90s Hip Hop Makeup Trends: Iconic Looks & Tutorials

The 1990s was a golden age for hip hop, and its influence extended far beyond music, reaching into fashion and beauty trends. 90s hip hop makeup was characterized by its bold, edgy, and playful styles, reflecting the individuality and self-expression of the era. From the iconic "blinged-out" looks of Salt-N-Pepa to the fierce eyeliner of TLC, 90s hip hop makeup trends continue to inspire modern makeup lovers.

This article will dive into the captivating world of 90s hip hop makeup, exploring iconic styles, key techniques, and tutorials to recreate these timeless looks.

The Rise of 90s Hip Hop Makeup

The 90s hip hop scene was a melting pot of creativity, where artists like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Lil' Kim pushed the boundaries of conventional beauty standards. This era saw a shift in makeup from the subtle, natural looks of the 80s towards bold, colorful, and statement-making styles.

Hip hop artists embraced their individuality, using makeup as a form of self-expression and empowerment. They weren't afraid to experiment with vibrant colors, intense eyeliner, and glitter, defying traditional beauty norms and inspiring a generation of makeup enthusiasts.

Iconic 90s Hip Hop Makeup Styles

1. The "Blinged-Out" Look:

Key Features: This look, popularized by Salt-N-Pepa and other female rappers, involved a heavy dose of glitter, rhinestones, and metallic eyeshadow.
Inspiration: Think of disco balls, futuristic fashion, and a celebration of bold, eye-catching beauty.
How to Achieve: Use a glitter glue to apply rhinestones around the eyes, on the cheekbones, or even on the lips. For a more subtle approach, blend a metallic eyeshadow over the entire eyelid and use a glitter topper for extra sparkle.

2. The "Fierce Cat Eye":

Key Features: This look, made popular by TLC, emphasized a bold, winged eyeliner that extended beyond the outer corner of the eye, creating a dramatic yet elegant statement.
Inspiration: Think of feline grace, strength, and a touch of mystery.
How to Achieve: Use a liquid eyeliner to create a sharp, defined wing. For a more dramatic effect, extend the wing upwards and outwards, making it as long as you like. To avoid smudging, set the eyeliner with a black eyeshadow.

3. The "Bold Lip":

Key Features: This look, popularized by Lil' Kim, involved a bold, statement-making lip color.
Inspiration: Think of confidence, self-expression, and a touch of rebellion.
How to Achieve: Choose a bright, vibrant lipstick color like red, pink, or purple. Define the lips with a lip liner and fill them in with the lipstick for a long-lasting, vibrant look.

Techniques and Products Used in 90s Hip Hop Makeup

1. Layering and Color:

Key Technique: 90s hip hop makeup embraced layering and color. Layering eyeshadows, using multiple colors, and adding glitter were common practices.
Inspiration: Think of artists like Missy Elliott, who used vibrant colors and textures to create bold looks that were both playful and sophisticated.
Product Recommendations: Choose eyeshadow palettes with a variety of colors, and experiment with layering different textures, from shimmers to mattes.

2. Eyeliner for Drama:

Key Technique: A bold, winged eyeliner was a staple in 90s hip hop makeup. Liquid eyeliner was the preferred choice for creating precise and dramatic lines.
Inspiration: Think of artists like Lil' Kim, who used eyeliner to create captivating and fierce eye looks.
Product Recommendations: Choose a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip for precise application.

3. Glitter and Glow:

Key Technique: Glitter was a major element in 90s hip hop makeup. It was used on the eyes, lips, cheeks, and even the body to add a touch of sparkle and glamour.
Inspiration: Think of artists like Salt-N-Pepa, who incorporated glitter into their makeup to create eye-catching and unforgettable looks.
Product Recommendations: Choose a high-quality glitter glue to ensure your glitter stays in place.

Tutorials for Recreating Iconic 90s Hip Hop Makeup Looks

1. The "Blinged-Out" Salt-N-Pepa Look:

Step 1: Apply a primer on the eyelids and face.
Step 2: Use a metallic eyeshadow, like gold or silver, all over the eyelid.
Step 3: Apply a glitter topper for extra sparkle.
Step 4: Use a glitter glue to apply rhinestones around the eyes, on the cheekbones, or even on the lips.
Step 5: Fill in brows with a brow pencil or powder to create a defined look.
Step 6: Complete the look with a bold lip color of your choice.

2. The "Fierce Cat Eye" TLC Look:

Step 1: Prepare your eyelids with primer or eyeshadow base.
Step 2: Use a black liquid eyeliner to create a sharp wing extending beyond the outer corner of the eye.
Step 3: Use a small brush and black eyeshadow to soften the edges of the liner and prevent smudging.
Step 4: Add a subtle shimmery eyeshadow to the center of the eyelid for dimension.
Step 5: Finish with a nude or pink lipstick.

3. The "Bold Lip" Lil' Kim Look:

Step 1: Use a lip liner to define your lips and create a smooth base.
Step 2: Apply a bold lipstick color like red, pink, or purple, filling in the entire lip.
Step 3: For a more dramatic look, use a gloss or lip topper for a glossy finish.
Step 4: Keep the rest of your makeup minimal, focusing on the bold lip.

FAQs about 90s Hip Hop Makeup

1. What were the most common makeup brands used in the 90s?

Some of the most popular makeup brands in the 90s included MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline, and CoverGirl. These brands offered a wide range of colors and textures, allowing artists to experiment with bold looks.

2. How did 90s hip hop makeup differ from other makeup trends of the era?

While the 90s saw a rise in grunge and minimalist makeup trends, hip hop makeup stood out for its bold and expressive nature. It embraced color, glitter, statement-making eyeliner, and a celebration of individuality.

3. How do you create a 90s hip hop makeup look for a modern occasion?

To recreate a 90s hip hop look for a modern event, consider using the techniques and products discussed in this article, but adjust them to your personal style. For example, instead of using heavy glitter, try a subtle shimmer. And rather than a full-on bold lip, opt for a more toned-down version.

Conclusion

90s hip hop makeup was a vibrant and expressive era of beauty, showcasing bold colors, exaggerated liner, and a touch of sparkle. By embracing its key trends, you can create iconic looks that are both timeless and inspiring. Experiment with different techniques and products, and remember that the most important aspect of any makeup look is expressing your unique individuality.

Call-to-Action: Want to explore more 90s beauty trends? Check out our article on 90s Hairstyles for a complete flashback to this iconic decade!