A Look Back: The Makeup of the 90s
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A Look Back: The Makeup of the 90s
The 1990s were a pivotal decade for makeup. This period saw a shift away from the heavily contoured and dramatic looks of the 80s, embracing a more natural and minimalist approach. While the 90s were a time of grunge and rebellion, the makeup trends reflected a desire for a more effortless and approachable aesthetic. This era birthed iconic products and techniques that continue to influence makeup trends today.
Defining the 90s Makeup Aesthetic
The 90s makeup scene was defined by several key elements:
- Minimalism: The emphasis was on enhancing natural features rather than masking them. This meant a lighter hand with foundation, a focus on natural-looking blush, and a move away from heavy contouring.
- The "No Makeup" Makeup Look: This trend sought to create a fresh, dewy complexion that appeared as if no makeup was worn. This was achieved through light foundation application, highlighting, and a touch of blush.
- Grunge Influence: The grunge movement heavily impacted makeup trends, with smoky eyes, dark lips, and an overall edgy aesthetic becoming popular.
- The "Hero" Product: The 90s saw the rise of specific products that became synonymous with the era. These included lip gloss, brow gel, and shimmery eyeshadows.
Iconic Products of the 90s
1. Lip Gloss: Lip gloss reigned supreme in the 90s, adding a touch of shine and a youthful, playful vibe to any look. From clear glosses to tinted shades, lip gloss was a staple in every makeup bag.
- Benefits: Lip gloss can enhance the natural lip color, create a fuller appearance, and add a touch of shine.
- Key Products: Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss, Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, MAC Lipglass
2. Brow Gel: The 90s saw the rise of brow gel as a way to tame unruly brows and create a polished look. Brow gel was used to set brow hairs in place, define the brow shape, and add a touch of color.
- Benefits: Brow gel helps to create defined brows, hold hairs in place, and enhance the natural brow shape.
- Key Products: Benefit Gimme Brow+, Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel
3. Shimmery Eyeshadow: Shimmery eyeshadows were a key part of the 90s makeup look, adding a touch of sparkle and dimension to the eyes. From metallic golds to iridescent blues, shimmery eyeshadows were used to create a variety of looks, from subtle to bold.
- Benefits: Shimmery eyeshadows can add dimension, brighten the eyes, and create a more festive or glamorous look.
- Key Products: MAC Eyeshadow in "Satin Taupe," Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Sin," Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
4. Cream Blush: Cream blush was a popular choice in the 90s, offering a natural and buildable flush of color. Cream blush was easy to blend and provided a dewy finish.
- Benefits: Cream blush provides a natural-looking flush of color, blends easily, and can be layered for more intensity.
- Key Products: Clinique Cream Blush, Benefit Benetint, NARS Blush in "Orgasm"
5. Clear Mascara: Clear mascara was a staple in the 90s, used to define and lengthen lashes without adding color. It was particularly popular for creating a natural look and for setting brows.
- Benefits: Clear mascara can define and lengthen lashes, set brow hairs in place, and add a touch of shine.
- Key Products: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara, CoverGirl LashBlast Clear Mascara, L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Clear Mascara
6. Lip Liner: Lip liner was used to define the lip shape and create a more polished look. It was also used to prevent lipstick from bleeding or feathering.
- Benefits: Lip liner can define the lip shape, prevent lipstick from bleeding, and create a more polished look.
- Key Products: MAC Lip Pencil, NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Kylie Cosmetics Lip Liner
7. Foundation: The 90s saw a shift towards lighter foundations, emphasizing a natural and dewy finish. Liquid foundations were popular, with a focus on coverage that looked natural and not cakey.
- Benefits: Foundation can even out skin tone, cover imperfections, and create a more polished look.
- Key Products: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation, Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin, Estee Lauder Doublewear Stay-in-Place Makeup
8. Eyeshadow Palette: Eyeshadow palettes offered a range of colors and finishes, allowing for a variety of looks. From neutral palettes to vibrant colors, eyeshadow palettes were a versatile tool for creating eye looks.
- Benefits: Eyeshadow palettes offer a range of colors and finishes, allowing for a variety of looks.
- Key Products: MAC Eyeshadow Palette, Urban Decay Naked Palette, Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
9. Mascara: Mascara was a staple in the 90s, used to define and lengthen lashes. Black mascara was the most popular color, but brown and other shades were also available.
- Benefits: Mascara can define and lengthen lashes, add volume, and create a more dramatic look.
- Key Products: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
FAQs about 90s Makeup
Q: What were some of the most popular makeup trends in the 90s?
A: The 90s saw a shift towards a more natural and minimalist approach to makeup. Popular trends included the "no makeup" makeup look, grunge-inspired smoky eyes, and the use of lip gloss and brow gel.
Q: What were some of the key differences between 90s makeup and makeup trends before and after the decade?
A: The 90s makeup aesthetic was a departure from the heavy contouring and dramatic looks of the 80s. It embraced a more natural and effortless approach, focusing on enhancing natural features rather than masking them. The 2000s saw a return to bolder makeup looks, with the emergence of trends like contouring and highlighting.
Q: What are some of the most iconic makeup products from the 90s?
A: Iconic 90s makeup products include lip gloss, brow gel, shimmery eyeshadows, cream blush, clear mascara, and lip liner.
Tips for Recreating 90s Makeup Looks
- Embrace the "No Makeup" Makeup Look: Focus on creating a natural and dewy complexion with light foundation application, highlighting, and a touch of blush.
- Define Your Brows: Use brow gel to tame unruly brows and create a defined shape. Avoid over-plucking, as natural brows were favored in the 90s.
- Play with Shimmer: Add a touch of sparkle to your eyes with shimmery eyeshadows. Metallic golds, iridescent blues, and bronzes were popular choices.
- Use Cream Blush: Cream blush provides a natural-looking flush of color and blends easily for a dewy finish.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Lip Gloss: Lip gloss was a staple in the 90s, adding a touch of shine and a youthful, playful vibe to any look.
Conclusion
The 90s makeup era was a time of experimentation and a shift towards a more natural and minimalist aesthetic. Iconic products like lip gloss, brow gel, and shimmery eyeshadows continue to be popular today, proving the enduring influence of this era on makeup trends. Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic 90s look or simply incorporate some of the decade’s key elements into your own makeup routine, the 90s makeup aesthetic offers a timeless and versatile approach to beauty.
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