eyeshadow can be worn today by choosing a shade that complements your eye color and skin tone, and applying it sparingly on the lids or as a pop of color on the lower lash line.
Contouring
Contouring is the technique of using darker and lighter shades of makeup to sculpt and enhance the features of the face. Contouring was popularized by celebrities like Madonna, Cindy Crawford, and Janet Jackson in the ’90s. Contouring can be done today by using a matte bronzer or contour powder to create shadows under the cheekbones, jawline, temples, and sides of the nose, and then using a highlighter to add glow to the high points of the face.
Minimalist Makeup
Minimalist makeup was a simple and natural look that focused on enhancing the skin and adding subtle touches of color. Minimalist makeup can be replicated by using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream to even out the skin tone, a cream blush or bronzer to add warmth to the cheeks, a clear or tinted brow gel to groom the brows, and a nude or pink lipstick or gloss to finish the look.
Colored Mascara
Colored mascara was a fun way to add some flair to the lashes in the ’90s, with shades like blue, purple, green, or burgundy. Colored mascara can still be worn today by choosing a shade that contrasts with your eye color and applying it only on the tips of your lashes for a subtle effect.
Lip Gloss
Lip gloss was a must-have product for shiny and juicy lips in the ’90s. Lip gloss can be used today by choosing a formula that is hydrating and non-sticky, and applying it over your lipstick or on its own for a glossy finish.
FAQs
- What makeup was popular in the 90s? The 1990s were a decade of bold and daring makeup looks. Some of the most popular makeup trends from the 90s include contoured cheeks, blue eyeshadow, frosty lips, body glitter, and neutral lip colors.
- How do you make 90s makeup? To create a 90s makeup look, you can try some of the following tips:
- Contour your cheeks with bronzer to create a sculpted look.
- Use blue eyeshadow to create a bold and daring eye makeup look.
- Apply frosty lipstick or lip gloss to your lips for a shimmery finish.
- Add some body glitter to your makeup look for a fun and playful touch.
- Opt for neutral lip colors like beige, brown, or pink.
- What is 90s rock style makeup? 90s rock style makeup is all about bold and daring looks. Some of the most popular makeup trends from this era include dark lipstick, smoky eyes, heavy eyeliner, and bold brows.
- How was makeup in the 2000s? The 2000s were a decade of minimalism and natural beauty. Some of the most popular makeup trends from the 2000s include nude lips, natural-looking skin, shimmery eyeshadow, and thin eyebrows.
- What makes a 90s look? A 90s look is all about bold and daring makeup. Some of the key elements of a 90s makeup look include contoured cheeks, blue eyeshadow, frosty lips, body glitter, and neutral lip colors.
- How to do 90s lipstick? To achieve a 90s lipstick look, you can try some of the following tips:
- Opt for frosty lipstick or lip gloss for a shimmery finish.
- Choose neutral lip colors like beige, brown, or pink.
- Apply lip liner to your lips to create a defined look.
- What was the makeup trend in 1999? In 1999, the biggest makeup trend was the all-over bronze look. This look featured nude eyes and lips, and a bronzed complexion.
- How do Gen Z do their makeup? Gen Z makeup is all about natural beauty and minimalism. Some of the most popular makeup trends among Gen Z include dewy skin, bold eyebrows, natural-looking lips, and subtle eye makeup.
- Who influenced 2000s makeup? Some of the most influential makeup artists of the 2000s include Pat McGrath, Bobbi Brown, and Kevyn Aucoin.
- What was the makeup trend in 1997? In 1997, the biggest makeup trend was metallic eyeshadow. This look featured a lavender shimmery shadow from lash line to brow bone.
- What was 90s female grunge makeup? 90s female grunge makeup is all about dark and edgy looks. Some of the key elements of this makeup style include dark lipstick, smoky eyes, heavy eyeliner, and bold brows.
- What were the bad beauty trends in the 90s? Some of the bad beauty trends from the 90s include over-plucked eyebrows, frosty lipstick, and heavy black eyeliner.