The 90s makeup was characterized by a minimalist approach to beauty. Natural, understated looks were popular, featuring light foundation or powder, neutral eyeshadow shades, thin brows, and matte or slightly glossy lips in shades of nude, brown, or mauve.
Contouring wasn’t as popular as it is today, and blush was often skipped altogether or applied lightly for a subtle flush of color.
Eyeliner was usually worn in a thin line along the upper lash line, and mascara was used to define the lashes without adding too much volume or length.
Dark or bold lipstick shades were popular towards the end of the decade, particularly brownish-red hues.
Overall, the 90s makeup aesthetic look was simple, natural, and effortless.
What products and techniques were commonly used to achieve a 90s makeup look?
- Brown or nude lipstick: Popular shades included brown, nude, and beige tones.
- Lip liner: Often used to define the lips and create a fuller look, lip liner was a staple in the 90s makeup routine.
- Thin eyebrows: Thin, highly arched eyebrows were very popular in the 90s, and many people used tweezers to achieve this look.
- Frosted or shimmery eyeshadow: Frosted or shimmery eyeshadow was a big trend in the 90s, with shades of pink, purple, and blue being particularly popular.
- Black eyeliner: Black eyeliner was a must-have for many people in the 90s, and it was often used to create dramatic, winged looks.
- Glitter: Glitter was everywhere in the 90s, from shimmery eyeshadow to glittery body lotion.
- Blue mascara: Blue mascara was a fun way to add a pop of color to the eyes, and it was a popular choice in the 90s.
- Blush: Rosy, pink-toned blush was a popular choice in the 90s, and many people used it to create a natural-looking flush.
- Matte foundation: Matte foundations were popular in the 90s, and many people used them to create a smooth, even complexion.
- Sun-kissed bronzer: Bronzer was a popular product in the 90s, and many people used it to create a sun-kissed, natural-looking glow.
Themed 90s Makeup Looks
While general 90s makeup tended to be simplistic and natural, if you’re looking for a slightly more bold 90s look a themed idea might be more what you’re looking for. From brown-toned lipsticks to frosty eyeshadows, and blue mascara to glittery face stickers, there were no limits to what you could try with 90s makeup. Whether you prefer the grunge look or the pop princess aesthetic, you can find plenty of inspiration from the 90s.
Check out some of the themed makeup looks below, and see if any of them inspire you.
- Grunge: This is a popular 90s look that involves dark, smokey eyes, heavy black eyeliner, and dark, matte lipstick.
- Pop Princess: Inspired by the iconic looks of pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, this makeup look features glittery eyeshadow, glossy lips, and shimmery highlighter.
- Natural Beauty: This look emphasizes a clean, fresh face with minimal makeup. Think light foundation, nude lipsticks, and natural-looking eyeshadows.
- Goth: Dark and dramatic, this makeup look features pale skin, black lipstick, heavy eyeliner, and dark, moody eyeshadows.
- Club Kid: This is a fun and playful look that involves bright, bold colors, graphic eyeliner, and plenty of glitter and sparkle.
- Rave: Inspired by the vibrant rave scene of the 90s, this look features neon colors, bold graphic lines, and lots of glitter and glow-in-the-dark accents.
- Supermodel: Channel the iconic supermodels of the 90s like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell with bold red lips, defined brows, and subtle, smoky eye makeup.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to 90s-themed makeup. If you’re attending a 90s-themed party or simply want to experiment with this iconic era, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. After all, that’s what 90s makeup was all about – breaking the rules and having fun with your look.
What Were Some of the Key Makeup Trends and Styles of the 90s?
The 90s were a time of experimentation and evolution in makeup trends. Some of the key styles and trends of the decade included dark lipsticks, bold and bushy eyebrows, matte and neutral eyeshadows, and glossy lips.
Grunge makeup with smoky eyes and dark lips was also popular during this time, as were minimalist “no-makeup makeup” looks with nude lips and subtle blush. Another significant trend was the use of glitter and shimmery metallics, which were often applied to the eyelids or used as lip gloss.
How Did 90s Makeup Differ from Makeup Trends of Other Decades?
In the 90s, the makeup took a turn towards a more natural and minimalistic look. Instead of the bold, dramatic looks of the 80s, the 90s embraced a more subdued approach to makeup, with emphasis placed on a flawless complexion, subtle eye makeup, and natural lip colors. This marked a departure from the heavy use of blush, bright eyeshadows, and dark lipsticks that had been popular in previous decades.
The 90s also saw the rise of the “grunge” aesthetic, which was characterized by a disheveled, undone look that extended to makeup as well. This included smudged eyeliner, dark lipstick, and a generally more “lived-in” look.
