Make-up trends come and go, from the neon eyeshadows that defined the 80’s to supermodel Twiggy’s iconic false lash look of the 60’s. It is hard to pinpoint exactly why some trends become so iconic and why future generations take inspiration from them, but it is clear to see that many of our favourite looks from the 90’s are making a welcomed return.
The beauty industry is regularly reinventing itself to capture the attention of two of it’s biggest consumer groups; Gen Z and Gen Y. According to a new study conducted by GlobalData, cosmetics brands are turning to cult tv series’ and pop cultural icons from the 90’s to inspire new products that are destined to grab the attention of Millennials.
We can all agree that some trends are better left in the past, however if you are feeling as nostalgic as we are then you’ll appreciate some of these iconic looks that are making a comeback and the products you can use to recreate them.
Glossy Lips
This may seem like a no-brainer and a trend that has in fact never really gone out of style. However, in recent months UK sales of lipgloss have soared. Fashion and beauty’s love affair with the 90’s was given a reboot thanks to the likes of the Friends reunion and countless Pinterest pins featuring our favourite 90’s supermodels.
Nothing says 90’s like a deep brown lip liner and an ultra glossy finish offering the ultimate radiant and hydrated look. Take girl power icon Victoria Beckham during her Spice Girls days or the effortless beauty of supermodel Kate Moss as inspiration and team it with ultra-shiny and non-sticky formulas of the 2020’s and you have a recipe for elevated 90’s glam.
To recreate the cult classic, try Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat liner in Foxy Brown for the perfect nostalgic hue. The creamy formula blends seamlessly for a natural finish. Top with Glossier’s Lip Gloss in Clear for an ultra-glossy finish or to add a touch of evening glamour use Vieve’s Lip Dew. The lip gloss, oil hybrid, conditions lips whilst casting a reflective sheen for the glassiest shine.
Blue eyeshadow
If you, like many, have toyed with the idea of blue eyelids in the past and then crumbled finally reaching for your old favourite, a brown or nude shadow palette, join the club. Blue eyeshadow doesn’t need to be scary, the 90’s classic has been reimagined and has become a favourite of stars such as Dua Lipa and J-Lo.
The real beauty of 90’s makeup trends is in the simplicity. Many of the trends we have become so accustomed to today such as contouring or cut-crease eye makeup requires a specific level of skill that the wash of blue across the eyes just does not require.
Finding the perfect shade and finish is always a challenge when it comes to eyeshadow. For the ultimate vivid blue, try Nars’ Single Eyeshadow in the shade Showgirl. The silky, long-wear powder will provide the perfect pop of colour and a beautiful soft, shimmered finish. For a softer blue and a more subtle finish, Glossier’s Skywash is a sheer matte lid tint. The shade Pool is the perfect dusky blue with a subtly powdered finish. Ideal for those just dipping their toes into the eyeshadow trend.
Body Shimmer
What better ode to the 90’s party season than shimmering shoulders and decolletage? Once favoured by the likes of Britney Spears, makeup brand comparison site Cosmetify recorded searches of “roll-on glitter” increasing by a third in the UK alone. Brought up to date by superstar and makeup mogul Rihanna, body shimmer is the perfect way to add a touch of glitz to any look ahead of the party season.
After spending the past holiday season in and out of lockdown, an injection of glitter is just what we all need to get us in the mood to party. To get glowing, try Sol De Janiero’s Rio Sunset Glow Oil. The skin-softening oil adds the perfect dose of subtle shimmer for a beachy glow and a dewy finish, add to that the brand’s signature island scent and you will be sold. Available in three shades, perfect for any skin tone.
From a beach babe glow to the og of body glitter. Created by queen of glow, Rihanna, the Fenty Beauty Body Lava Luminizer is the perfect addition to any beauty routine. Available in three gorgeous shades, the gel-based luminizer veils skin in a dewy, high-shine finish that leaves skin glimmering and radiant.
Frosted Makeup
Possibly one of the most controversial of all the 90’s beauty trends, love it or hate it, frosted makeup is making a comeback. Often synonymous with unflattering paparazzi shots from the decade, frosted lids and lips have been spotted on the runway and red carpet alike in recent months and may be the look of the season.
If you’re not quite on board, take a look at 90’s documentary, ‘Catwalk’ and see iconic “supers” Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington take the look to new heights and for a modern take, check out Bella Hadid’s signature pearlescent eye makeup for a more subtle frosty finish. Like it or not, this fun trend is set to make a comeback and here’s how.
For perfectly frosted eyes, try Stila’s Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow. The long-wearing, metallic eyeshadow comes in a variety of glittering shades (Diamond Dust is our personal fave for the frostiest shimmer). Combining varying sizes of pearl and glitter particles for a beautiful lustre, the lightweight liquid eyeshadow is water-infused and glides effortlessly across the lid. For lips, try MAC’s Frost Lipstick. Pretty self-explanatory, true to its namesake, this lipstick is infused with reflective particles for a high pearl and semi-lustrous finish, enhancing the appearance of your lips and leaving a glittering shimmer. Try the shade Angel for a wearable pink with a subtle frosted finish.
Graphic Liner
Graphic liner looks have popped up on the runways of designers such as Valentino and Fendi in recent months but graphic liner was actually a major trend during the 90’s. The sleek and sharp lines offer a polished twist on grungy, smudged liner and is the perfect cool-girl makeup look to perfect.
Over the past year, global searches for ‘graphic liner’ were up by 20% according to Cosmetify and a simple search will give you all the inspo you could ever need. Keep it simple with a cat-eye outline in sleek black or try a more avant-garde look and play with negative space in clean white or a pop of bright colour. Most of all, have fun with this trend.
For the ultimate make-up bag staple, try Pat McGrath’s PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black. The sleek formula glides on effortlessly and leaves a subtle sheen. For a more playful take on the look, try NYX’s Epic Wear Eyeliner Sticks. Available in a wide selection of colours, the powerfully-pigmented eyeliner pencils are available in matte and metallic-finished shades that deliver 36 hours of waterproof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof colour, ideal for creating high-impact looks that last.
