MomSkoop
The 1990s brought us some of the most unforgettable beauty looks in history.
From ultra-thin brows to frosted lips, makeup in this decade was bold, experimental, and unapologetically different.
Many of these trends have made surprising comebacks in recent years, proving that what goes around truly comes around in the beauty world.
1. Brown Lipstick as a Personality Trait
Wearing brown lipstick in the ’90s wasn’t just a makeup choice—it was basically a statement about who you were.
Supermodels, actresses, and everyday teens all embraced deep chocolate, caramel, and mocha shades as their signature look.
This trend said you were edgy, confident, and definitely not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Brands released countless brown lip shades with names like “Spice” and “Chocolate.” The darker and more dramatic, the better.
Some people paired their brown lips with minimal eye makeup, while others went full glam everywhere.
Today, brown lipstick has made a major comeback, especially in the world of social media beauty.
Influencers and celebrities are once again rocking rich brown tones, proving this ’90s staple never really lost its cool factor.
2. Lip Liner Worn Darker Than the Lipstick
One of the most iconic ’90s makeup tricks involved deliberately outlining your lips with a much darker liner than your lipstick shade.
This created a dramatic, defined border that was impossible to miss.
Stars like Drew Barrymore and Christina Aguilera made this look famous on red carpets and magazine covers.
The technique usually involved a deep brown or burgundy liner paired with a lighter nude or pink lipstick center.
Some people would blend the liner inward slightly, while others kept the contrast sharp and bold.
Either way, the effect was unmistakable and very ’90s.
While this trend faded for years, it’s experiencing a revival among Gen Z beauty lovers.
Modern versions tend to be slightly softer, but the basic idea remains the same—darker edges, lighter center, maximum drama.
3. Matte, Flat Foundation with Zero Glow
Forget dewy, glowing skin—the ’90s were all about completely matte, flat foundation finishes.
The goal was to eliminate every trace of shine and create a perfectly smooth, almost powdery appearance.
Heavy powder compacts were essential tools in every makeup bag, used to blot away any hint of natural oils.
Foundation formulas back then were often thick and full-coverage, designed to create a flawless but somewhat mask-like effect.
Many people would apply multiple layers of powder throughout the day to maintain that shine-free look.
The result was skin that looked airbrushed but definitely not natural.
Nowadays, beauty trends have shifted dramatically toward highlighted, dewy complexions.
However, some makeup artists are bringing back strategic matte finishes for certain areas, showing that ’90s foundation techniques still have their place in modern beauty routines.
4. Pencil-Thin, Over-Plucked Eyebrows
Perhaps no ’90s trend is more infamous than the ultra-thin eyebrow craze that swept the decade.
Armed with tweezers, people plucked their brows into tiny, pencil-thin lines that barely existed above their eyes.
Celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Gwen Stefani popularized this look, and soon everyone was following along.
The thinner your brows, the more fashionable you were considered.
Some people plucked so aggressively that their brows never fully grew back.
Others drew on thin lines with eyebrow pencils in shades that didn’t always match their hair color, creating an obviously artificial appearance.
Today’s beauty standards favor fuller, more natural brows, making many ’90s kids regret their over-plucking phase.
Despite this, some fashion-forward individuals are experimenting with thinner brows again, though usually in a more controlled, intentional way than the extreme ’90s versions.
5. Taupe and Greige Eyeshadow as Everyday Neutrals
Warm browns and peachy tones took a backseat in the ’90s as cool-toned taupe and greige eyeshadows dominated the neutral makeup scene.
These grayish-beige shades were considered the perfect everyday colors, suitable for school, work, or casual hangouts.
Nearly every eyeshadow palette included at least one taupe or greige option.
The application was usually simple—swept across the entire lid with minimal blending or dimension.
Sometimes a slightly darker shade would be added to the crease, but the overall effect remained understated and cool-toned.
This minimalist approach to eye makeup complemented the decade’s other bold choices like dark lips.
While warmer neutrals have dominated recent years, taupe and greige are making quiet comebacks in modern makeup collections.
Beauty brands are releasing updated versions of these classic shades, often with improved formulas that blend more seamlessly than their ’90s predecessors.
6. Frosted Eyelids in Silver, Ice Blue, and Pale Lilac
Shimmery, frosted eyeshadows in icy shades were everywhere in the ’90s, adding a futuristic, almost alien-like quality to makeup looks.
Silver, ice blue, and pale lilac were the most popular choices, applied generously across the entire eyelid for maximum sparkle.
The frostier and more reflective, the better the look was considered.
These shades were often paired with minimal mascara and nude lips, letting the sparkly eyes take center stage.
The texture was typically very shiny and metallic, quite different from today’s more subtle shimmer formulas.
Many drugstore brands offered affordable frosted options, making this trend accessible to everyone.
Recently, frosted eyeshadows have returned to makeup counters, though modern versions tend to be more refined and less chunky-glittery.
Celebrities and influencers are embracing icy metallics again, proving that sometimes the shiniest trends deserve a second chance.
