1990s Makeup: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Looks

Introduction: A Blast from the Past

The 1990s were a decade of bold style and experimentation, and this extended to the world of makeup. From frosted lipsticks to shimmering eyeshadows, '90s makeup was all about making a statement.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the iconic makeup looks of the 90s, exploring their key features, how to achieve them, and the secrets behind their enduring popularity.

Grunge Glamour: The Rebellious Chic of the 90s

Grunge Glamour emerged in the early '90s, inspired by the alternative music scene of the time. This look was characterized by its heavy use of smudged eyeshadows, dark lipsticks, and messy hair.

Key Features:

• Dark, earthy eyeshadows in shades of brown, green, and black
• Smudged eyeliner, creating a smoky effect
• Deep, burgundy lipsticks with a matte or semi-matte finish
• Messy, undone hair, often styled with mousse or gel

How to Achieve Grunge Glamour:

1. Start with a clean, moisturized face.
2. Apply a neutral eyeshadow base to your eyelids.
3. Use a dark brown or black eyeshadow to create a crease, blending it out for a smoky effect.
4. Smudge black or dark green eyeliner along your upper lash line.
5. Apply a deep burgundy lipstick to your lips.
6. Add a touch of blush to your cheeks, blending it out for a natural flush.
7. Mess up your hair with mousse or gel for a undone look.

Supermodel Glamour: The Natural Beauty of the 90s

Supermodel Glamour was epitomized by the likes of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss. This look was all about natural, effortless beauty, with an emphasis on clean skin, minimal makeup, and strong brows.

Key Features:

• Flawless, dewy skin with a natural glow
• Minimal eye makeup, often using neutral shades like beige or brown
• Long, defined lashes
• Strong, arched brows
• Nude or sheer lipsticks

How to Achieve Supermodel Glamour:

1. Start with a clean, freshly hydrated face.
2. Apply a lightweight foundation or BB cream for a natural finish.
3. Use a concealer to cover any blemishes or under-eye circles.
4. Brush your brows into shape and fill them in with a brow pencil or powder.
5. Apply a neutral eyeshadow to your eyelids, blending it out for a seamless look.
6. Curl your lashes and apply a lengthening mascara.
7. Finish with a nude or sheer lipstick.

Girly Glam: The Fun and Flirty 90s

Girly Glam was a popular choice for teenagers and young adults in the '90s. This look was characterized by its use of bright colors, shimmery makeup, and playful accessories.

Key Features:

• Bold eye makeup in colors like pink, blue, or purple
• Shimmery eyeshadows and glitter
• Pastel lip colors with a glossy finish
• Colorful hair accessories, such as scrunchies and hair clips

How to Achieve Girly Glam:

1. Apply a light foundation or BB cream to create a smooth base.
2. Choose a bright eyeshadow color and blend it out on your eyelids.
3. Add a touch of shimmery eyeshadow or glitter to the center of your lids for a pop of glamour.
4. Apply a pastel lip color with a glossy finish.
5. Finish with a few colorful hair accessories for a playful touch.

Table: Key Makeup Products of the 90s

Story 1: The Evolution of Grunge Glamour

In the early '90s, grunge music emerged as a rebellion against the polished glam rock of the previous decade. This rebellious spirit translated into the grunge makeup look, which was characterized by its messy, smudged shadows and deep lipsticks. Inspired by the likes of Courtney Love and Winona Ryder, grunge glamour became a symbol of individuality and non-conformity.

Lesson Learned: Makeup can be a powerful expression of personal style and can be used to challenge societal norms.

Story 2: The Supermodel Phenomenon

The '90s saw the rise of the supermodel, with icons like Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Kate Moss becoming household names. These models popularized a natural, effortless look that emphasized healthy skin, strong brows, and minimal makeup. This Supermodel Glamour look became a symbol of sophisticated beauty and set the standard for years to come.

Lesson Learned: Natural beauty is timeless and can be enhanced with subtle makeup that emphasizes individual features.

Story 3: The Girly Glam Craze

In the mid-'90s, a more playful and feminine makeup style emerged, known as Girly Glam. This look was made popular by teen stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Girly Glam was characterized by its use of bright colors, shimmery eyeshadows, and glossy lipsticks. This trend made makeup accessible and fun for young girls and helped to break down the traditional barriers between childhood and adulthood.

Lesson Learned: Makeup can be a form of self-expression for all ages and can be used to embrace both innocence and sophistication.

Tips and Tricks for '90s Makeup

• Use a light foundation or BB cream for a natural finish.
• Define your brows with a brow pencil or powder.
• Apply eyeshadows in a light-to-dark gradient for a smoky effect.
• Use volumizing mascara to thicken and lengthen your lashes.
• Finish with a lip color that matches your desired look, from bold and matte to sheer and glossy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-application: Avoid applying too much makeup, as this can create a heavy and artificial look.
• Matching eyeshadows with your outfit: While it can be tempting to coordinate your eyeshadows with your clothes, this can often result in a dated and unflattering look.
• Smudging eyeshadows too much: While smudging eyeshadows is an essential part of grunge glamour, it's important to keep it controlled. Too much smudging can create a messy and unkempt look.
• Choosing the wrong lip color: The wrong lip color can make your teeth look yellow or your skin look sallow. Choose a lip color that complements your skin tone and overall look.

Table: Pros and Cons of '90s Makeup

How to Achieve a '90s Makeup Look Step-by-Step

1. Start with a Clean Face

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry.
• Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

2. Apply a Light Foundation

• Choose a foundation with a sheer or natural finish that matches your skin tone.
• Apply it evenly to your face and blend it out using a sponge or brush.

3. Define Your Brows

• Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and define your brows.
• Brush them into shape using a brow brush.

4. Apply Eyeshadow

• Choose a neutral eyeshadow palette with shades ranging from light to dark.
• Apply a light shade to your eyelids as a base.
• Use a darker shade to create a crease and blend it out.
• Apply a shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lids for a touch of glamour.

5. Smudge Eyeliner

• Apply a black or dark brown eyeliner to your upper lash line.
• Use a smudging brush or your finger to smudge the liner outward for a smoky effect.

6. Curl and Apply Mascara

• Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler.
• Apply a lengthening mascara to your upper and lower lashes.

7. Apply Lip Color

• Choose a lip color that matches your desired look, from bold and matte to sheer and glossy.
• Apply it evenly to your lips using a lip brush or your finger.

Conclusion: The Legacy of '90s Makeup

The makeup looks of the 90s continue to inspire and influence beauty trends today. From the rebellious grunge glamour to the natural Supermodel Glamour, each look reflects the unique spirit of the decade. Whether you're embracing the nostalgia or exploring new ways to interpret these trends, '90s makeup is a captivating and versatile source of inspiration.