90s Alternative Makeup Looks: The Ultimate Guide

Grunge. Riot grrrl. Goth. The 90s alternative scene was a melting pot of rebellious style and self-expression, and makeup was no exception. From the smudged eyeliner of Nirvana fans to the dramatic lips of the Siouxsie Sioux devotees, 90s alternative makeup was all about individuality, edge, and a touch of rebellion. This guide will take you on a nostalgic journey, delving into the iconic looks that defined the era, providing step-by-step instructions, and offering tips for recreating these timeless styles.

The Grunge Aesthetic: Effortless Cool

Grunge makeup was all about embracing imperfection, celebrating natural beauty, and looking effortlessly cool. Think minimalist, understated, and a touch undone.

Key Features:

Barely-there foundation: The aim was to enhance, not mask. Instead of full coverage, opt for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream.
Subtle contouring: A touch of bronzer or contour powder on the temples and cheekbones provided dimension without being too heavy.
One-and-done eyeshadow: A single shade, typically brown, gray, or black, was applied across the lid for a natural, smoky effect.
Smudged eyeliner: Black or brown eyeliner was smudged along the lash line for a soft, smoky eye.
Neutral lips: Nude, brown, or light pink lipsticks or glosses provided a touch of color without being too bold.

Recreate the Look:

Start with clean skin. Apply a lightweight moisturizer and then a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.
Contour subtly. Use a bronzer or contour powder to add definition to your cheekbones, temples, and jawline.
Keep eyeshadow simple. Apply a single, neutral eyeshadow shade across your eyelid and blend well.
Smudge your eyeliner. Use a black or brown eyeliner pencil to line your upper lash line and smudge it out with a brush or your finger for a soft, smoky effect.
Finish with a neutral lip. Opt for a nude, brown, or light pink lipstick or gloss.

The Riot Grrrl Revolution: Bold and Bright

Riot grrrl makeup was a loud statement, reflecting the movement's feminist ideals and anti-establishment attitude. Think bold, bright, and unapologetically daring.

Key Features:

Statement eyeliner: Thick, black eyeliner was used to create bold wings, graphic shapes, or even full-on cat eyes.
Bold colours: Bright eyeshadows, from electric blues and purples to neon greens and oranges, were used to create dramatic looks.
Red lips: A classic red lipstick was the quintessential riot grrrl lip, symbolizing power and confidence.
Minimal foundation: The focus was on the eyes and lips, so foundation was kept light and natural.

Recreate the Look:

Apply a light layer of foundation. A tinted moisturizer or BB cream will keep the look fresh and natural.
Create statement eyeliner. Use liquid or gel eyeliner to create bold wings, graphic shapes, or a dramatic cat eye.
Experiment with bright eyeshadows. Use any combination of bright shades you want, from blues and purples to greens and oranges.
Complete with a red lip. Choose a classic red lipstick that complements your skin tone.

[Image of riot grrrl makeup look]

The Goth Glamour: Dark and Dramatic

Goth makeup was all about embracing the dark and dramatic. Think black, velvety, and mysterious.

Key Features:

Pale skin: Pale foundation and powder were used to create a ghostly, ethereal complexion.
Bold black eyes: Black eyeliner and eyeshadow were used to create dramatic, smoky eyes.
Dark lips: Black, burgundy, or deep red lipsticks were used to create a striking contrast.
Heavy mascara: Multiple coats of mascara were applied to create thick, dramatic lashes.

Recreate the Look:

Create a pale base. Apply a light-coverage foundation or powder to create a pale, ethereal complexion.
Smoky eye magic. Use black eyeshadow to create a dramatic smoky eye. Start by applying a black shadow to the crease and blending it out. Then, line your upper lash line with black eyeliner and smudge it out. Apply another layer of black shadow to the lid, concentrating on the outer corner.
Dark and dramatic lips. Choose a black, burgundy, or deep red lipstick and apply it with a lip brush for a precise line.
Finish with heavy mascara. Apply several coats of mascara to your lashes, focusing on the outer corners.

[Image of goth makeup look]

The 90s Alternative Makeup Trends: A Closer Look

Here are some of the defining trends and details that made 90s alternative makeup so iconic:

Eyeliner: Black eyeliner was a staple, used to create everything from smudged, smoky eyes to bold, graphic wings. Liquid eyeliner was popular for sharp, precise lines.
Eyeshadow: Neutrals like browns, grays, and blacks were popular for grunge looks, while brighter shades like blues, greens, and purples were embraced by Riot grrrl fans. Eyeshadows were often applied with a "less is more" approach.
Lipstick: Nude or light pink lipsticks were popular for grunge looks, while red lipsticks were a mainstay for Riot grrrl. Goths favored deep, dramatic shades like black, burgundy, and deep red.
Mascara: Mascara was largely used to enhance natural lashes, but heavier applications were common for Goth looks.
Blush: Blush was generally kept minimal, opting for a natural-looking flush or a soft, bronzed glow for contouring.
Foundation: Foundation was often kept light or minimal, especially for grunge looks, to allow natural skin to show through.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Your Own Touch

While these iconic looks provide a great starting point, remember that 90s alternative makeup was all about individuality. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to any of these styles.

Experiment with different colours. If you're not into bright eyeshadows, try a subtle shimmer or a touch of color in your crease. If you don't want to wear red lipstick, try a dark plum or a deep berry.
Play with textures. Try a matte lipstick for a more edgy look or a gloss for a touch of shine.
Don't be afraid to try new trends. 90s alternative makeup was about breaking the rules, so don't be afraid to experiment with new trends and techniques.
Have fun with it! The most important thing is to have fun with your makeup and express your own unique style.

FAQ

Q: What are some good makeup brands for recreating 90s alternative looks?

A: Many brands offer products suitable for 90s alternative makeup looks. For foundations, consider NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Estee Lauder Doublewear Light, or MAC Face and Body Foundation. For eyeshadows, try Urban Decay Naked Palette, MAC eyeshadows, or Too Faced eyeshadow palettes. For eyeliner, explore Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, MAC Fluidline, or Kat Von D Tattoo Liner.

Q: Can I wear 90s alternative makeup for everyday wear?

A: Absolutely! You can adapt any of these looks for everyday wear by toning down the intensity. For example, you could use a subtle smoky eye for a more "everyday grunge" look. Or, try a light wash of color on your lids or a touch of shimmer for a more "everyday riot grrrl" look.

Q: Are there any specific tools I need for recreating these looks?

A: A few key tools will make it easier to achieve 90s alternative makeup. Invest in good quality brushes for blending eyeshadow, smudging eyeliner, and applying foundation. You might also want to consider a lip liner, a sponge for blending foundation, and a good quality mirror for detailed application.

Q: What are some other makeup trends that were popular in the 90s?

A: Besides alternative makeup, the 90s saw other popular trends like frosted lipsticks, brown eyeliner, and shimmery eyeshadows.

Conclusion

90s alternative makeup represents a unique era of rebellious style and self-expression. Whether you're embracing grunge, riot grrrl, or goth aesthetics, these makeup looks are all about individuality and channeling your inner rebel. From smudged eyeliner to bright eyeshadows, these looks are versatile and timeless, offering a great opportunity to explore different styles and experiment with bold colors and textures. So, go forth, embrace your inner rockstar, and get ready to rock the 90s!

Call to Action: Ready to step back in time and recreate your favorite 90s alternative makeup look? Share your favorite 90s makeup memories and tips in the comments below!