90s Makeup Looks We Can Just ... Leave in the 90s

In the 90s, matte skin was the ultimate goal. Full coverage foundation and powder were layered to create a smooth, flawless finish.

Forget shine—natural skin tone was covered up to stay put through long days and nights.

Celebs like Kate Moss and Drew Barrymore made thin, heavily plucked brows a defining feature. Eyebrows were tweezed into pencil-thin, high-arched shapes. Unlike today’s bushy brow trends, the 90s went minimalist.

This was perhaps the most iconic 90s combo: dark lip liners paired with brown lipstick.

Bold lips often had a contrast between the outer liner and inner shade. Frosted lips and even glossy finishes added an extra pop.

Frosted eyeshadow in pastel shades like purple and icy blue was applied liberally across the lids and crease. A swipe of shimmer on the brow bone and inner corner completed the look.

Some added black liner to the lash line or even the lower lash line for more drama.

Many 90s looks leaned heavily on blush for color; bright pinks and peaches were often applied generously to give a youthful flush to the cheeks.

Body glitter wasn’t just for festivals. It was a club essential, dabbed on cheeks, shoulders, and collarbones.

Glitter gel and shimmer sticks helped achieve that otherworldly 90s glam.

From smoky wings to dramatic waterlines, black liner made everything bolder. Hairlike strokes to fill the brows and a sharp wing helped complete any look.

Once you had your brown lipstick in place, you often added a generous swipe of glossy topcoat. More shine meant more fun: The 90s loved excess.

A full eye look required dimension. You'd blend two or three shades and line both the upper and lower lash line for maximum effect. This style was everywhere, from red carpets to music videos.

The completed 90s makeup look was about contrast—bold yet minimal in its own way. It was about pairing extremes: matte with shimmer, dark with light, liner with gloss. Celebs didn’t shy away from the unexpected.

These makeup looks may seem retro now, but many are making a comeback. Mix, match, and add your own twist to channel the 90s in your modern routine.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.