The 90s were a decade of grunge, girl power, and some seriously bold makeup choices. From frosted lips to sky-high brows, those trends might seem a little out there today, but with a modern twist, they can be surprisingly wearable and oh-so-fun!
If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your look or simply love a bit of playful makeup experimentation, then this blog is for you. We’re revisiting 7 iconic 90s makeup trends and showing you how to recreate them for a fresh, modern look.
1. Frosted Eye Makeup: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist
Frosted eye makeup, with its shimmery, pearlescent finish, was a true hallmark of 90s makeup. While a water line covered in frosted blue eyeshadow might be a bit too much for everyday wear today, there are ways to incorporate this trend subtly.
Modern Take
Apply a light wash of frosted eye makeup in shades like pale pink, lavender, or champagne to your upper eyelid. Focus on the center of the lid for a subtle, yet eye-catching, effect.
Hautestyle Tip
Pair your frosted shadow with a contrasting eyeliner, like a dark brown or charcoal gray, to add definition. Finish the look with a volumizing mascara for flirty lashes.
2. Brown Lipstick or Gloss: The 90s Signature for a Fuller Pout
Overdrawn lips with a dark brown lipstick or glossy finish were all the rage in the 90s. This trend can still create a full, luscious pout, but with a slight update for a more natural look.
Modern Take
Line your lips slightly outside your natural lip line with a brown lip liner that’s just a shade or two darker than your natural lip color. Instead of a super glossy finish, opt for a lip gloss with a subtle sheen, or even a tinted lip balm, for a more everyday-appropriate look.
Hautestyle Tip
Exfoliate your lips before applying lip liner to ensure a smooth application.
3. Bold, Thin Brows: Highlighting the Arches with a Modern Edge
The 90s saw a major shift in brow trends, with the bushy brows of the 80s giving way to a dramatically thin, arched brow. While this trend might be a bit extreme for most face shapes, there’s a way to incorporate the concept with a modern touch.
Modern Take
Instead of over-plucking your brows, focus on cleaning up stray hairs and shaping the arch for a slightly thinner, more defined look. Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas with strokes that mimic natural hair growth.
Hautestyle Tip
If you’re unsure about shaping your brows yourself, consider getting them professionally done for a perfect arch.
4. Blue Eyeshadow: A Cool Touch with Modern Versatility
Blue eyeshadow wasn’t just for mermaids in the 90s. This cool-toned shade was a popular choice, often applied heavily across the entire eyelid. Today, we can embrace the boldness of blue eyeshadow in a more subtle way.
Modern Take
Apply a light wash of a shimmery blue eyeshadow to your crease for a pop of color. Alternatively, use a blue eyeliner to create a subtle cat-eye or a graphic liner look.
Hautestyle Tip
Pair blue eyeshadow with warm-toned blushes like peach or coral for a beautiful contrast.
5. Glitter Mania: Adding Sparkle with a Modern Touch
Glitter was everywhere in the 90s, from makeup to clothing. While a full face covered in glitter might be a bit much for everyday wear today, a touch of sparkle can add a playful and festive touch to your makeup look.
Modern Take
Apply a small amount of loose glitter or a cream eyeshadow with a subtle sparkle to the center of your eyelid or to your inner tear duct for a subtle, eye-catching effect. You can also use a glitter eyeliner for a touch of shimmer on your upper lash line.
Hautestyle Tip
For a more controlled application, use a damp makeup brush to pick up glitter and apply it precisely.
6. Grunge Smokey Eye: The Edgy Look with a Soft Touch
The grunge movement of the 90s brought dark, smoky eyes to the forefront. While this look can be quite dramatic, there are ways to achieve a softer, more wearable version.
Modern Take
Blend a cool-toned gray or brown eyeshadow into your crease and outer corner for definition. Instead of harsh lines, focus on a diffused, smoky effect. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal for a balanced look.
Hautestyle Tip
Use a fluffy blending brush to soften any harsh lines and create a seamless smoky effect.
7. Matte Lips: A Classic Look with Modern Variations
Matte lipsticks were a major trend in the 90s, often in bold shades like brown and plum. Today, matte lipsticks remain a popular choice, but with a wider range of colors and finishes available.
Modern Take
Choose a matte lipstick in a shade that flatters your skin tone. Nudes and pinks are perfect for everyday wear, while bolder shades like red or berry can add a touch of drama. If you find matte lipsticks drying, there are now many comfortable, long-wearing formulas available.
Hautestyle Tip
Exfoliate and moisturize your lips before applying matte lipstick to ensure a smooth, flawless application.
Embrace Your Inner 90s Muse
With a few tweaks and modern interpretations, these iconic 90s makeup trends can be a fun and creative way to add a touch of nostalgia to your beauty routine. So, grab your favorite blue eyeshadow or a touch of glitter, and get ready to channel your inner 90s muse!