You Won’t Believe Which 90s Makeup Trends Are Making a Phenomenal Comeback!

The 1990s were a bold and unforgettable era for fashion—and makeup was no exception. From grunge-inspired neutral tones to bold glammed-out looks reminiscent of iconic divisionistas, 90s makeup has made a stunning comeback in 2024 and beyond. Influencers, celebrities, and modern beauty lovers are ditching the ultra-smooth, airbrushed looks of the early 2020s to embrace the raw, natural-voluminous, and deeply expressive beauty of the ‘90s.

Ready to explore which 90s makeup trends are dominating the beauty scene today? Let’s dive into this nostalgic revival that’s shaking up social feeds and high-street shelves alike.

Understanding the Context


1. The “No-Makeup” Natural Glow

Remember the effortless, sun-kissed glow of 90s supermodels? The “less is more” philosophy is back in full force. Think dewy, naturally lit skin with minimal foundation, subtle concealer under the eyes, and just a touch of tinted moisturizer or BB cream. This “no-makeup makeup” trend channels the authenticity of figures like Gwyneth Paltrow, Winona Ryder, and Britney Spears’ early era—effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

Why it’s trending: Consumers are seeking genuine, approachable beauty that complements real skin, avoiding exaggerated, robotic perfection.

Key Insights


2. Bold Brow Game – Psychedelic and Hand-Drawn

The 90s loved dramatic brows—but modern creations take it to another level. Think ultra-strong, sculpted brows done with intense pigment application, often designed for bold, angular shapes. Influencers are channeling 90s style icons by combining fierce brows with graphic liner—nodding to early ‘90s alternative and punk styles that celebrated expression over subtlety.

Pro tip: Use long-wear brow pencil or gel to hold this fierce look through busy days.


Final Thoughts

3. Vibrant Lip Color – Fiery Reds & Berry Swipes

While the late ‘90s mostly played it safe with nudes and soft pinks, a vivid revival is underway. Bold, saturated lip shades—especially fiery reds and deep berry tones—are back in fashion, inspired by grunge icons and pop divas who embraced intensity. Celebs like Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish occasionally sported striking pouty lips, reigniting interest among today’s bright, confident makeup lovers.


4. The Cinematic Eyeliner Shift

W caractère propulsion of boxy, thick cat-eye eyeliner? That’s 90s makeup magic making a major return. Modern interpretations feature sharper, more precise winged liner—think bold glamour mixed with edgy cool, akin to 90s actresses like Julia Roberts or Gwyneth Paltrow in glossy dramas. Kohl and liquid liner usage brings a smoky yet defined look perfect for evening glam or bold daytime statements.


5. Natural Foundation with a Warm Twist

The ultra-white base models of the 90s are giving way to foundations with subtle warmth and sheer-to-medium coverage—emulating the “honest” skin finish popularized by icons like Sharon Stone and Kate Moss in the era’s fashion magazines. This shift embraces individual skin tones with natural evens, moving away from harshly masked looks.


Why Is This 90s Makeup Trend Back?