Those of us who lived through the nineties once were mostly very happy to leave them behind us. At the time, we didn’t see a whole lot that seemed worth keeping: the asymmetrical skirts, gelled hair, thin pencil eyebrows, platforms, jelly platforms, Spice Girls platforms, and frosted tips. But the 90s trends, like most trends in fashion and beauty, have made their way back again along with some early 00s trends that the current generation can’t distinguish from the 90s ones. However, thankfully, when trends like this come back around, they’re usually a little more refined than the first time. The new beauty products that offer 90s trending items are better for our skin and better for the planet, and they’re helping us create new looks that pay homage to the original 90s and 00s trends without all the messiness that went along with them.
Thin Eyebrows
Gwen Stefani and Charlize Theron were the patron saints of the particular trend, though Gwen’s eyebrows were usually whatever bright, bubblegum color her hair was dyed. The thin brow trend seems to be making a comeback as an alternative to the fluffed-up brows we’ve been seeing on Instagram and in magazines for the past few years. We recommend faking it instead of overplucking: trust us on this; we’ve been there before. You can now draw in your thin brows without the commitment of plucking them into nonexistence.
Frosted Eyeshadow
We’re glad it’s the eyeshadow making a comeback and not the tips! (Frosted tips were a very intense hair trend for both men and women.) Think Maddy and Cassie in Euphoria for inspiration. The jewels that Maddie wears are a serious nod to 90s makeup and rave culture as well. Either go for a smooth blend upwards or a sharp cut crease look: there’s no in-between with metallics. If it has glitter in it too, all the better.
Lip Gloss
Oh, the sticky, thick, hair-catching discomfort of 90s lip glosses! Fortunately for modern makeup fans, the old formulas have been improved on a lot. Glosses are now lightweight and very moisturizing, leaving your lips in better condition than before you put them on. (Diazepam) We’re seeing some eye gloss looks as well, but don’t try this look with lip gloss.
Dark Lips
Those dark, wintery berry hues that so many fair-skinned starlets favored in the 90s are back again. This is a “less is more” look, so if you’re doing a berry lip, leave the rest of your face as simple as possible. A few sweeps of mascara, some highlighter on your cheekbones, and a flawless brow. Another variation of this trend is dark lipliner with a much lighter shade of lipstick or no lipstick at all. Think Pamela Anderson but more subtly blended.
Face Art
Again, we can reference Euphoria. The face jewels and stickers that were such a huge part of rave culture in the 90s are back, but not just to wear to parties at night, to wear whenever you want. Oil slick stickers, glitter, and diamonds around the eyes, spiked eyebrows. If you can stick it on your face, it works.
Smudged Eyeshadow
This look will work with most dark shadows and all earth hues. Shade your top lid and smudge it out towards the brow bone, then shade under your bottom lashes just a little bit further down than you think you should. Blow this out with a lot of blending and apply smudged black eyeliner if the look calls for it.
All Brown Everything
Brown lip liner with no lipstick, brown eyeshadow in various shades, brown lips. You name it; if it’s brown, we want it all in one place. This muted look was hugely popular if you were heading out for a date or if you loved a little alternative or angry girl rock. It can be over the top and worn ironically or toned down for a beautiful, natural look.
Matte Skin
Anyone who lived through the 90s and was old enough to wear makeup will remember those little pots of mousse foundation that never blended properly at the neck but left your skin looking like it had never known sweat in its life. Well, that matte look is back. While we don’t think it will overtake the natural, dewy look that so many makeup fans love, we’re seeing a lot of high coverage foundation and powder back on the runways again.
