15 Best 90s Makeup Looks That Are Trending Right Now

The 90s makeup era brought us some of the most vibrant and experimental trends. Blue, in all its shades, was a reigning color, making bold statements on both eyes and accessories.

As a matter of fact, the decade was all about embracing color in fearless and unexpected ways, and blue was undeniably a star player in this vibrant palette. So, if you're feeling a wave of nostalgia, dive into the 90s blue-colored makeup and accessories trend as it is a journey into a time of bold choices and unabashed self-expression.

The frosty lips and eyes of the decade added a touch of glamour and an unmistakable sheen to lips across the era. This iconic look was all about achieving a luscious, high-shine pout and shiny eyelids that reflected the bold and experimental spirit of the decade.

Also, famous pop icons and Hollywood celebrities of the 90s were often seen flaunting the glossy lips and eyes on red carpets and in music videos. Moreover, this trend was part of the larger movement celebrating all things glamorous and extravagant.

The lip liner and gloss combo was an iconic duo that defined the glamorous beauty standards of the 90s. Especially, nude colored lips, brown lip liners and frosty gloss were a thing.

However, the lip liner and gloss combo wasn't limited to a single color scheme. Whether it was the universally flattering nude shades, classic reds, or playful pinks and berries, the combo offered a palette for various looks and occasions.

Absolutely, purple-plum lips were indeed a thing in the 90s, contributing to the era's bold and experimental makeup trends. In fact,  distinctive lip colors, ranging from deep plum to rich purple hues, became a symbol of the 90s grunge and alternative fashion scenes.

These lip colors were frequently seen in the pop culture of the 90s, from music videos to fashion runways. Iconic figures like Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore were known for sporting bold lip colors, contributing to the trend's popularity. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of this trend, with makeup enthusiasts and celebrities embracing these dark colors.

If you look back, the era's approach to makeup was blending soft ethereal eye colors with rich, earthy lip tones. Moreover, pastel eyeshadows were all the rage in the 90s. Soft hues like lavender, baby blue, mint green, and pale pink adorned eyelids, creating a dreamy and whimsical look.

As a matter of fact, the supermodels of the 90s played a significant role in popularizing this makeup combination. From fashion runways to red carpets, the pastel eyes and brown lips look became synonymous with the effortless elegance and edgy sophistication embraced by style icons like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Makeup in the 90s was a departure from the dewy and luminous trends of the preceding decades. This era celebrated a matte complexion, characterized by a velvety, shine-free finish that conveyed a sense of sophistication and a more polished look. 

While the beauty landscape has evolved over the years, the matte skin trend continues to influence contemporary makeup preferences. Today, individuals often choose matte foundations, setting powders, and lip products to achieve a refined and polished look that stands the test of time.

Looking back, pop culture icons of the 90s, from musicians to actresses, embraced the smudged eyeliner look. Figures like Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore became synonymous with this trend, influencing a generation to adopt the grungy, smudged aesthetic.

As we reflect on the 90s, the smudged eyeliner look remains a symbol of rebellion and a celebration of individuality. While makeup trends have evolved over the years, the legacy of the 90s grunge movement and its impact on beauty standards are still felt today.

Overdrawn lips allowed individuals to experiment with the perception of lip size, creating a plumper look that deviated from the more natural lip shapes of previous decades.

Celebrities and supermodels of the 90s, including stars like Cindy Crawford and Pamela Anderson, often embraced the overdrawn lip trend. Their influential presence in the media played a pivotal role in popularizing the look, as many sought to emulate the glamorous and alluring lips of these icons. Today, makeup enthusiasts continue to experiment with lip techniques, blending elements of the past with contemporary approaches. 

Spider eyelashes were indeed a distinctive and daring trend of the 90s. This bold mascara application involved deliberately clumping and extending the lashes to create a spidery, defined look. While opinions on this trend varied, it undeniably made a statement. Several celebrities embraced the spider eyelashes look, and one notable example is Twiggy.

The iconic British model and fashion icon of the 60s, Twiggy made a comeback in the 90s with her signature spidery lashes. Today, the spidery lash trend has seen occasional revivals on fashion runways and in the beauty world; whether loved or critiqued, these lashes remain an iconic element of 90s beauty culture.

The minimal makeup trend was shown to the world three decades ago by the baby-faced supermodel Kate Moss and Winona Ryder. These two icons became influential figures in popularizing the minimal makeup trend.

Their effortless and natural looks were celebrated, setting the tone for a generation that valued simplicity and authenticity. This trend laid the groundwork for the "no-makeup makeup" movement that continues to be a popular and influential approach to beauty.

This era embraced a playful and experimental approach to beauty, and glitter became a go-to accessory for enhancing both face and body. Celebrities, music icons, and fashion influencers of the 90s often embraced the trend of body and face glitter, making it a quintessential element of the era's beauty culture.

Be it music festivals, parties, or simply adding a bit of flair to everyday looks, glitter was a must-have accessory that captured the vibrant and exuberant spirit of the 90s.

Brick like brown lipsticks has experienced a revival in recent years. Makeup enthusiasts and influencers often revisit and reinvent this 90s-inspired look, showcasing the enduring appeal of this rich and sultry lip color.

Either paired with minimal eye makeup for a casual look or complemented by smoky eyes for a more dramatic effect, this lip color allowed for various interpretations, making it suitable for different occasions.

The polished complexion of the 90s often involved a minimalistic approach to makeup. Instead of heavy foundations and layers of products, individuals aimed for a more subtle and restrained use of cosmetics, allowing their natural beauty to shine through.

Achieving flawless skin was a key focus of the polished complexion trend. Therefore, concealers and foundations were used strategically to conceal imperfections and create an even skin tone without appearing overly made up.

The 90s was a decade that embraced decadence and excess, and the gems on the face trend perfectly embodied this spirit. It was a departure from the minimalist trends of previous years, offering a more opulent and extravagant approach to beauty.

The face gems makeup trend had an element of do-it-yourself (DIY) playfulness. Also, it encouraged individuals to have fun with their makeup, experiment with different gem placements, and create looks that reflected their own sense of style and creativity. While this style may not be an everyday look, the trend left a lasting impact on the beauty world.

The single-tone makeup look as seen in the picture allows for effortless coordination. That means you vision your makeup look by selecting one dominant color that could create a harmonious and polished appearance without the need for elaborate color combinations.

The simplicity and timelessness of the monochromatic look allowed it to transcend the decade. Fast forward three decades later, many individuals appreciate the beauty of this makeup style for its easy classic and sophisticated appeal.