Iconic 90s Makeup Looks
90'S MAKEUP
The 90s was an iconic decade for music, entertainment and fashion, meaning it inevitably created some great makeup trends that were definitive to the era. 'Grunge' makeup was inspired by the punk-rock scene of the early 90s, with many opting for darker, burgundy shades and a smoky, smudged out eye look.
This type of makeup look is especially perfect for the upcoming autumn and winter months as we tend to reach for the darker makeup shades. Although makeup looks have typically softened from this since then, there are elements of it that are still popular today and influence today's makeup trends. If the grunge makeup look isn't for you, other popular 90s makeup trends that defined the era include a lighter, pastel makeup look with frosted shades that was seen sported by pop-stars for iconic red-carpet looks, along with the classic supermodel glam of dark lip liner and thin brows. Read on for our guide on how to recreate all of these 90s makeup moments!
Our take on a 90's makeup look
GRUNGE
Probably the most definitive look of the time, grunge makeup, was characterised by dark burgundies, browns and blacks. Read below for exactly how to achieve the look, focusing on the eyes and lips:
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STEP 1:
Taking our Naked Heat palette which is full of dark, warm tones that are perfect for this look, grab a transition shade that is a bit darker than your skin tone and blend this into your crease and up towards the brow bone.
STEP 2:
Then grab one of the darkest shades like 'En Fuego' or 'Ashes' on a fluffy eyeshadow brush and blend this into your crease and down into the outer corner of your eye. Using a small smudger brush, gently buff the product into the lower lash line to start emulating that smoky, grungy look.
STEP 3:
Next, take our 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in Perversion and apply this as a line above your upper lash line. You may then use an angled brush to smudge this out, adding more product as needed. Finish off the eyes by adding our 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil in Legend to the waterline.
STEP 4:
Once you have applied a matte-looking base, complete the grunge look with a dark berry or brown lip, which our Vice Lipstick in shade Hex is perfect for!
PASTEL POP-STAR
The second look is a more light, frosted, pastel look that was often seen worn by pop-stars and celebs. Read below for steps on how to perfect your makeup for this next 90s style:
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STEP 1:
Our 24/7 Moondust Shadows are a great option for recreating this look as they are formulated with microfine glitter for a long-lasting, shimmery finish. After priming your eyes with our Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion, apply the shade 24/7 Moondust or Cosmic all over the lids with a flat eyeshadow brush, taking it also into the inner corner.
STEP 2:
Another element that was characteristic to this look was extra glitter, which can be added with one of our Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliners; simply apply by focusing on the inner corners of the eyes on top of the shadow previously added.
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STEP 3:
Finish off the eyes with a few coats of our Perversion Mascara onto both the upper and lower lashes.
STEP 4:
After applying your base, to complete the look and keep the focus on the frosted eyes, add a nude shade of one of our 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils with some of the Vice Plumping Lip Gloss all over the lips.
SUPER MODEL GLAM
The last look is a supermodel glam that achieved a minimal, soft and flattering result that enhanced natural features. You might have seen this look of the 90s often characterised by skinny brows, dark lip liner and neutral matte eyeshadow tones.
TRY IT ON
STEP 1:
For the eyes, our Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette includes plenty of warm amber hues that are great for creating a minimal, neutral look. Take a read of our guide on how to create a neutral eyeshadow look for a detailed step-by step.
STEP 2:
Once you've added some dimension to your eyes, you can apply some of our 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion on your upper lash line and gently smudge it out using an angled eyeshadow brush to subtly define the eyes without adding too bold of an eyeliner. Add a few coats of our Perversion Mascara to finish off the eyes.
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