90s Makeup Looks for Women: Trends and Tutorials

90s makeup women

90s Makeup Looks for Women: Trends and Tutorials

The 90s were a decade of iconic fashion and beauty trends, and makeup was no exception. From grunge-inspired smoky eyes to the ultra-feminine "slip dress" look, 90s makeup offered a diverse range of styles for women to express themselves. If you're looking to channel your inner 90s babe, this guide explores some of the most popular trends and provides step-by-step tutorials to recreate those signature looks.

The Rise of Minimalism

The 90s saw a shift away from the heavy makeup of the 80s, embracing a more natural and minimalist approach. This trend was heavily influenced by the rise of grunge culture, which celebrated authenticity and a rejection of traditional beauty standards.

Key Features of Minimalist 90s Makeup:

• Barely-there foundation: Foundation was used sparingly, focusing on creating a natural, even complexion rather than complete coverage.
• Subtle contouring: Contouring was done with light powders and creams, creating a subtle, sculpted look instead of dramatic chiseling.
• Emphasis on brows: Brows became a focal point, with a focus on natural shapes and definition rather than overly sculpted arches.
• Soft lip colors: Nude, pale pink, and light brown lipsticks were popular, adding a touch of color without overwhelming the face.

The Grunge Movement: Smoky Eyes and Bold Lips

Grunge was more than just a fashion statement; it was a cultural phenomenon that embraced individuality and rebellion. This translated into makeup trends like smoky eyes and bold lips, which challenged the traditional beauty norms.

Grunge Makeup Tutorial:

1. Prep your skin: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize for a smooth canvas.
2. Apply a light foundation: Use a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it out thoroughly.
3. Define your brows: Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and create a natural shape.
4. Create a smoky eye: Use a dark eyeshadow, like black or dark brown, to blend across the crease and outer corner of your eye.
5. Apply eyeliner: Use a black liquid eyeliner to create a thin line along your upper lash line. Slightly wing it out for a more dramatic effect.
6. Finish with bold lipstick: Choose a bold color, like crimson or berry, and apply it evenly across your lips.

The "Slip Dress" Era: Glossy Lips and Shimmery Eyes

The slip dress, a symbol of 90s femininity, perfectly complemented the era's makeup trend of glossy lips and shimmering eyes. This look was all about creating a soft, radiant, and sophisticated glow.

Slip Dress Makeup Tutorial:

1. Prep your skin: Use a hydrating moisturizer and primer to create a glowing base.
2. Apply a lightweight foundation: Choose a foundation with a luminous finish to create a dewy complexion.
3. Highlight your cheekbones: Use a highlighting powder or cream to accentuate your cheekbones and brow bone.
4. Create a shimmery eye: Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow all over your lid and blend upwards to create a subtle wash of color.
5. Define your eyes: Use a black or brown eyeliner to define your upper lash line and create a thin wing.
6. Apply lip gloss: Choose a clear or nude gloss to create a soft, shiny finish.

The 90s Supermodel Look: Contouring and Highlighting

The 90s supermodels were known for their flawless features and perfectly contoured faces. This makeup trend focused on creating a sculpted, defined look that emphasized the natural contours of the face.

Supermodel Makeup Tutorial:

1. Prep your skin: Use a hydrating moisturizer and primer to create a smooth base.
2. Apply foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it out thoroughly.
3. Contour your face: Use a contouring powder or cream to define your cheekbones, jawline, and temples.
4. Highlight your features: Use a highlighting powder or cream to bring light to your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow.
5. Define your eyes: Apply neutral eyeshadows to create a subtle eye look. Use eyeliner to define your upper lash line.
6. Finish with nude lipstick: Opt for a nude or pale pink lipstick to complete the look.

The "Brown Eyeshadow" Phenomenon

Brown eyeshadow was a staple of 90s makeup and was used in a myriad of ways, from creating smoky eyes to adding a soft wash of color to the lids. Its versatility made it a beloved makeup product for women of all skin tones.

Brown Eyeshadow Tutorial:

1. Prep your skin: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin for a smooth canvas.
2. Apply eyeshadow primer: This will help your eyeshadow stay in place and prevent creasing.
3. Apply a light brown eyeshadow: Sweep a light brown eyeshadow across your entire eyelid.
4. Deepen the crease: Use a darker shade of brown to contour your crease and create a subtle depth.
5. Blend, blend, blend: Seamless blending is key to a natural-looking eye look.
6. Add eyeliner: Use black or brown eyeliner to define your upper lash line.
7. Finish with mascara: Apply a few coats of mascara to your lashes for a finishing touch.

The Return of 90s Makeup Trends

90s makeup continues to be a source of inspiration for modern beauty trends. The emphasis on natural beauty, bold accents, and individual expression resonates with contemporary makeup enthusiasts. Here are some of the 90s makeup trends experiencing a resurgence:

• Slip dress makeup: The dewy skin, glossy lips, and shimmery eyes are a popular choice for evening events or special occasions.
• Grunge-inspired makeup: Smoky eyes, bold lips, and a minimal foundation are making a comeback, especially among younger generations.
• Brown eyeshadow: This versatile eyeshadow is experiencing a revival, with many makeup artists incorporating it into modern eye looks.
• Nude lipsticks: Nude lipstick has always been a classic, and it's experiencing a resurgence as a staple for everyday makeup.
• Contouring: Contouring is a technique that has evolved and become more refined over the years, but its roots can be traced back to the 90s supermodel era.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the essential 90s makeup products?

Essential 90s makeup products include brown eyeshadow, nude lipstick, black eyeliner, clear lip gloss, and contouring powder/cream.

2. How can I achieve a natural 90s makeup look?

To achieve a natural 90s look, focus on minimizing foundation, using subtle contouring, defining your brows, and opting for soft lip colors.

3. Can I use modern makeup products to recreate 90s looks?

Yes, you can! Many modern makeup products offer similar qualities to their 90s counterparts. You can use them to recreate iconic 90s trends.

4. Is 90s makeup appropriate for all skin tones?

Yes, 90s makeup can be adapted to suit all skin tones. The key is to choose the right shades and techniques to complement your natural features.

5. How do I update a 90s makeup look for a modern twist?

You can update a 90s look by incorporating modern techniques like strobing, using more pigmented eyeshadows, or choosing bolder lip colors.

Conclusion

90s makeup was a defining era in beauty, offering a diverse range of trends that reflected the cultural and social changes of the decade. From the minimalist look to the bold grunge styles, 90s makeup offered a way for women to express their individuality and embrace their unique beauty.

Whether you're looking to recreate a classic 90s look or simply draw inspiration from the era's trends, this guide has provided you with the essential information and step-by-step tutorials to get started. Remember, embrace your inner 90s babe and have fun experimenting with these iconic trends!

Call to Action: Explore our other makeup tutorials to learn more about contemporary trends and techniques.

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