The 90s, an epoch of boy bands and sitcoms, also brought with it an iconic beauty revolution. This era of grunge and glamour has left an indelible mark on the world of makeup, and these trends are making a serious comeback. Just like your favorite 90s phrases, they’re “all that and a bag of chips!” Not sure what that means? Check out these 90s phrases and get jiggy with it!
Table of Contents
1. Brown Lipstick – The Spice Girl Mania
The 90s were all about the brown lipstick. From chestnut to chocolate, shades of brown graced the lips of everyone from movie stars to pop icons. This earthy hue added a touch of grunge chic to any look, making it an instant hit. Today, brown lipstick has made a fierce comeback, finding its place in the beauty routines of millennials and Gen Z alike.
2. Blue Eyeshadow – The Color of Cool
Blue eyeshadow was the “bomb dot com” in the 90s. Whether it was a subtle wash of sky blue or a bold sweep of cobalt, blue eyeshadow was synonymous with being on trend. This vibrant trend, reminiscent of 90s teen movies and discotheques, is once again claiming the spotlight. Blue in all its azure glory is painting eyelids worldwide, proving that it’s as cool today as it was back then.
3. Thin Brows – The High-Arch Path
The 90s brought with it the reign of thin, highly arched eyebrows. Icons like Drew Barrymore and Pamela Anderson embraced this trend, inspiring women to tweeze their way to brow perfection. Though we’re not seeing brows as thin today, a neater, more sculpted brow style has made its way back into the beauty scene. Say goodbye to the bushy brows of recent years and hello to more defined arches.
4. The Frosted Lip – Icy and Spice
Frosted lips were the frosty crown jewel of 90s makeup. This shimmery trend added a touch of icy glamour to any outfit, making lips look plumper and poutier. Today, we’re witnessing the return of the frosted lip, but with a 21st-century twist. Modern frosted lip colors are more sophisticated and subtle, using finer shimmer particles and flattering shades. It’s a sparkly nod to our 90s nostalgia.
5. Grunge Makeup – The Rebel Yell
The 90s were the age of rebellion and grunge, and this was reflected in the makeup of the era. Dark, smoky eyes paired with pale, matte skin defined the grunge makeup trend. This rebellious look, reminiscent of rock icons like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, has made a resounding comeback. Today’s grunge makeup is edgier and more refined, carrying the spirit of 90s rock while blending in modern aesthetics.
Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future
As we embrace these returning trends, it’s clear that the 90s left a vibrant stroke on the canvas of beauty. Makeup is more than just cosmetics; it’s a reflection of the zeitgeist, the spirit of the era. In the 90s, this spirit was one of rebellion, self-expression, and daring to be different. To dive deeper into this iconic era, check out this piece on daily life and popular culture in the 1990s.
The Nostalgia Effect: Why We Love The 90s
As we revisit these trends, we can’t help but bask in the warm glow of 90s nostalgia. It was an era defined by a blend of boldness and subtlety, of rebellion and charm. The beauty trends of the 90s weren’t just about looking good; they were a form of self-expression, a badge of belonging to an iconic era. This longing for the past isn’t just about the makeup – it’s about reliving the essence of the 90s, an epoch that continues to fascinate us with its vibrant culture, infectious spirit, and undying charisma. The 90s trends are more than just a fashion statement; they’re a trip down memory lane.
A Beauty Time Machine
From brown lipstick to grunge chic, these 90s makeup trends have traveled through time, reappearing in our present-day beauty arsenal. Each one carries a piece of the 90s spirit, reminding us of an era that dared to push boundaries and redefine norms. As these trends resurface, they’re not mere repetitions but reimaginings – a fusion of nostalgia and contemporary style.
So, dust off that blue eyeshadow, swipe on some brown lipstick, and get ready to rock the 90s look. After all, they say what goes around comes around, and it’s clear that the 90s are here to stay. So, “talk to the hand,” because the face is ready to go retro!
