19 Best ’90s Makeup Looks: Beauty Trends From 1990s

Dust off your chokers and crop tops, because the 1990s makeup looks are making a comeback. Hey there, feeling nostalgic for the colorful cosmetics of the ’90s? I’m totally with you. There was just something so playfully creative about makeup looks from back then. From grungy cut creases to sun-kissed Cali girl glows, the decade served up endless inspo. In this post, I’ll fill you in on 19 1990s makeup looks that defined the times, from edgy scenes to pop stars’ signature styles. Whether you’re keen to recreate these sparkling vibes or just reminisce like little old me, get cozy. I’ve got your ticket to a rad ride down memory lane!

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is 90s beauty?

90s beauty is a bright and full of life style that seize individuality and self-expression. It is characterized by its use of color, glitter, and unique makeup techniques. It was a time of experimentation and fun, and this is reflected in the difference of makeup looks that were popular during the decade. Overall, there were no hard and fast rules when it came to makeup.

What were the iconic makeup looks of the 1990s?

Some of the most iconic makeup looks of the decade include:

#1 1990s Makeup Looks – Grunge

Dark, smoky eyes, messy hair, and nude lips were the hallmarks of the grunge look, popularized by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. It also reflected the rebellious and angst-ridden spirit of the grunge movement.

• Dark, smoky eyes: First, use a dark eyeshadow to create a smoky effect on your eyelids.

• Messy hair: Don’t bother styling your hair – just let it be messy and natural.

• Nude lips: Lastly, choose a nude lipstick or lip gloss to complete the look.

#2 1990s Makeup Looks – Glam

Supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer epitomized the glamorous side of the 1990s, with their bold lips, dramatic eye makeup, and contoured cheekbones. It was all about looking glamorous and polished.

• Bold lips: Use a bold lipstick color, such as red or pink.
• Dramatic eye makeup: Apply dark eyeshadow to your eyelids and line your eyes with a thick black eyeliner.
• Contoured cheekbones: Use a contouring powder to define your cheekbones.

#3 1990s Makeup Looks – Minimalist

Seizing natural beauty with minimal makeup was another popular trend of the decade, often seen on actresses like Drew Barrymore and Winona Ryder. This look focus on healthy, glowing skin.

#4 1990s Makeup Looks – Frosted Eyeshadow

Frosted eyeshadow, mostly in shades of silver, pink, or blue, was a must-have for many 1990s makeup enthusiasts. It gave the eyes a shimmery and iridescent look. Also, celebrities like Mariah Carey and Britney Spears popularized it.

• Frosted eyeshadow: Apply frosted eyeshadow to your eyelids for a shimmery look.

• Black eyeliner: Line your eyes with black eyeliner to define them.

• Mascara: Lastly, apply mascara to your eyelashes to make them look longer and fuller.

#5 1990s Makeup Looks – Brown Lipstick

Brown lipsticks, in all shades from nude to deep chocolate, were a popular choice for women of color and Caucasians alike. However, celebrities like Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez wore it. It was an adaptable color that they could pair with a variety of makeup looks.

• Brown lipstick: Choose a brown lipstick that flatters your skin tone.

• Minimal eye makeup: Keep your eye makeup minimal to let your lips do the talking.

• Natural blush: Add a touch of natural blush to your cheeks for a healthy glow.

#6 1990s Makeup Looks 6- Pencil-Thin Brows

Thin, over-plucked eyebrows were a defining feature of many 1990s beauty looks. Moreover, celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Winona Ryder popularized this look.

#7 1990s Makeup Looks – Cut Crease

The cut crease technique, involving a sharp line of transition between eyeshadow colors, was another popular trend of the decade.

#8 1990s Makeup Looks – All-Over Shimmer

During the 1990s, shimmer and glitter were liberally applied to eyes, lips, and even cheekbones, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour. It gave the skin a dewy and radiant look.

• Glitter: Apply glitter to your eyelids, lips, and cheeks for a glamorous look.

• Bold eye makeup: Use dark eyeshadow and eyeliner to create a dramatic look.

• Red lipstick: Finish the look with a red lipstick.

#9 1990s Makeup Looks – Chunky Glitter Eyeshadow

This was another popular eyeshadow trend in the 1990s. Furthermore, celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera popularized this trend by often applying shimmer and sparkle in a dramatic way.

#10 1990s Makeup Looks – Face Gems

Stick-on face gems were a fun and playful way to add some sparkle to any makeup look.

#11 1990s Makeup Looks – Overlined Lips

Overlining the lips with a darker lip liner was a popular technique for creating the illusion of fuller lips.

• Bold lip liner: Use a bold lip liner to overdraw your lips.
• Red lipstick: Fill in your lips with a red lipstick.
• Minimal eye makeup: Keep your eye makeup minimal to let your lips do the talking.

#12 1990s Makeup Looks – Brick Lips

Brick-red lipstick was a popular choice for creating a bold and statement-making lip look.

#13 1990s Makeup Looks – Purple Eyeshadow

Purple eyeshadow, in shades ranging from lavender to deep plum, was a popular choice for expressing individuality and creativity.

#14 1990s Makeup Looks – Bright Blush

Individuals seeking a fresh and youthful appearance adopted and popularized this technique of using bright blush, often in shades of pink or peach, to add a touch of color and sparkle to the cheeks.

#15 1990s Makeup Looks – Red Lipstick

Red lipstick, in classic shades like crimson or scarlet, was a timeless and elegant makeup choice for any occasion.

#16 1990s Makeup Looks – Blue Eyeshadow

Blue eyeshadow, in shades ranging from sky blue to cobalt, was a bold and daring choice for those who wanted to make a statement.

#17 1990s Makeup Looks – Monochromatic Makeup

This look was all about using one color of eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. In the 1990s, this trend became popular, and people frequently wore it in a dramatic way.

#18 1990s Makeup Looks – Bold Eyeliner

Celebrities like Courtney Love and Christina Ricci popularized the big trend of wearing eyeliner in a dramatic way during the 1990s.

#19 1990s Makeup Looks – Lip Gloss

Lip gloss was very popular in the 1990s. It gave the lips a shiny and plump look.

In addition to the looks above, here are some other tips for creating a 1990s makeup look:

• Use matte eyeshadows and lipsticks.
• Experiment with different lip liner colors.
• Apply false eyelashes for a dramatic look.
• Use a lot of blush.
• Don’t be afraid to be bold and creative!

With a little effort, you can easily create a 1990s makeup look that is both stylish and fun. So go ahead and experiment! You might just surprise yourself.

What was the most iconic look of the 90s?

Hey friends, ever wonder what makeup trend defined the ’90s? For me, it’s got to be theubrown smokey eye. Rising up from grunge scenes, that deep, smoldering shadow stye stole the spotlight. It felt so effortlessly cool with Its mix of rich browns blended all around the eyes. I’d see stylish femmes, starlets, and everyday girls rocking it alike.

Whether dressing it up or down, that shapely shadow swoon made such a statement. Best of all, it looked amazing on literally everyone! As retro fever’s got me feeling all nostalgic again, I can see why that iconic eye shape remains so magnetic. Its mystique still knows how to give eyes a depth that’s oh so en Vogue. So whether your look is natural or notched up this season, consider paying homage to a ’90s classic that set trends for years to come.