Reviving the 90s: Genuine Makeup Looks Making a Comeback in 2024

The 90s had a distinct, bold approach to beauty that many of us still remember fondly: frosted lips, dramatic eyeliner, and that signature matte finish. Now, more than two decades later, the beauty world is embracing the nostalgic simplicity and laid-back vibe of 90s makeup. But here’s the twist: these 90s-inspired looks are being reimagined for 2024 with a focus on natural, fresh-faced beauty.

If you’re ready to channel your inner 90s icon, read on to discover how these classic trends are making their way back into the spotlight — but with a modern twist.

1. Matte Skin, But Make It Fresh

One of the standout features of 90s makeup was matte skin. Remember those perfectly powdered faces and no-glow, no-shine foundations? Well, it’s back, but this time, the focus is on achieving a soft, velvety matte finish that looks natural rather than heavy.

How to do it:

• Start with a good skincare routine to ensure your skin is prepped and hydrated. This will allow your foundation to glide on smoothly.
• Choose a lightweight matte foundation or a tinted moisturizer with a soft matte finish. The key is to find a product that doesn’t dry you out or look cakey.
• Set with a light dusting of translucent powder to control shine throughout the day, especially in your T-zone.

The goal is to create a balanced, polished complexion that looks effortlessly fresh — not overdone.

2. Brow Definition Without Over-Shape

The 90s brought us thinner, more defined brows (think Pamela Anderson or Drew Barrymore), and while those pencil-thin brows have mostly been replaced by fuller, natural shapes in recent years, the era’s influence is still felt today.

In 2024, it’s all about enhancing your natural brows without overdoing it. Instead of meticulously shaping or filling in every single hair, the focus is on defining the natural arch and enhancing the brow’s natural shape.

How to do it:

• Use a brow pencil or gel that matches your natural hair color, and lightly define the arches.
• Brush the hairs upwards with a spoolie for a feathery, more natural effect.
• For extra definition, you can use a clear brow gel to set them in place without the harsh, sculpted look.

3. Soft, Smoky Eyes Without the Drama

The 90s were famous for bold, smoky eyes, often with deep browns, blacks, and grays. But for 2024, we’re dialing it down. Think more soft, diffused shades that create a sultry yet wearable look, rather than the harsh, heavy black eyeliner and shadow we saw in the past.

How to do it:

• Opt for neutral shades like soft taupes, warm browns, or even a muted gold to create a more natural smoky eye.
• Instead of heavy eyeliner, apply a soft brown or dark taupe shadow along the lash line to define the eyes without it looking too stark.
• Use a fluffy blending brush to ensure everything blends seamlessly, avoiding harsh lines.
• Finish with a coat or two of mascara for a voluminous, yet natural lash look.

The smoky eye of today is all about subtlety, focusing on depth and definition, not intensity.

4. Muted Lips: Think Brown, Beige, and Rose Tones

In the 90s, the lip trend was all about shades of brown and nude — from deeper, chocolatey tones to softer beige pinks. While we’ve cycled through bold lip colors and glosses in recent years, 2024’s twist on this trend is about achieving a balanced, “your lips but better” look.

How to do it:

• Choose lip shades that are close to your natural lip color but with a touch of warmth or depth. Think beige, rose, or soft terracotta shades.
• Instead of a glossy finish, lean into matte or satin formulas for a more understated look.
• For extra definition, use a lip liner that’s a shade or two darker than your natural lips to subtly outline and plump the shape.

This trend is all about natural, long-wearing lips that feel modern while still giving a nod to the 90s.

5. Bronzed Cheeks for a Sun-Kissed Glow

While contouring wasn’t a thing in the 90s, a soft bronzed glow was definitely on the radar, thanks to stars like Jennifer Lopez and the supermodels of the era. But unlike the sharp, sculpted contours of today, the 90s bronzer was all about warmth and a sun-kissed flush.

How to do it:

• Sweep a bronzing powder or cream along the high points of your face — cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of your nose.
• Choose a bronzer that’s a few shades deeper than your skin tone but still has a warm, natural undertone.
• Use a light hand and blend well for that sun-kissed glow that looks like you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation.

You don’t need to contour — just aim for a natural, healthy glow that enhances your bone structure.

6. Natural Lashes (No Falsies Required)

Forget the over-the-top, dramatic lashes of the past — this year, it’s all about emphasizing your natural lashes for a more subtle, flirty look. While 90s beauty was known for the mascara-fueled lashes, the approach today is a little more restrained and less about the volume and more about lifting and separating.

How to do it:

• Choose a lengthening mascara with a good wand that separates the lashes for a feathery, fluttery effect.
• Focus on applying mascara to the roots and tips of your lashes, and if you want a little extra volume, build up the layers.

This is the modern take on the 90s mascara look — clean, simple, and gorgeous.

Final Thoughts: Natural, Nostalgic, and Timeless

The 90s makeup trends have always had a place in our hearts, but in 2024, they’re getting a fresh, modern update. It’s less about perfecting each detail and more about embracing your natural beauty while still giving a nod to those beloved 90s icons.

The best part? These trends are versatile, easy to achieve, and most importantly, flattering for all skin tones and types. So if you’re looking for a new beauty routine that feels both nostalgic and modern, these 90s-inspired makeup looks might just be the perfect place to start.