The 1990s were a transformative decade for fashion, music, and beauty. The rise of supermodels, grunge culture, and pop icons like Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and the Spice Girls left an indelible mark on the beauty industry. When it comes to 90s makeup, eyeshadow played a central role in shaping some of the most memorable and eclectic looks.
From the earthy tones of the grunge aesthetic to the shimmering pastels of pop stars, 90s eyeshadow trends were all about experimenting with color, texture, and technique. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the defining eyeshadow looks of the 90s, how they influenced modern makeup, and how you can recreate these nostalgic styles today.
The Key Elements of 90s Eyeshadow
The 90s was a decade of contrasts, and this was evident in the eyeshadow looks of the time. There was a movement away from the bold, dramatic eyeshadow looks of the ’80s, giving way to softer, more defined eye makeup. However, some iconic 90s looks pushed boundaries with vibrant colors and bold shapes. Let’s break down the major elements that defined 90s eyeshadow:
1. Matte and Smoky Tones
The 90s were dominated by matte finishes, with glossy or shimmery eyeshadow taking a backseat. Smoky eyes became a classic look, not just for evening wear but also for daytime makeup. Matte shades like browns, taupes, and charcoal grays were frequently used to create depth and dimension.
- Grunge: One of the most notable 90s trends was the grunge look, characterized by dark, smudged eyeshadow, often in matte browns, purples, and blacks. This style was all about looking effortlessly “undone,” with eyeshadow applied in a messy, lived-in way.
- Neutral Tones: Earthy, neutral tones like browns, tans, and taupes were essential for creating a natural yet defined eye. These shades were ideal for creating soft, smoldering eyes that enhanced the natural shape of the eyelid.
2. Darker, Defined Creases
The crease was a focal point in 90s eyeshadow application. Unlike today’s trend of blending shadows all over the lid, eyeshadow in the 90s was more sculpted. Darker tones were applied to the crease, creating a more defined eye shape. This technique added depth and made the eyes appear more almond-shaped or elongated.
3. Bold Liner
Eyeliner was often as bold as the eyeshadow itself. Whether it was a thick black line or a softer brown smudged into the lash line, eyeliner played a central role in defining the eyes. It was common to pair smoky eyes with black eyeliner on both the top and bottom waterlines, creating a dramatic, all-encompassing eye look.
- Smudged Liner: A hallmark of 90s makeup, smudged liner gave eyes a more lived-in and relaxed appearance. This technique worked particularly well with the grunge look, where precision was less important than achieving an edgy, rock-inspired vibe.
- Feline Flicks: In contrast to the grunge look, some pop stars like Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez popularized a more precise, winged liner look that defined the 90s’ “clean glam” aesthetic.
4. Pastels and Brights for Pop Stars
Pop music was booming in the 90s, and so were bold, fun eyeshadow looks. While neutral tones and matte finishes dominated the grunge scene, bright colors and metallic pastels took center stage for pop and dance music stars.
- Metallic Shades: Pop stars like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls often wore metallic eyeshadow in shades like silver, lavender, and pastel pink. The reflective quality of these eyeshadows gave their eyes a fun, almost futuristic glow.
- Neon Colors: Neon greens, pinks, and blues were popular for clubbing looks and music videos. This bright and vibrant aesthetic was synonymous with the high-energy pop culture of the 90s.
5. Soft, Smoky Undereyes
While today’s trends often emphasize crisp, defined lower lash lines, the 90s favored a softer, smudged under-eye look. Dark eyeliner and eyeshadow were often used to gently smoke out the lower lash line, blending seamlessly with the upper lid to create an overall sultry vibe.
6. Shimmer and Glow
While matte was a dominant texture in the 90s, shimmer still had a place in eyeshadow looks—especially for special occasions or evening wear. Shimmer was often applied to the inner corners of the eyes to create a bright, awake look, or to the center of the lid for a pop of dimension.
- Shimmery Highlights: A light shimmer or frost was often added to the inner corners or directly beneath the brow bone to highlight and lift the eyes. This soft sheen added just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming the matte shadows.
