The 90s were a wild, wonderful time when pop culture was booming, girl groups ruled the charts, and fashion was unapologetically bold. But it wasn’t just the clothes and hairstyles that made waves—the makeup trends were just as iconic. 90s makeup was all about expressing your individuality, whether you were into grunge, glam, or that effortlessly cool “no makeup” makeup look.
Fast forward to today, and these nostalgic styles are back in full force—only now with a modern twist. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and break down 5 iconic 90s makeup looks and how you can recreate them today like a pro.
The No Makeup Makeup Look
Let’s start with the ultimate 90s beauty paradox: the no-makeup makeup look. It’s all about achieving that effortlessly fresh-faced glow where it looks like you’re not wearing much (or any) makeup at all—even though you totally are.
A secret to this effortless makeup look is lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer, a dab of concealer, and a touch of translucent powder. Brows were groomed but not overdrawn, and lips were often finished with a swipe of nude or brownish lip liner and gloss.
Pro Tip: The 90s loved a matte finish, but you can modernize it with a subtle glow using a cream highlighter.
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Smokey Eyes
Next, let’s get edgy. The grunge smokey eye was basically a rite of passage in the 90s. Unlike today’s ultra-blended, high-shimmer smokey eyes, the 90s version was rawer—think matte textures, darker tones like brown colour, and a little smudged imperfection.
To recreate this look, blending is truly an art form when it comes to achieving a seamless smokey eye. The key here is to create soft transitions between colors so that no harsh lines disrupt the gradient effect. Apply an eyeshadow primer, cover the entire eyelid with a light base, apply a medium shade to the crease, and blend gently for depth. Top it off with bold mascara or a pair of false eyelashes for extra drama.
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Heavy Blush Glow
Blush wasn’t just a subtle touch in the 90s—it was front and center. This heavy blush makeup look, worn by stars like Mariah Carey and Alicia Silverstone, made cheeks the star of the show.
Go for a warm-toned pink or peach blush and sweep it generously across the apples of your cheeks and even into the temples. If you overdo your blush, don’t panic. Take any setting powder, preferably translucent. Put a generous amount on your brush and then tap the brush over your blush.
Keep the rest of the face soft—a dab of bronzer and nude lips work best. It’s fresh, youthful, and perfect for daytime events or summer hangouts.
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Overlined Lips
Another iconic 90s trick? Overlined lips. This makeup trick can create an illusion for a bigger and plump lips.
Use a lip liner 1–2 shades darker than your lipstick. Shade the outer corners first, then trace along the lip line outside the mouth’s natural border. This will soften the natural line and enhance your pout. Then fill in with a nude or rose-toned lipstick.
Add a dab of gloss in the center to make lips look fuller. Finish with soft eyes and blush makeup to balance the bold lip.
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Frosted Lips & Shimmery Eyes
No 90s makeup roundup is complete without frosted lips and shimmery eyes. This iconic combo gave off a fun and futuristic vibe. This look was all about sparkle and shine, perfect for parties or Y2K-themed events.
To recreate this look, for the eyes, go for a pearly white, icy blue, lavender, or champagne shimmer shadow—apply it generously to the lid and inner corners to make your eyes look bigger and brighter. As for lips, exfoliate first to get a smooth canvas, then apply a frosty lipstick or gloss—bonus points if it has a reflective or holographic finish.
This glam pairs especially well with 90s metallic outfits, spaghetti strap dresses, or anything sparkly. As for hairstyles? Think crimped waves, butterfly clips, or a high ponytail to complete that head-to-toe Y2K dream.
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The magic of 90s makeup is that it had a little something for everyone. And now that these iconic looks are trending again, there’s no better time to experiment and make them your own. Don’t forget to pair your makeup with the right 90s outfit or 90s hairstyle to truly channel the era.
Ready to try the 90s makeup trends? Recreate the look that you want with high quality makeup products from ZALORA now!
