The 90s were a time when we didn’t know what undertones were, and the foundation might look a bit too orangey. However, there was so much more to learn about makeup in the 90s than figuring out that you shouldn’t have a line along the outside of your face and that orange foundation was anything but flattering. There was brown lipstick and gorgeous eye makeup, and we’ll never forget the impact the girls of the decade had on the industry.
Minimalist Makeup
Minimalist makeup was huge in the 1990s, and it remains a favorite today. It’s time to consider ditching the full-coverage foundation in favor of a natural, fresh-faced look. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear any makeup.
Replace the foundation with a lighter version, such as BB or CC cream. Try a natural mascara to give your lashes more volume or length, but still look like you’re not wearing makeup. Cheek tint or liquid blush can give your cheeks a rosy glow that looks more natural. Opt for a light gloss on your lips to complete the look.
Products To Pull It Off
Ogee Complexion Perfecting tinted Serum
This luxurious tinted serum blends smoothly into the skin for a natural appearance while still delivering the coverage you want. Natural brightening and plumping ingredients help visibly improve the appearance of your skin with continuous use. The skin-like finish is lightweight and breathable, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing makeup. It naturally helps create a more even complexion.
Why You’ll Love It
- Natural appearance
- Lightweight
- Inclusive shade range
- Skincare/makeup hybrid
What A Tint! Lip And Cheek Tint
Essence Makeup is well-known throughout the world for providing affordable, effective makeup products. This cheek tint gives your cheeks or lips the perfect tint without feeling heavy. It blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural appearance. The formula is long-lasting, vegan, cruelty-free, and available in three gorgeous shades. A little goes a long way, so you don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon!
Why You’ll Love It
- Natural appearance
- Thin formula blends easily
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Affordable
Matte Skin
Everything was about achieving a flawless complexion, thanks to the matte finish of the 1990s. Foundation formulas were always available in a matte finish.
Today, we still see this trend with the soft-focus finish. Try the matte look to see if it’s for you. If it’s not, opt for a demi-matte or soft-focus finish for a flawless look that isn’t too matte.
Brown Lipstick
Brown and burgundy lipstick tubes were on everyone’s vanity, and brown lipstick is one shade that everyone’s falling back in love with. You can easily find a brown shade to suit every skin tone and makeup style, whether you want a high-gloss lipstick or a muted, matte brown.
Our Picks
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Jelly Balm Moisturizing Tinted Lip Balm
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Make sure to consider your undertones when choosing a brown lipstick. Brown lipstick previously came with warm undertones, and a lot of them still do. Carefully read product descriptions if you have cooler undertones to ensure your lipstick doesn’t clash with your skin.
Smudged Eyeliner
It’s time for those cliche eyeliner pencils with the white smudger on the end to take center stage. Grunge eyeliner was dark and smudged out to create definition and a smoky eye look without the harsh lines.
Brow Trends
Brows weren’t bushy or natural. Instead, they were flawlessly defined with a perfect arch. There was a period when thin brows were a thing, but they still had a little definition and an enviable arch. It’s time to start going with well-manicured brows that are the perfect middle between thick and thin.
Neutral Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow in brown, grey, and other muted colors was paired with smudged eyeliner to create show-stopping eye makeup looks that were both understated and effortless. These looks were perfect because they went with every outfit and could easily be made to work for any occasion. You didn’t need a million eyeshadow palettes; just one with the necessary neutrals. It was the ’90s makeup version of today’s capsule wardrobe.
Frosted Makeup
While muted and grungy makeup was huge, it was far from the only ’90s makeup trend we still love. There was also a playful, fun end of the spectrum, beginning with frosted makeup. Frosted and holographic makeup is perfect for adding a little sparkle to your life. Frosted eyeshadow paired perfectly with frosted pink lips for a playful vibe that everyone enjoyed.
Glitter
No one from the 90s will ever forget the glitter of the 90s, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. People who loved glitter weren’t shy about wearing it everywhere. You could find palettes of glitter eyeshadow alongside tubes of glitter gloss. Body glitter was another huge hit. Instead of subduing your taste, it’s time to go all out with what you love, including glitter.
Invest in a little bit of glitter eyeshadow to add pops of sparkle. Body glitter can be worn on the cheeks and collarbones, just like you would use highlighter today.
Less Was More
In the 1990s, less was more because we didn’t know what we know today, and some of the products didn’t exist. There was no social media. TikTok wasn’t telling people about luxury brands, and contouring wasn’t yet close to mainstream.
Many people wore lightweight foundation, some eye makeup, and blush with some lipstick. Primer wasn’t standard. Baking wasn’t popular. Most used a pressed powder if they set their makeup at all. Many didn’t bother. You used a good moisturizer, some foundation, and hoped for the best. The drugstore brands in the latest magazine were popular, and that was it.
While you don’t have to forego the chiseled look you love from contouring or your newest highlighter, there’s still an important lesson to learn here: sometimes, less is still more. Try multi-tasking products and consider downsizing your makeup routine for a week to see if you still love your twelve-step skincare routine.
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