Iconic 90s Eyeshadow Looks to Recreate
The beauty of 90s eyeshadow lies in its variety, with looks ranging from understated to bold and edgy. Here are some of the most iconic 90s eyeshadow trends and how to recreate them today:
1. The Grunge Look
The grunge aesthetic was defined by musicians like Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, but it wasn’t just for rockers—it influenced fashion and beauty everywhere.
How to Achieve It:
- Lid: Apply a matte, dark brown or mauve color over the lid.
- Crease: Use a deep plum, charcoal, or black to define the crease, blending it upward for that messy, smudged look.
- Eyeliner: Line your top and bottom waterlines with a dark eyeliner, and smudge it with a brush for a lived-in effect.
- Mascara: Apply a generous amount of mascara to finish the look. You can even add falsies for extra drama.
2. The Pop Star Look
Think Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, and J.Lo—the 90s pop stars loved metallics, glitters, and bright colors.
How to Achieve It:
- Lid: Use metallic pastel shades like lavender, light pink, or baby blue to cover the lid.
- Crease: Add a soft taupe or peach shade to the crease for definition.
- Inner Corners: Apply a white or champagne shimmer in the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and open up the eyes.
- Lower Lash Line: Line the lower lash line with a soft brown or pastel eyeliner for a pop of color.
3. The Brown and Nude Look
This classic 90s look was all about earthy tones and minimalism.
How to Achieve It:
- Lid: Apply a neutral brown or taupe eyeshadow all over the lid.
- Crease: Use a slightly darker brown or mocha shade to define the crease.
- Liner: Line the top and bottom lash lines with a soft brown eyeliner.
- Mascara: Keep mascara subtle for a clean, fresh look.
4. The Metallic Glam Look
For evenings out or special occasions, metallic eyeshadows were all the rage. Think of those sleek, futuristic glam vibes seen on TV and in music videos.
How to Achieve It:
- Lid: Choose a metallic color like gold, silver, or bronze and apply it to the lid.
- Crease: Deepen the crease with a matte shade in a similar tone, like a warm brown or plum.
- Inner Corners: Highlight the inner corners with a touch of shimmer for extra brightness.
- Liner: Line the eyes with black liquid eyeliner and smudge the lower lash line for a more dramatic effect.
5. The Soft Smudged Look
Soft, smudged eyeshadow was a signature of the 90s, often worn by models like Kate Moss.
How to Achieve It:
- Lid: Apply a soft matte brown or beige across the lid.
- Crease: Smudge a darker brown or charcoal gray into the crease, blending well for a soft, smoky effect.
- Eyeliner: Apply a pencil eyeliner along the lash lines and use a brush or your finger to smudge it out.
- Lower Lash Line: Smudge a little bit of the same brown or gray eyeliner under the lower lashes to create a cohesive smoky look.
Modern Takes on 90s Eyeshadow
While the 90s eyeshadow looks were iconic in their own right, they have seen a resurgence in recent years. Today, we can update these looks with a modern twist while still staying true to the essence of 90s beauty.
- Pop of Color: Modern-day influencers have revived the bold, colorful eyeshadow of the 90s, but with updated techniques. Bright neon shades can be worn with more subtle eyeliner or a soft wing to balance out the boldness.
- Eyeliner Update: While the 90s were known for smudged liners, today’s makeup artists often use eyeliner more precisely, such as creating winged or graphic eyeliner paired with 90s-inspired eyeshadows.
- Glitter and Gloss: The return of high-gloss lids and glitter shadows has brought the 90s’ fun, metallic looks into the modern-day. You can experiment with glossy eyeshadow or glittery accents to add dimension without overwhelming the eyes.
Conclusion: Recreating 90s Eyeshadow Looks Today
The 90s were a pivotal decade for makeup, and its eyeshadow trends are still relevant today. From grunge-inspired smoky eyes to pop star metallics, 90s eyeshadow looks offered a unique blend of edgy, glam, and fun styles. Whether you’re aiming for a soft brown nude look, a smoky grunge effect, or a metallic pop star moment, there’s a 90s eyeshadow look to suit every occasion and style.
By incorporating modern techniques and products, such as cream eyeshadows, long-wear liners, and shimmery finishes, you can effortlessly recreate these nostalgic looks while adding a contemporary twist. So go ahead, channel your inner 90s diva, and bring back those iconic eyeshadow moments.