Makeup in the 90s was a turning point for beauty trends. After the bold and extravagant trends of the 80s, the 90s brought a shift towards minimalism and natural beauty. It was a time when less meant more. Celebrities like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston became icons of simple elegance.
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to recreate that effortless 90s vibe, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down how the 90s influenced makeup and how to bring those iconic styles back today!
The Trend of Natural Makeup in the 90s
The 90s were all about embracing a more natural and laid-back beauty routine. Makeup is not just about heavy layers or bright colors. The aim is to highlight your features with light coverage and a delicate touch.
This era favored a "no-makeup" makeup look, which meant minimal effort for maximum impact. Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, and Cameron Diaz became the symbols of this simple yet stunning beauty. They embraced light foundation, a natural flush of blush, and soft, understated eyes.
Minimalist Makeup: A Key Feature of the 90s
One of the main features of 90s makeup was its minimalist approach. People moved away from the dramatic looks of the 80s, focusing on a fresh, clean face with subtle touches. For foundation, the trend was lightweight—think sheer, dewy finishes instead of thick layers of matte foundation. Makeup artists often used a light layer of translucent powder to set the makeup without making the face look heavy.
Contouring was practically non-existent during this time. Rather than heavy makeup, the look aimed for a healthy glow with a subtle pop of color to bring out natural features. The emphasis was on revealing your skin, not covering it up.
Eyebrows
In the 90s, eyebrows were naturally shaped with a bit of definition. There was none of the bold, exaggerated brows that are popular today. Instead, people focused on subtle arches that gave a clean, polished look without looking too sculpted. People used eyebrow pencils or powders to define the brows, but the key was to make them look soft and natural.
Unlike today’s trend of bold and bushy brows, 90s eyebrows were more understated. The goal was to fill in any thin spots, making the brows look fuller while keeping them natural.
In the 90s, thin eyebrows were also very popular. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz were known for their thin, well-shaped brows, which became a signature look. Many people copied this style, going for a more subtle, natural shape instead of the thicker, bold brows we see today. A lighter, more natural eyebrow shape was one of the main beauty trends of the 90s.
Eyes: Smoky Eyes or No Makeup?
Regarding eye makeup, the 90s had a couple of key trends. The most iconic was the smoky eye.
However, unlike today’s intense, bold smoky eyes, 90s versions were much more subtle.
The artist achieved the look by blending softer shades of brown and gray seamlessly for a natural, smudged effect. This look gave a sultry vibe without being too over-the-top.
For those who liked a simpler look, they often left their eyes almost bare. They used just a coat of mascara to define their lashes. No fancy eyeliner or thick eyeshadow, just a natural, wide-eyed look.
Lips: Gloss or Subtle Colors
In the 90s, lips were kept simple and neutral. Lip gloss was a staple for many, providing a shiny, fresh finish to complement the natural makeup trend. For those who wanted a bit more color, neutral shades like nude, caramel, and brown were popular choices. These tones offered an understated yet polished appearance, perfect for the no-fuss look of the decade.
On occasion, bold lips made an appearance, particularly during evening events. Makeup artists sometimes paired red lips, though rare, with minimal eye makeup for a dramatic yet chic effect.
Mascara: Less Is More
When it came to mascara, the rule of thumb was “less is more.” In the 90s, mascara focused on enhancing natural lashes.
It used just one coat, as opposed to today’s trend of long, thick lashes. The goal was to define the lashes without making them look overdone. The makeup artist kept the lashes soft and fluttery, creating an innocent, youthful look that suited the time perfectly.
Do you ever wonder what truly makes or breaks your makeup look?
Of course, your makeup products and skills are super important, but let’s not forget about your Makeup Mirror!
It’s your reflection, after all, and to get that flawless look, you need the right mirror. A good one should have adjustable brightness, three different lighting modes, and a magnifying side for those precise details.
Believe us, the right mirror will completely elevate your makeup routine! See our full collection of mirrors — from sleek wall-mounted styles to portable tabletop options. Find the perfect one for you and feel the difference with Nicesail!
The 90s Party Makeup: A Step Back in Time
If you want to capture the spirit of a 90s-themed party or disco night, focus on retro makeup. Think natural but with a bit of fun, such as a bold lip or a more dramatic eye.
For a more elegant event, like a wedding or dinner party, try Julia Roberts’ look from Pretty Woman or My Best Friend’s Wedding. Aim for a clean, natural face with a touch of glam. On the other hand, for a fun, more daring event, go full Spice Girls and experiment with bold, eye-catching colors.
Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" and "My Best Friend's Wedding"
To get Julia Roberts' famous makeup look from the 90s, use a light foundation or concealer. This will give you a smoother look by covering blemishes. Define your brows subtly, and use a pink blush on the apples of your cheeks.
For lips, choose either a soft nude gloss or a more daring coral-red lipstick. A bit of eyeliner and some mascara can define your eyes. Keep the look soft and natural, just like Julia’s in Pretty Woman.
Hairstyles to Complement 90s Makeup
No 90s look is complete without the perfect hairstyle. To complement the minimalist makeup, voluminous curls were a go-to style for many in the 90s.
Think big, bouncy curls that frame the face and give a youthful, fresh vibe. You can get this look with a curling iron. If your hair is curly, apply products that enhance your natural texture.
Spice Girls: Bold and Playful Makeup
Another big influence on 90s beauty trends came from the Spice Girls. Their makeup was bright, bold, and full of life—perfectly capturing the playful spirit of the music scene.
For their signature look, try bold blue or green eyeshadow, defined brows, and a pop of red lipstick. A confident and playful look, just right for a retro gathering.
Hairstyles Inspired by the Spice Girls
To complete your Spice Girls-inspired look, don’t forget the hair! Colorful highlights were all the rage, with bold shades like pink or blue making a statement. A bob haircut or choppy layers were also popular. Feel free to experiment with different colors and styles to express your personality.
Final Thoughts on 90s Makeup
The 90s completely transformed the makeup scene. While the boldness of the 80s faded, the focus on natural beauty and minimalism took center stage. Celebrities like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston shaped makeup trends in their time. The styles they set are still fresh and timeless today.
The 90s style is still popular. Whether for a party or a simple beauty routine, it works for both. This decade will continue to influence makeup trends for many years.
