Back to the Future: The 90s Makeup Revival—Reimagined for 2024
Nostalgia has never looked so fresh. From the runways to your social feeds, the 90s are having a major beauty moment, proving that some trends are simply too iconic to stay in the past. The decade that gave us brown lip liners, frosted lids, and the grunge aesthetic is now inspiring a new wave of makeup enthusiasts. But before you reach for that old Caboodles case, let’s set the record straight: this isn’t about dusting off your middle-school beauty routine.
The 90s revival in 2024 is all about refinement. It’s taking those beloved trends—matte skin, smoky eyes, and glossed-up lips—and giving them a modern twist with sophisticated textures and wearable finishes. Think of it as the best of both worlds: vintage charm meets cutting-edge formulations. Whether you're channeling your inner supermodel or adding a touch of grunge to your everyday look, here’s how to update 90s beauty for today with a little help from high-end makeup powerhouses.
1. Skin: Matte, But Make It Modern
In the 90s, matte skin ruled—often at the expense of hydration. Today, it’s all about the soft matte look: velvety, natural, and breathable. Ditch the cakey powders for long-wear foundations with skincare benefits.
Try This: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation £46 offers a soft, lit-from-within matte finish that doesn’t mask your skin. Pair it with the La Mer Soft Matte Powder Foundation £105 to blur imperfections without the dreaded flatness.
2. Eyes: Shimmer and Smoke
Remember frosted lids and subtle grunge? In 2024, these looks are refined with modern textures and high-impact pigments. Layer shimmer for a diffused, ethereal effect or smudge outliner for a soft, sultry vibe.
Try This: Tom Ford’s Eye Colour Quad in Honeymoon £74 delivers the perfect mix of taupe and plum for a smoky 90s-inspired eye.
3. Brows: Thin, But Not Overplucked
While the over-plucked arches of the 90s aren’t making a full comeback (thank goodness!), slimmer, sculpted brows are edging out the fluffy look. Think clean lines and a naturally lifted shape.
Try This: Achieve precision with Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil £28 and lock it in place with the Dior Diorshow On Set Brow Gel £29.
4. Lips: Brown Liners and Gloss Galore
Nothing screams 90s like a brown lip. In 2024, it’s all about balance—softly overlined lips paired with high-shine glosses. Keep the liner precise but blendable to avoid a harsh look.
Try This: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Foxy Brown £21 is a modern classic, paired with the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Beige £33 for a plumped, juicy finish.
5. Blush: Neutral Tones Over Bright Pops
Warm terracottas and soft bronzes dominate the blush game, mimicking the natural flush of 90s icons. Placement is key—sweep it higher on the cheekbones for a sculpted look.
Try This: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Minette £44 blends seamlessly, while Gucci Blush de Beauté in Warm Berry £41 adds a vintage touch.
6. Liner: Wingless and Smudged
Grunge-era eyeliner is having a sophisticated renaissance. Instead of harsh lines, opt for a smudged effect that’s both alluring and wearable.
Try This: The Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner £32 in Ash is creamy and perfect for that lived-in look.
7. Nails: Muted Metallics and Vampy Reds
From coffee-coloured metallics to the iconic deep reds of the 90s, nails are as much a statement as your makeup.
Try This: Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre £38.25 for a moody metallic or Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir £29 for that signature vampy finish.
The key to wearing 90s makeup in 2024 is subtlety. It’s not about copying the decade outright but about cherry-picking its best elements and elevating them with modern textures, tools, and a dash of luxury. After all, the 90s never truly left; they just matured—and so did we.
