90s Makeup Looks Hip Hop: Iconic Styles For Your Next Look
90s Makeup Looks Hip Hop: Iconic Styles For Your Next Look
The 90s was a defining decade for music, fashion, and of course, makeup. Hip hop culture, in particular, played a significant role in shaping beauty trends, with bold colors, graphic eyeliner, and statement lips taking center stage. From the glamorous looks of TLC to the effortless cool of Aaliyah, these iconic styles continue to inspire today.
So, if you're looking to channel your inner 90s hip hop queen, this guide will break down the key elements of these timeless looks, complete with tips and tutorials to recreate them yourself.
1. The "Fresh Princess" Glam: Bold Eyes and Barely-There Lips
1.1. Defining the Look: Think bright, playful, and slightly exaggerated. The focus is on the eyes, with a vibrant eyeshadow palette and dramatic eyeliner. This look is all about embracing your individuality and having fun with color!
1.2. Key Elements:
- Bold Eyeshadow: Opt for bright, playful colors like turquoise, purple, or emerald green. Apply it generously across the entire eyelid for a statement look.
- Graphic Eyeliner: Use a black or dark brown liquid liner to create a dramatic cat-eye flick. Experiment with different wing shapes and angles.
- Minimal Lipstick: Keep your lips neutral with a sheer gloss or nude lipstick to balance out the bold eye makeup.
1.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Start by prepping your eyes with primer to prevent creasing and ensure your eyeshadow stays put all day.
- Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye to brighten and open up your eyes.
- Blend your eyeshadow colors seamlessly for a polished finish.
- Practice your eyeliner application - a steady hand is key!
2. The "Aaliyah" Minimalist: Subtle Eyes and Defined Lips
2.1. Defining the Look: Aaliyah's signature style was all about effortless beauty and understated glamour. It's a sophisticated look with a focus on clean lines and subtle enhancements.
2.2. Key Elements:
- Soft Eyeshadow: Use a light, neutral eyeshadow like beige or champagne across the lids. Add a hint of shimmer to the center of the lid for added dimension.
- Defined Eyeliner: A thin line of black liquid liner along the upper lash line is all you need to create a subtle, yet impactful eye look.
- Bold Lipstick: Choose a rich, bold lipstick in a shade like burgundy, deep red, or chocolate brown.
2.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Use a light hand with the eyeshadow, blending it carefully along the crease.
- Use a small, angled brush for the eyeliner application for maximum precision.
- Exfoliate your lips and apply a lip balm before applying lipstick for a smooth finish.
3. The "TLC" Pop of Color: Bold Lips and Graphic Eyeliner
3.1. Defining the Look: TLC's signature style was all about vibrant colors and playful experimentation. Their makeup looked bold, confident, and totally unapologetic.
3.2. Key Elements:
- Graphic Eyeliner: Embrace bold eyeliner shapes, including double wings, thick lines, and even geometric designs.
- Bright Lipstick: Choose a vibrant lipstick shade like red, pink, orange, or even purple.
- Minimal Eyeshadow: Use a lighter shade of eyeshadow or a neutral color to keep the focus on the lips and eyeliner.
3.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Use a stencil to create precise graphic eyeliner shapes, or practice with a liquid liner and a steady hand.
- Experiment with different colored lipsticks to find your perfect shade.
- Match your lipstick color to your outfit for a cohesive and stylish look.
4. The "Snoop Dogg" Relaxed and Cool: Minimal Makeup and Natural Radiance
4.1. Defining the Look: Snoop Dogg's signature style was all about chill vibes and effortless cool. This look is about embracing your natural beauty and enhancing it rather than masking it.
4.2. Key Elements:
- Barely-There Makeup: Focus on a clean base with minimal coverage.
- Natural Eyeshadow: Use a light, shimmery eyeshadow or a neutral shade to enhance your natural eye shape.
- Lip Gloss: Finish the look with a clear or light lip gloss for a natural, dewy finish.
4.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone.
- Apply a little light shimmer to the center of your eyelids and cheekbones for a subtle glow.
- Use a tinted lip balm or lip gloss to add a touch of color and shine.
5. The "Salt-N-Pepa" Bold and Bright: Colorful Eyeshadow and Statement Lips
5.1. Defining the Look: Salt-N-Pepa were known for their bold, colorful style, and their makeup was no exception. Think vibrant eyeshadows, statement lips, and graphic eyeliner.
5.2. Key Elements:
- Colorful Eyeshadow: Use vibrant eyeshadows in shades of blue, green, purple, or even neon colors. Apply them generously across the lid and blend them carefully for a smooth finish.
- Statement Lipstick: Match your lipstick shade to your eyeshadow color or choose a contrasting color for ultimate impact.
- Minimal Eyeliner: Keep eyeliner to a minimum or use a thin line of black liner for a minimal look.
5.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Use a primer to prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and ensure it stays put all day.
- Blend your eyeshadows carefully for a smooth, polished look.
- Apply lipstick using a lip liner to create a precise shape and prevent bleeding.
6. The "Mary J. Blige" Edgy and Dramatic: Smoky Eyes and Bold Lips
6.1. Defining the Look: Mary J. Blige's style was characterized by a powerful presence and an edgy, dramatic flair. This makeup look is all about creating depth and intensity.
6.2. Key Elements:
- Smoky Eyes: Use a dark eyeshadow, like black, brown, or gray, to create a smoky eye effect. Blend the eyeshadow along the crease and lash line for a soft, diffused look.
- Bold Lipstick: Choose a rich, bold lipstick in shades like red, burgundy, or plum.
- Minimal Eyeliner: Use a thin line of black liner along the upper lash line or skip it entirely.
6.3. Tips and Tutorials:
- Use a blending brush to diffuse the edges of the eyeshadow and create a seamless smoky effect.
- Apply the lipstick with a lip liner to create a precise shape and prevent it from bleeding.
- Use mascara to define your lashes and complete the look.
FAQ
- What are some of the best 90s hip hop makeup products to use?
- Many popular brands offer vintage-inspired products, like MAC for classic eyeshadow palettes and NARS for bold lipstick shades.
- What are some ways to modernize 90s hip hop makeup?
- Keep the essence of bold colors and graphic lines but translate them into more wearable modern styles. For example, use a colorful eyeshadow only on the inner corner of your eye or pair a bold lip with a soft, natural eye look.
- Can I recreate these looks with simple makeup?
- Absolutely! You can create many of these styles with just a few basic products like eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, and mascara.
Conclusion
90s hip hop makeup looks are a timeless source of inspiration for anyone looking to embrace bold color, graphic lines, and a touch of drama. Whether you're channeling the "Fresh Princess" with playful colors or going for the understated glamour of "Aaliyah," these iconic styles offer endless possibilities for experimentation and self-expression. So, embrace your inner 90s hip hop queen and have fun with these iconic looks!
Call-to-Action: Ready to explore more 90s beauty trends? Check out our article on 90s Hairstyles: Retro Styles for Modern Looks for even more inspiration!
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