The New Ways To Wear 1990s Makeup Looks

Just like cherry-red lips are indicative to the '80s, a bitten red lip traces back to the '90s. From matte to glossy, this deep hue was worn by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, and Reese Witherspoon. In true '90s girl fashion, keep your base bright with a wash of pink blush.

Spider lashes may be a controversial trend. But the ultra-long lash look was beloved by '90s girls' who lived for heavy mascara. Luckily, they can easily be created sans-mascara. Try a set faux lashes that are clumped together, or add individual lashes in clusters to replicate that spider effect.

As a change from neutral hues, celebs wore pastels all over the lid—from the lash line to just below the brow. When it comes to a pastels like lilac, just a swipe of mascara is needed to complete the eye, without overpowering the light, airy hue.

Everything about this looks feels '90s—from the skinny brows to the mauve-brown lipstick. While over-plucked, thin eyebrows are certainly a trend of the past (here's looking at the modern, fluffy brow), brown matte lips have made a definite comeback.

From brows to eyeliner, the '90s era is all about thin lines—especially slim tightlined liner. Copy the look by rimming your upper and bottom lash lines with a kohl eyeliner (try a jet-black hue like Gwyneth) and set the liner with black eyeshadow to avoid raccoon eyes. This trend looks best when paired with neutral lips and blush.

Floating liner popped up on the Fall/Winter 2020 runways of designers like Prada and Valentino. But graphic liner was actually a major trend in the '90s. Take a cue from Bella Hadid and draw a straight line below your brow to create eye-catching negative space. You can also road-test the trend by tracing the outline of a cat-eye without filling it in.

By now, we are all well aware that placing lip liner just outside our natural lip line creates the illusion of fuller lips. But celebs like Victoria Beckham pioneered the trick back in the 1990s. Start by overlining your lips with a dark nude or brown pencil. But instead of adding a matching lipstick on top, layering on a nude gloss for the ultimate 90s pout.

It's hard to ignore blue eyes as a major trend of the 90s. Follow J. Lo's lead and use a darker blue on the outer corner and work towards a lighter hue in the inner corner and even on the lower lash line.

Burgundy lips and pastel-blue eyeshadow—this look combines a few of the best '90s makeup moments. Just like in the '90s, Kaia Gerber's deep purple lip makes a statement, yet looks elegant and clean on an otherwise bare face. Use a Q-tip to clean the edges for a crisp lip.

Glitter was an integral part of the 90s makeup – whether it be dusted on the décolleté, tapped onto the cheekbones, or, as J. Lo artfully shows us, worked into eyeshadow. And if the 1990s taught us anything, it's that sparkle goes with sparkle (so pack on the glitter makeup).