The Ultimate Guide to 90s Makeup Trends: A Nostalgic Look Back at the Decade’s Beauty Fads

The timeless appeal of classic makeup trends never goes out of style, and the 90s were a decade that truly embraced this aesthetic. This era witnessed a beauty boom with trends that have since become iconic and are now making a comeback. It's time to delve into this nostalgic world and uncover the secrets of a decade that continues to inspire and captivate.

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Women have always desired to look their best, and makeup trends have evolved to meet this desire. But some looks are timeless and can’t be compared to modern trends. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the top four makeup trends of the 90s that took the world by storm!

1Y2K Eye Shadow

Back in the day, many celebrities rocked the Y2K eye makeup look, which involved shimmery green eye shadow. This style left a lasting impression on the beauty industry, and even today, many still embrace this trend.

Nowadays, makeup artists use shimmer eye shadow sparingly to add a sparkly touch to the eyes, often pairing it with pastel or smoky brown shades for a more captivating look.

Y2K Eye Shadow

2Brown Lipstick

In the 90s, dark lip colors were all the rage. Women favored deep browns, purples, and reds to showcase their personality and create a unique, intriguing look. These bold shades added an air of mystery, allure, and sensuality to their appearance.

Brown Lipstick

3Glossy Lipstick

Glossy lipsticks were a huge trend in the 90s and continue to be popular today due to their alluring and captivating appeal. While early formulas tended to be sticky, modern iterations are improved to provide both hydration and a smooth finish.

Glossy Lipstick

4Bleached Eyebrows

While well-defined eyebrows are all the rage today, the 90s saw a unique trend—bleached eyebrows. This look altered the visual effect of the face, especially the eyes, making them appear larger and more rounded. It was a bold statement that drew attention to the eyes.

Bleached Eyebrows

There you have it! We’ve explored the top four makeup trends of the 90s. Hopefully, this trip down memory lane has inspired you to experiment with new and unique looks.

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Frequently asked questions

The 1990s were defined by a few standout makeup trends. These included bold, matte lip colors, often in shades of brown or deep plum. Another key trend was the ‘grunge’ look, characterized by smudged, smoky eye makeup and a pale, matte complexion. Thin, over-plucked eyebrows were also popular, as were glitter and shimmer accents on the eyes and cheeks.

To recreate the bold 90s lip, opt for a matte finish lipstick in shades of brown, from deep mocha to light taupe. For a more dramatic look, go for a dark plum or burgundy shade. Line your lips with a matching lip liner to define the shape and add longevity to your lipstick.

The grunge look was all about a rebellious, just-rolled-out-of-bed aesthetic. To achieve this, focus on creating a smoky eye using dark, smudgy kohl and eyeshadow. Keep the rest of your face fairly bare, with a matte foundation and minimal blush or bronzer. Add a touch of glitter to the inner corners of your eyes for an authentic 90s twist.

Yes, the 90s were known for thin, over-plucked eyebrows. If you want to recreate this look, use a brow pencil or powder to fill in your brows, creating a defined arch and a thin, tapered tail. However, be careful not to over-pluck your own eyebrows as they may not grow back!

The 90s also saw the rise of body glitter, with many people dusting shimmery glitter on their décolletage and shoulders. Face gems and stickers were also popular, often placed on the cheeks or around the eyes. Additionally, lip gloss in various fruity flavors and scents was a staple in many 90s makeup bags.