7. Heavy Lower-Lash Liner with Minimal Top Shadow
A signature ’90s eye makeup technique involved heavily lining the lower lash line while keeping the upper lid relatively bare or neutral.
This created a slightly grunge, lived-in appearance that was both edgy and effortless-looking.
Dark eyeliner would be smudged along the bottom lashes, sometimes extending slightly beyond the outer corner.
The top lid might have just a wash of neutral shadow or nothing at all, creating an interesting imbalance that somehow worked perfectly.
This approach was popular in both everyday looks and more dramatic evening makeup.
It gave faces a mysterious, slightly moody quality that fit the decade’s aesthetic perfectly.
Modern makeup artists sometimes reference this technique when creating editorial or runway looks.
While current trends often emphasize upper lid drama, the heavy lower liner is experiencing renewed interest among those seeking alternative, less conventional eye makeup styles.
8. Blush Placed High and Swept Outward
The ’90s approach to blush placement was quite different from today’s apple-of-the-cheek technique.
Instead, blush was applied high on the cheekbones and swept outward toward the temples in a horizontal motion.
This created a more sculpted, editorial effect that emphasized bone structure rather than creating a youthful flush.
Colors ranged from soft browns and mauves to brighter pinks, depending on the overall look.
The application was often quite visible and intentional rather than softly blended into invisibility.
This placement technique complemented the decade’s overall makeup philosophy of defined, structured features.
Makeup artists today sometimes use this high-and-outward blush technique for photoshoots and special occasions.
It’s particularly flattering for creating a lifted, contoured appearance without heavy contouring products, showing that ’90s blush wisdom still holds valuable lessons for modern beauty enthusiasts.
9. Barely-There Mascara or Deliberately Clumpy Lashes
Lashes in the ’90s went to extremes—either barely coated with a single layer of mascara or deliberately clumped together for a spidery effect.
The natural lash look involved just a whisper of mascara, keeping lashes defined but not dramatically volumized or lengthened.
This minimalist approach let other features like lips or brows take priority.
On the opposite end, some makeup lovers intentionally created clumpy, separated lashes that looked almost wet or sticky.
This was achieved by applying multiple coats without combing through or by using specific mascara formulas designed for this effect.
The result was lashes that looked deliberately imperfect and edgy.
Current mascara trends favor fluffy, separated, voluminous lashes, making both ’90s approaches seem unusual by comparison.
However, the barely-there mascara look has found new fans among minimalist beauty enthusiasts who appreciate its understated, effortless quality.
10. Concealer Lips as a Finishing Touch
Using concealer or foundation directly on the lips to create a nude, almost ghostly mouth was a quintessential ’90s beauty move.
This technique involved applying concealer over the natural lip color, sometimes adding a clear gloss on top for shine.
The result was lips that nearly disappeared into the face, creating a stark, almost unsettling effect.
This look was particularly popular in fashion editorials and among those going for an ultra-minimalist or grunge aesthetic.
Some people would line their concealer-covered lips with a darker liner for contrast, while others kept everything monochromatic and muted.
The overall vibe was deliberately washed-out and unconventional.
While full, colorful lips dominate today’s beauty landscape, concealer lips occasionally resurface in high-fashion contexts.
The trend represents the ’90s fascination with subverting traditional beauty standards and creating looks that challenged conventional ideas of attractiveness.
11. Monochrome Makeup—Eyes, Cheeks, Lips All Matching
Creating a completely coordinated look by using the same color family across eyes, cheeks, and lips was a sophisticated ’90s makeup approach.
This monochromatic technique involved choosing one shade—perhaps brown, mauve, or terracotta—and applying variations of it to all facial features.
The effect was polished, intentional, and very editorial.
A typical monochrome look might feature taupe eyeshadow, mauve blush, and a similar-toned lip color, all working together harmoniously.
This approach simplified makeup application while creating a cohesive, put-together appearance.
Fashion magazines frequently featured monochrome makeup tutorials, making it accessible to everyday makeup wearers.
Monochrome makeup has experienced a major renaissance in recent years, with beauty influencers creating modern interpretations of this ’90s classic.
The technique remains popular because it’s foolproof—when everything matches, it’s almost impossible to clash, making it perfect for beginners and experts alike.
12. Brown or Burgundy Eyeliner Instead of Black
Black eyeliner took a backseat in the ’90s as softer brown and burgundy shades became the go-to choices for defining eyes.
These warmer tones created a less harsh, more approachable look that complemented the decade’s neutral eyeshadow preferences.
Brown liner was considered more natural and wearable for everyday situations.
Burgundy eyeliner added a subtle pop of color without being too bold or attention-grabbing.
It worked particularly well with brown eyeshadows and nude lips, adding just enough interest to keep things from looking too plain.
Both shades were available in pencil, liquid, and gel formulas from countless brands.
Today’s makeup world has rediscovered the magic of colored eyeliners, with brown and burgundy experiencing renewed popularity.
These shades are especially favored by those with warm undertones or anyone seeking a softer alternative to stark black liner that still provides definition and drama.