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.

Lip liner and gloss ruled the 90s, cementing their status as the ultimate symbols of the era’s glamor. 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.

Lips painted in purple and plum became a daring expression of the time’s bold and defiant energy in the era.

These deep, intense colors, ranging from dark purples to rich plums, were closely linked with the grunge and alternative scenes, leaving a lasting impression on the decade’s beauty standards.

These striking colors were all over pop culture, from iconic music videos to top fashion runways.

Celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore led the charge, making these bold lip colors an unforgettable part of 90s beauty.

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 yet soft hues like lavender, baby blue, mint green, and pale pink also adorned eyelids. It created 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 took a bold turn away from the glowy, fresh-faced looks of earlier years in this decade.

Instead, the era favored a matte complexion, offering a smooth, non-shiny finish that felt sleek and sophisticated.

Despite the changing trends in beauty, the matte style still resonates with modern makeup enthusiasts.

Today, matte foundations, powders, and lip products are popular choices for those seeking a flawless, elegant finish that remains timeless.

When you think of the 90s, the smudged eyeliner trend instantly comes to mind, popularized by cultural icons from the music and film worlds.

Celebrities like Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore made this imperfect, edgy look their own, inspiring countless others to embrace a more carefree, rebellious beauty.

Looking back, smudged eyeliner remains a symbol of defiance and self-expression.

Even though beauty trends have shifted, the influence of the 90s grunge movement continues to shape today's makeup culture.

The trend of overdrawn lips became a bold way to play with lip shape and size, offering a fuller, more exaggerated look that stood in contrast to the natural lips of earlier times.

Cindy Crawford and Pamela Anderson, along with other 90s stars, were famous for sporting bold, overdrawn lips, and their widespread media presence helped make the trend mainstream.

Their glamorous and seductive lip looks became highly coveted, inspiring many to recreate them. Today, makeup lovers still mix vintage techniques with modern styles, keeping the bold lip trend alive and evolving.

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. The spidery lash trend saw a resurgence in the 90s, with Twiggy, the legendary British model of the 60s, leading the charge by reviving her signature dramatic lashes.

Since then, this bold lash style has made periodic returns to the fashion and beauty scenes. Despite varying opinions, these dramatic lashes continue to be a standout feature of 90s beauty, maintaining their status as a memorable trend.

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.

The era favored easy, unpretentious beauty, embracing a fresh and real approach to makeup.

This laid the foundation for today’s "no-makeup makeup" trend, which still holds strong as a go-to style for those seeking a natural, understated look.

90s was fun, bold and experimental with beauty. And glitter emerged as a standout feature in both fashion and makeup.

Celebrities, musicians, and trendsetters from the time made glitter a signature look, solidifying its place in the decade's beauty scene.

Whether at music festivals, parties, or just as a touch of sparkle in daily life, glitter was the essential accessory that embodied the lively, energetic vibe 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.

Flawless skin became the ultimate goal with the polished complexion look. To achieve this, foundations and concealers were carefully applied to smooth out imperfections, ensuring a natural, balanced finish without a heavy, overdone appearance.

The 90s was all about boldness and indulgence, and the face gem trend captured that spirit perfectly. Moving away from the more subdued looks of earlier years, it introduced a lavish and extravagant take on beauty.

What made this trend stand out was its playful, DIY nature. People had the freedom to get creative, adding gems wherever they felt inspired and experimenting with different placements to match their personal style.

Though not an everyday look, the impact of face gems on the beauty world is undeniable, leaving a lasting mark.

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.

With its effortless simplicity and lasting appeal, the monochromatic look, quickly became more than just a 90s trend. Fast forward in 2020s, its understated charm continues to win over!