Bust out the platforms and get ready to line those lips because the beauty world is revisiting the ‘90s and Y2K! Whether it’s on your favorite influencer, those effortlessly chic off-duty models, or that one ultra-glamorous girl in your neighborhood, we know you’re seeing loads of updated retro makeup looks this season. If you’re ready to hop on the trend, we’ll help you set your beauty time machine to some of the brightest, boldest looks of the last few decades.
5 Hair and Makeup Throwbacks We Love Today
1. Bold Brows
Statement-making brows were all the rage in the ‘90s, and the trend is back with a vengeance. Thin, sculptured brows were the look of choice, and today’s trendsetters are toning down the fluffy arches of the 2010s in favor of a sleek, groomed look. If you’re brave enough to give this look a whirl, definition is the name of the game, thanks to our Bushy Brow Pen and Bushy Brow Gel. No more sparse areas or ruffled hairs, just clean lines.
2. Smooth Skin
Let’s get one thing straight: all skin types are beautiful. And there are a few key looks from the ‘90s that are all about having a healthy complexion. The au natural girl next door look is sweet and timeless—and totally low-maintenance. Get that youthful vibe with clean skin and some faux freckles.
Going glam for the evening? Then it’s time to reach for the matte foundation. This luxe look makes the rest of your makeup the main event.
Looking ahead to the turn of the millennium, it’s all about dewy skin. Get that futuristic glow with a cream highlighter. Don’t be afraid to play with pops of pink and lavender—Y2K beauty is all about imagination and optimism!
3. Enticing Eyes
The easiest way to create bold retro makeup looks is with a little help from your eye and face palettes. From the earthy mattes of early ‘90s grunge to the attention-grabbing brights and shimmers of Y2K style, there are countless ways to tap into old-school glam. Go for a sultry smokey eye with smudged gray and black shades, superstar shimmer in romantic pinks and reds, or a cyber-chic metallic look in silver and gold.
Can’t get enough of the funky avant-garde look? Carefully placed face gems will draw extra attention to your eyes for a playful yet edgy style. Keep the rest of your eye makeup minimal, with only a flick of eyeliner and a coat of mascara for definition.
4. Lush Lips
Kissable lips are a must, no matter the decade. Getting caught with chapped, dry lips that lack luster? As if! The fiercest throwback makeup looks call for dark, vampy shades that draw the eye toward that perfect pout. Think rich burgundy, dark brown, and deep mauve. Our Lunar Eclipse Velvetine Lip Trio from our Holiday makeup collection contains three gorgeous shades sure to impress.
You can also pull off ultra-trendy ‘90s makeup looks every day when you start with a dark brown lip liner and fill them in with your perfect nude shade and a swipe of juicy lip gloss.
5. Hello, Hair!
Back in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, the girlies weren’t the least bit shy when it came to hip and happening hair. In fact, hair accessories were commonplace during these dope decades—the more, the better! Aside from the iconic butterfly clips of the day, the coolest babes were showing off bold highlights and hidden panels and sparkling hair tinsel for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it flash of color.
Our Unicorn Hair Full-Coverage semi-permanent dye and Unicorn Hair Tints can help you achieve the look of your vintage dreams, whether it’s the perfect pop of pink or a moody, artsy indigo. Not ready to commit to a whole new vibe? Our new Unicorn Hair temporary color lets you enjoy hot hues and easy cleanup.
Everything old is new again, so have fun bringing back your favorite ‘90s and Y2K trends. We can’t wait to see the spin you put on these iconic lewks. Tag us on Instagram and keep watching on TikTok for the latest and greatest beauty ideas.
