90s Inspired Makeup Looks: Get The Retro Vibe

makeuplooksgettheretrovibe">90s Inspired Makeup Looks: Get the Retro Vibe

The 90s were a decade of grunge, minimalism, and bold statements. These influences are reflected in its makeup trends, which are experiencing a major comeback. From the iconic "slip dress" look to the edgy grunge aesthetic, 90s makeup offers a range of styles that can be adapted to modern times. This article will explore the key elements of 90s makeup, provide step-by-step tutorials for popular looks, and offer tips for creating your own unique 90s-inspired vibe.

The Key Elements of 90s Makeup

The 90s makeup scene was diverse, encompassing trends that straddled the line between minimalist chic and dramatic extravagance. Here are some of the key elements that defined the decade:

Minimalist Base:

Matte Finish: 90s makeup favored a natural, matte finish over dewy or glossy. This was achieved with lightweight foundations and powder, aimed at creating a flawless, yet understated canvas.
Concealer for Spot Correction: Instead of heavy coverage, 90s makeup focused on concealing blemishes and imperfections with a targeted approach. Liquid concealers were a go-to product for covering dark circles and spots.
Contoured Cheeks: While contouring isn't exactly a 90s invention, it was heavily embraced in the late 90s, especially for creating a sculpted, chiseled look. Cream or powder bronzer was applied strategically to the hollows of the cheeks and along the jawline.

Defining Eyes:

Brown Eyeshadow: Brown eyeshadow, from light to dark shades, was a staple for creating defined eyes. It was often applied in a gradient, with darker shades on the crease and lighter shades on the lid.
Liner: Thin and Precise: 90s eyeliner was all about precision. Liquid liner was used to create thin, sharp lines, often extended into a subtle flick.
Glitter and Shimmer: Glitter and shimmer were popular additions, especially in the late 90s. They were often applied to the inner corners of the eyes, on the center of the lids, or in a subtle line along the lower lash line.

Lip Looks:

Barely There: : The 90s saw a rise in minimalist lip colors, like light nude shades and sheer glosses, especially for daytime looks.
Bold Lips: For evening or special occasions, bold colors like vibrant reds, deep burgundies, and even browns were popular choices.
Lip Liner: Lip liner was used to define and shape the lips, but it was rarely used to overdraw them like in the 2000s.

Iconic 90s Makeup Looks:

Here are some of the most iconic 90s makeup looks, with instructions and inspiration:

1. The "Slip Dress" Look:

This look embodies the minimalist chic that was so popular in the 90s. It's perfect for a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic.

Base: Apply a lightweight foundation and concealer for spot correction. Set with powder for a matte finish.
Cheeks: Dust a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush.
Eyes: Define the eyes with a light application of brown eyeshadow on the crease. Apply a thin line of black liquid liner along the upper lash line, extending it slightly into a subtle flick. Finish with a coat of mascara.
Lips: Opt for a nude or light pink lipstick, or a sheer gloss for a subtle shine.

2. The Grunge Look:

This look draws inspiration from the grunge scene, which was a major influence on 90s fashion and makeup.

Base: Apply a light foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural finish.
Eyes: Create a smokey eye effect with dark grey or black eyeshadow. Blend well for a diffused look. Apply a thin line of black liquid liner along the upper lash line, extending it slightly into a flick. Define the lower lash line with a soft black pencil.
Lips: Keep your lips natural with a nude or light pink lipstick. Alternatively, you can add a touch of color with a deep burgundy or brown lipstick.

3. The "Spice Girls" Look:

This look is all about bright colors and playful accents, inspired by the iconic girl group of the 90s.

Base: Apply a foundation and concealer as needed. Use a setting powder to set the base.
Eyes: Choose a bright eyeshadow color, like turquoise, green, or purple, and apply it all over the lid. Use a black liquid liner to create a thin line along the upper lash line, extending it slightly into a flick.
Cheeks: Apply a blush in a coordinating color to the apples of your cheeks.
Lips: Choose a bold lipstick color that complements your eyeshadow. Reds, pinks, and even purples are great options.

4. The "90s Supermodel" Look:

This look captures the glamour and sophistication of the 90s supermodels.

Base: Apply a matte foundation and concealer for a flawless finish. Set with powder.
Cheeks: Contour the cheekbones with a bronzer and highlight the cheekbones with a shimmery highlighter.
Eyes: Create a classic smokey eye with a blend of brown and black eyeshadows. Apply a thin line of black liquid liner along the upper lash line, extending it slightly into a flick. Define the lower lash line with a soft black pencil.
Lips: Choose a nude or light pink lipstick, or a sheer gloss for a subtle shine.

Tips for Creating Your Own 90s Makeup Look:

Experiment with Textures: 90s makeup wasn't afraid to experiment with textures, from matte to shimmery to iridescent. Play with different finishes to create unique looks.
Don't Be Afraid of Color: While the 90s embraced minimalism, bold colors were also widely used. Don't be afraid to try a bright eyeshadow or a vibrant lipstick.
Embrace the 90s Aesthetic: Remember, 90s makeup wasn't about achieving perfect symmetry. There was a certain "undone" look, a sense of imperfection that contributed to the overall aesthetic.
Get Inspired from 90s Movies and Music Videos: The 90s saw a flourishing of music videos and films that showcased iconic makeup looks. These are great sources of inspiration for recreating the era's makeup trends.

FAQs:

1. What are the best 90s makeup products to try?

While many 90s makeup trends are back in style, some products may no longer be available. However, several brands offer modern versions of classic 90s favorites. Look for matte foundations, cream bronzers, thin liquid eyeliners, and brown eyeshadow palettes.

2. How can I create a 90s look without looking dated?

The key is to adapt the 90s trends to a modern context. For example, instead of a full-on smokey eye, try a subtle gradient of browns or greys on the lids. Use contouring and highlighting strategically to create a modern, sculpted look.

3. What are some good 90s hairstyles to pair with a 90s makeup look?

Popular 90s hairstyles include:

The Sleek Ponytail: A simple and sleek ponytail is a classic 90s hairstyle that complements a variety of 90s makeup looks.
The Half-Up Half-Down: This versatile hairstyle is perfect for a casual or dressy look.
The "Rachel" Cut: The iconic "Rachel" cut, made popular by Jennifer Aniston, is another classic 90s hairstyle that is still trendy today.

4. What are some other ways to embrace the 90s vibe in my overall look?

You can embrace the 90s vibe by incorporating other elements into your look, such as:

Clothing: Slip dresses, oversized sweaters, denim jackets, and grunge-inspired shirts are all staples of 90s fashion.
Accessories: Chokers, scrunchies, and small hoop earrings were popular accessories in the 90s.

Conclusion:

90s makeup is experiencing a major comeback, bringing with it a plethora of iconic looks, from the minimalist chic of "slip dress" aesthetics to the edgy grungy vibe. By incorporating the key elements of 90s makeup, such as matte bases, brown eyeshadows, and bold lip colors, you can create a variety of looks that pay homage to this iconic decade while staying true to your own style. Embrace the creative freedom, experiment with textures and colors, and don't be afraid to break the rules!

Call to Action: Explore the world of 90s makeup and create your own unique retro vibe. Share your favorite 90s inspired looks on social media and use the hashtag #90sMakeup.