The icons of the ’90s, like Drew Barrymore, J.Lo, Brandy, and Cameron Diaz, brought us some unforgettable ’90s makeup trends. These are making a massive comeback in the Summer of 2023. While, the resurgence of makeup trends is nothing new, and trends from the past often make a comeback, owing to the cyclical nature of fashion and beauty, comebacks are usually with a modern twist. For 2023, the throwback makeup is leaning more toward a grunge-inspired look.
So, if you’re looking to embrace this nostalgia and channel the ’90s vibe, you can incorporate these revived makeup trends into your summer looks.
Table of Contents
The Skin
Minimalist Makeup
Embracing a minimalist approach to makeup and sticking to a natural-looking complexion is a trend reminiscent of ’90s beauty. Aligning with the fresh skin trends of summer 2023, this trend is easy to adopt, as you get to say goodbye to heavy-duty full-coverage foundations. Say hello to skin tints, dewy foundations, and concealers!
The underpainting technique (courtesy Tik Tok) is also a great way to achieve fresh skin and minimalistic makeup look. Underpainting reverses the order and starts with concealer, contour, and blush, with the foundation being the last step.
When it comes to products to achieve the look, go for multi-tasking skin tints like IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination, that help achieve the perfect minimalist look in a single step, or try dewy foundations like Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth SPF 18 Liquid Foundation
The Eyes
Blue Eyeshadows
The J.Lo-inspired iconic blue eyeshadow is an unforgettable trend of the 90s. It is making a comeback in the summer of 2023.
To achieve this look, apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. Sweep a blue eyeshadow shade across your eyelids. Blend a darker blue shade into the crease. You may also add a shimmery blue shade to the center of your eyelids for extra dimension.
Super sexy Tightliner
The thin liner especially on the upper waterline is a trend from 90s makeup which gels well with modern aesthetics. A sultry look that is also a timeless classic!
Use a kohl or gel liner like Shiseido MicroLiner Ink – Micro-Fine Eyeliner and apply a thin line along your upper lash line, as close to the roots of your lashes as possible. You can extend the liner slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye for a winged effect.
Frosted Eyeshadow
Frosted eyeshadow or shimmery eyeshadow from the 90s makeup is a great pick for the fresh and summery look. Shimmery pastels help the eyes pop up and pair well with pretty much everything.
Easily create this look in a single step using e.l.f., Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
A nostalgic and ethereal look!
Smokey Eyes
While smokey eyes rose to fame in the 90s, it still feels like they never left the main stage. They are the very definition of grunge meets glam!
To get the look, apply a black eyeliner pencil along your upper and lower lash lines. Use a smudging brush or cotton swab to smudge the liner for a soft, smoky effect. You can apply a darker eyeshadow shade over the smudged liner for added intensity.
Colored eyeliners
Experiment with colored eyeliners this summer as the 90s makeup fav comes back. The vibrant blues, greens, and purples, inspired by the ’90s rave culture, are a great alternative for those who want to go beyond the black eyeliners.
Colored eyeliners are best left to be the eye-catchers. So, they work well with nude lips or a simple lip gloss.
Shiseido MicroLiner Ink – Micro-Fine Eyeliner has some great options for colored liners.
The Lips
Brown Lips
If there is one trend, that screams the comeback of 90s makeup for summer 2023, it will have to be the Brown lips. Coffee-browns or mauve-browns, the Drew Barrymore-certified look is seen everywhere on fashion runways.
While the 90s were all about matt browns, in 2023 we don’t mind a glossy finish.
The trend of using dark lipliner, especially in brown shades, is also resurging in popularity.
Berry Stained Lips
The 90s makeup cousin of red lips, from the Bold Lips family, will steal the show this season. Yes, get ready to see the wine-stained or deep burgundy lip colors all over the fashion covers!
Another popular trend inspired by the ’90s grunge makeup look!
Go for the matt versions or wear them like RiRi – the frosted/shimmery way!
Choose your lip colors from the beautiful options of the Maybelline Super Stay Lip crayon!
High Shine Lip Gloss
A high-shine lip gloss, a 90s makeup fav, gels well with summer makeup trends in 2023. When everything is shining – think glass skin, Glazed Donut Skin, shimmery eyeshadows, why should the lips stay behind?
Multi-tasking lip glosses like Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, which combine gloss with lip care, are perfect for a plump and luscious pout this summer.
The Hair
Ok, I know hair is not technically makeup but they are undeniably important when talking about reminiscent trends of the 1990s that are back with a bang this year.
Side Part
Influenced by celebrities like Megan Fox, side parts, which were once hated by Gen Z have regained their spot as a staple on runways and red carpets, indicating that they will be a trend to watch in 2023.
There are so many ways to wear the side part for formal to fun occasions – The artistic asymmetric side part, like bob cuts with flippy ends, or the deep side part that instantly adds volume and texture to the hair, as well as provides a slimming effect for the face.
A side part is a polished and flattering style that works for most hair lengths and cuts!
Try Eva NYC 10-in-1 Mane Magic Primer to style your hair to perfection.
Butterfly Clips
The 90s hair accessory is here to stay this season. With the rise of butterfly haircuts and the love for layers, butterfly clips offer a versatile option for styling without much of a hassle.
Get creative with these to create or re-create some of the cutest hair. Medium hair, long hair, curls, wavy or straight – they pretty much are a must-have for any type of hair.
Conclusion
With these 90s makeup picks that are in tune with the aesthetics of today, get ready to embrace the nostalgia and recreate some of the most iconic looks that are chic, uber-cool, and timeless.
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Keep Living It Up…Always!