90s Makeup Kit: Recreate Iconic Looks

The 90s were a golden era for makeup trends, characterized by bold colors, shimmery textures, and a carefree attitude. From grunge to glam, the decade offered a diverse range of looks that continue to influence modern makeup trends. So, if you're looking to recreate iconic 90s styles or simply want to experiment with a nostalgic vibe, this guide will help you build the ultimate 90s makeup kit.

The Foundations Of 90s Makeup

The foundation of any successful 90s makeup look lies in creating a flawless, yet natural base. Forget the heavy coverage of the 80s; the 90s embraced a lighter, more breathable approach.

Skincare First: A key element of the 90s beauty regime involved skincare. Before applying makeup, focus on preparing your skin with a hydrating moisturizer and a light layer of foundation or tinted moisturizer. Remember, the goal is to even out your skin tone, not mask it completely.
Contouring and Highlighting: While contouring wasn't as prevalent in the early 90s as it is today, subtle sculpting techniques were employed to define cheekbones and create a natural, chiseled look. A light hand with a matte bronzer was key, focusing on the hollows of the cheeks, temples, and jawline. A touch of highlighter on the cheekbones and brow bone added subtle luminosity.
Eyebrows: The 90s championed a natural eyebrow look, shunning the excessively plucked brows of the previous decade. Embrace your natural shape and fill in any gaps with a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair color. Avoid harsh lines and opt for a softer, brushed-on approach.

90s Eyeshadow Essentials

The 90s gave us a diverse palette of eye looks, from grunge-inspired neutrals to dazzling shimmery lids. No matter your style, a few key eyeshadows will allow you to recreate iconic 90s looks:

Neutral Tones: A classic matte brown eyeshadow is essential for creating a natural, defined crease. Consider adding a light champagne or ivory shade to the inner corner of your eyes for added brightness.
Shimmer and Shine: 90s makeup embraced metallic textures, making shimmery eye shadows a must-have. Choose a light-reflecting shade in gold, silver, or bronze to liven up your look.
Bold Colors: For a more dramatic look, incorporate vibrant shades of blue, green, or purple. Experiment with layering for a striking effect.

Pro Tip: To achieve a classic 90s smoky eye, blend a dark brown or gray shadow into the crease and along the lash line. You can also add a touch of black liner to create a smudged, smoky effect.

90s Eyeliner Techniques

Eyeliner was a significant part of the 90s makeup scene, and there was a plethora of styles to choose from.

The "Cat Eye": This classic look involved a wing of eyeliner extending out from the outer corner of the eye. To achieve this, a pencil liner was often used, followed by a liquid liner to sharpen the wing.
Smudged Liner: For a softer, more relaxed look, grunge-inspired makeup embraced smudged eyeliner. Apply black or brown eyeliner along the lash line and then use a brush or Q-tip to blur the edges.
The "Kiss of Color": The 90s saw a resurgence of colored liner. Experiment with shades like teal, purple, or navy to add a unique twist to your look.

90s Lips & Blush

The perfect 90s lip and blush combos are all about balance and color.

Lip Colors: The 90s celebrated a wide range of lip colors, from bold reds to nude glosses. Consider incorporating these classic shades into your kit:
- Red: A classic red lipstick was a staple for a sophisticated and glamorous look.
- Brown: Brown lipsticks with a matte or satin finish were a signature of the grunge era.
- Nude: Nude glosses or sheer lipsticks added a touch of shine and sophistication.
Blush: 90s blush trends focused on a natural, flushed look. Choose a peach, pink, or coral blush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. Remember to blend well for a seamless finish.

90s Makeup Products:

The 90s makeup scene was blessed with a diverse range of products. To capture the essence of this decade, consider adding these to your makeup kit:

Eyeshadow Palettes: Opt for palettes featuring a combination of neutral and vibrant shades with both matte and shimmer finishes.
Liquid Eyeliner: A liquid eyeliner with a fine tip is essential for achieving precise lines and sharp wings.
Pencil Eyeliner: A soft, blendable pencil liner is perfect for creating smudged looks and filling in the lash line.
Clear Mascara: Clear mascara was a staple of the 90s, used for separating and defining lashes without adding color.
Lip Gloss: A clear or tinted lip gloss was perfect for adding shine and hydration to the lips.
Blush: Choose a cream or powder blush in a peach, pink, or coral shade.
Concealer: A concealer in a shade that matches your skin tone will help cover imperfections and brighten the under-eye area.

90s Makeup Tips & Tricks:

Keep It Minimal: While the 90s encouraged bold makeup choices, the key was still to keep things balanced. Focus on one or two key features, such as the eyes or lips, and keep the rest of the makeup minimal.
Experiment and Be Creative: The 90s were a time of self-expression, so embrace the opportunity to play around with different looks.
Embrace the Trend: Don't be afraid to embrace the trends that defined the 90s. From grunge-inspired looks to the glamorous shimmer and shine, there's a 90s makeup style for everyone.

FAQ:

Is 90s makeup still relevant today? Many 90s makeup trends have made a comeback in recent years, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
What are some popular 90s makeup looks? Popular 90s makeup looks include the grunge look, the "Spice Girl" look, and the classic smoky eye.
How can I achieve a natural 90s makeup look? Focus on a flawless base, defined brows, and a natural lip color. Opt for minimal eyeshadow and a touch of blush for a fresh and natural appearance.

Conclusion:

The 90s era of makeup offers a unique blend of boldness and natural beauty. By incorporating the essential products and techniques, you can recreate iconic looks while adding a touch of nostalgic charm to your style. So, embrace the bold shades, shimmery textures, and iconic styles of the 90s, and create a makeup look that embodies the freedom and self-expression of this vibrant decade.

Call to action: Get ready to channel your inner 90s icon and experiment with these timeless makeup trends! Share your recreated looks using the hashtag #90sMakeup on social media.