How Can I Recreate a 90s Makeup Look for a Modern-Day Event or Occasion?
To recreate a 90s makeup look, start with a matte foundation that matches your skin tone, and add a light dusting of powder to set it.
For the eyes, choose a neutral eyeshadow palette with colors like brown, taupe, and beige. Apply the eyeshadow to the lids and blend it out towards the crease. Use black or brown eyeliner to create a thin line on the upper lash line and extend it slightly past the outer corner of the eye for a subtle winged effect. Finish off the eyes with a few coats of mascara on the upper lashes.
For the lips, go for dark brown or burgundy lipstick, or a glossy neutral shade. Don’t forget to add a little bit of blush to your cheeks for a natural-looking flush.
It’s essential to keep in mind that makeup trends and techniques have evolved since the 90s, so you may want to adjust certain elements of the look to make it more modern and suitable for your personal style and preferences. Consider experimenting with different eyeshadow colors and techniques, and try different lip shades until you find one that complements your skin tone and overall look.
What Role Did Pop Culture and Celebrities Play in Shaping 90s Makeup Trends?
Pop culture and celebrities played a significant role in shaping 90s makeup trends. As television and movies became more accessible, people could easily see and imitate the makeup looks of their favorite stars. The popular music videos of the time also featured striking makeup looks that influenced the trends of the day.
Some of the most iconic looks were worn by celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, and Naomi Campbell. Additionally, popular TV shows like “Friends” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” also helped to popularize certain makeup styles, such as dark lip liners and smoky eyes. Overall, celebrities and pop culture had a significant impact on the way people approached makeup in the 90s.
How Have 90s Makeup Trends Influenced Contemporary Beauty and Makeup Trends?
90s makeup trends have had a significant influence on contemporary beauty and makeup trends. Many of the iconic 90s makeup looks, such as bold lips, dark eyeliner, and natural eyebrows, are still popular today. The emphasis on matte textures and minimalist makeup also continues to be a trend.
Additionally, the use of glitter and shimmer, which was popular in the 90s, has also made a comeback in recent years. Many makeup brands have released products specifically designed to recreate 90s makeup looks, and many makeup artists continue to draw inspiration from this era.
What Are Some Tips for Incorporating 90s Makeup Elements into a Modern Makeup Routine?
Here are some tips for incorporating 90s makeup elements into a modern makeup routine:
- Embrace bold lip colors: The 90s were all about bold, statement lip colors, so try incorporating shades like deep berry, brown, and brick red into your modern makeup routine.
- Play with metallics: Metallic eyeshadows were also a popular trend in the 90s. Try adding a pop of metallic to your modern eye makeup look for a touch of 90s-inspired glam.
- Don’t be afraid of glitter: Glitter was a staple of 90s makeup looks, so don’t be afraid to incorporate a touch of sparkle into your modern makeup routine. Try a glitter eyeliner or a shimmery highlighter.
- Experiment with graphic eyeliner: Bold, graphic eyeliner was another popular trend in the 90s. Try experimenting with different liner shapes and colors to add some 90s-inspired drama to your eye makeup.
- Keep it modern: While incorporating 90s makeup trends into your modern makeup routine can be fun, it’s important to keep the overall look fresh and modern. Try pairing a bold lip color with a simple, natural eye makeup look, or adding a touch of metallic to a classic cat-eye.
When incorporating 90s makeup trends into your modern makeup routine, the key is to experiment and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find ways to make the trends work for your individual style and preferences.
What Were Some of the Criticisms or Controversies Surrounding 90s Makeup Trends?
There were a few criticisms and controversies surrounding 90s makeup trends. One was the use of extremely thin eyebrows, which have been criticized for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and making people feel self-conscious about their natural brows.
Another was the use of dark and sometimes overly-lined lips, which some felt looked harsh and unflattering.
Additionally, some have criticized the use of heavy foundation and contouring, as it can create a mask-like effect and conceal natural beauty.
Despite these criticisms, many people still appreciate and incorporate elements of 90s makeup into their own beauty routines.
Final Thoughts on 90s Makeup Looks
In conclusion, the 90s makeup looks continue to be an inspiration for many beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists even today. From bold lips and dramatic eyes to subtle glowy skin, the 90s offered a range of makeup styles that have stood the test of time.
Whether you want to rock a full-on retro look or incorporate some 90s elements into your modern makeup routine, there’s no denying the impact that this decade has had on beauty and fashion. The 90s makeup looks may have been influenced by the cultural and societal shifts of the time, but they continue to inspire and empower people to express themselves through their makeup choices.
Are you a fan of 90s-inspired makeup? Or are you glad we’ve left these looks in the past? Let us know in the comments below!
