The '90s were such a great decade. Some people claim it was one of the best decades to grow up! Well, it is hard to argue with the facts. The '90 gave birth to hundreds of incredible movies and TV shows. It was a time when the economy was on the rise, new technologies popped up like mushrooms after the rain, and Johnny Depp was hot. Of course, like any other '90s child, I'm biased. Still, it is nice to dive into the nostalgia once in a while and enjoy the aesthetics. For today's post, I've gathered up some of my favorite alternative makeup looks inspired by grunge, metal, pop-rock, and other fashion and music movements. Let's reminisce together and try to recreate some of the most iconic looks?
Brown Smokey with Brown Outlined Lips
Let's begin with something wearable – this low-key nudish brown smokey eye with brown, outlined lips. Dark lip liner (a few shades darker than lipstick) was a very popular makeup trend in the '90s. About a year ago this lip look made a comeback. So, we are here to rock it again!
Rhinestones and Thick Eyeliner
Who said that rhinestones are not grunge? Gwen Stefani used to wear them on her face with her most grunge outfits. Either way, you can make rhinestones more 'alternative' by pairing them with black lipstick or hardcore Gothic eyeliner.
'90s Blue Eyeshadow and Glossy Lip Look
I'm not sure how it worked, but in the '90s blue eyeshadow went well with every single outfit you had in your wardrobe! This particular look is especially interesting, as it features graphic black eyeliner on the eyelid. A little makeup detail like this makes this look 'float' between the '60s and '90s. Isn't it cool?
Long and Thick Eyelashes and Outlined Lips
Blonde thin eyebrows, tightlined eyes, and a pair of the longest false eyelashes? This look gives me the most vibrant Christina Aguilera vibes. This makeup is a bit R'n'B, a bit grunge, a bit jazz? I can't tell for sure, but it is awesome, and I can't stop admiring it.
'90s Goth Makeup with Thin Eyebrows and Thick Eyeliner
Now to my favorite makeup style – dark and dramatic Goth makeup look. It combines the bitterness of the style and the best of the '90s aesthetic. All in a single makeup look. Thin, curved eyebrows? Check! Thick double eyeliner? Check! Well-defined, red lip look? Check! Face piercing helps to emphasize the Goth style even more, but it is not mandatory.
Nude Lipstick and Baby-blue Eyeshadow
The blue eyeshadow makeup was so popular in the '90s that I had to feature it twice! This time it is a light, baby-blue eyeshadow, and a nude lip look. A black, thick eyeliner wing and fluffy lashes add more drama to the look, turning it more grunge than casual. Would you rock this makeup today?
Neon Graphic Eyeliner and Glossy Lips
Neon colors in fashion and makeup are just as popular today, as they were in the '90s. However, this look cover three '90s makeup trends at once: graphic eyeliner, blinding neon, and glass-like lips. Keep the lashes natural and skip contouring. This look is all about the eyes!
Bare Eyes and Red Lip Look
Here is another wearable makeup look from the '90s. Actually, it is an everlasting makeup trend that was popular through the decades. I'm talking about the 'bare' eye look with minimum to no makeup paired with vivid red lipstick. It is a perfect variant for those days when you don't want to spend a lot of time doing your makeup, but still want a striking grunge appeal.
'Naked' Eyebrows and Long Lash Extensions
Looking through those '90s makeup looks I spotted one particular similarity – a lack of brow makeup. The 'refined' Instagram brows were a huge thing in the mid '2010s, but not in the '90s. Both celebrities and makeup lovers rocked the natural, untouched brow look. If this is not your style, try the soap brow technique as an alternative.
Monochrome '90s Makeup with Rhinestones
Monochrome makeup looks done with one makeup product or in a similar shade are still very popular among makeup artists. Purple, burgundy and violet shades are my personal favorite for this makeup technique. Combined with rhinestones and smoked eyeliner it looks incredible!
Grunge Smoky Eye Look
Moody grunge makeup looks are an ideal option for those days when you feel spikey, but not ready to go punk all the way. How about this smudged smokey-eye look? Just like a red lip or thick eyeliner, this look is an everlasting makeup classic. Smudgier equals better!
Black Lip Liner with Red Lipstick
We already discussed the popularity of dark lip liner in the '90s, but what about black lip liner? This trend is for those who like to go out of boundaries, stretching the imagination a bit further away from the boring normal. Pair your red lipstick with a black lip liner and you'll get an awesome grunge makeup look
Thick Glitter Eye Look from the '90s
I'm not a big fan of glitter, but it is hard to underestimate its influence in the makeup industry. Especially during the '90s when glitter was everywhere: hair accessories, toys, clothes, and cars. Makeup is not an exception here! Put the chunkiest black, red, brown, or silver shimmer onto your lids and your '90s-inspired makeup look is basically done!
'90s Frosty Lip Look
Frosted lipstick is just as important part of the '90s makeup routine as the tightlinig! I can't say I love this trend, but it was big and I respect that. Frosted lipstick is lipstick with a fine, reflective shimmer to it. And, if you can't seem to find good frosty lipstick, you can always cover your regular lipstick with a coat of shimmering eyeshadow. The final effect looks very similar on the lips.
Multi-colored Eyeshadow Look and Nude Lip
Wrapping up today's compilation, I would like to mention a multi-colored eyeshadow look popular in the '90s. The iconic American makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin loved this technique. He combined various colors, blending them up to the brow. Sometimes even going far beyond the regular eyeshadow shapes. Try it yourself, this looks fantastic but demands some skills.
Lots of love,
Liz
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