The Ultimate 90s Lip Look: How to Master the Era's Most Iconic Beauty Trend For 2025

The 1990s gave us grunge music, slip dresses, and perhaps most memorably, some of the most distinctive makeup looks in beauty history. From brown-toned matte lips to frosted glossy finishes, 90s lip makeup was all about making a statement that was both effortless and edgy. Today, this nostalgic trend has made a major comeback, with celebrities and beauty influencers embracing the decade's signature lip styles.

The Defining Features of a 90s Lips

The 90s lip aesthetic was characterized by several key elements that set it apart from other decades. Unlike the bold reds of the 80s or the nude glosses that would dominate the 2000s, 90s lips were all about muted tones with attitude.

Brown and Nude Undertones: The decade's most iconic shades ranged from deep chocolate browns to lighter taupes and beiges. These earthy tones complemented the minimalist fashion of the era and created a sophisticated, understated look that remains timeless and is still the basis of a neutral makeup today in 2025.

Matte and Semi-Matte Finishes: High-shine glosses took a backseat to velvety matte and semi-matte textures. This finish gave lips a modern, editorial quality that photographed beautifully and lasted longer than traditional glosses.

Precise Application: 90s lip looks were meticulously applied, often with lip liner that matched or was slightly darker than the lipstick. The goal was clean, defined edges that created the perfect lip shape.

Iconic 90s Lip Moments

Several beauty moments from the 90s have become legendary references for this lip trend. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss frequently sported deep brown lipsticks on runways and magazine covers. Meanwhile, celebrities like Janet Jackson and Halle Berry popularized the look in mainstream media, making it accessible to women everywhere. The makeup artist Kevin Aucoin optimised the 90s makeup look with his perfectly applied matte makeup looks on everyone from Supermodels to singers.

The grunge movement also played a significant role in shaping 90s lip trends. Musicians and their fans embraced darker, more dramatic shades that complemented the era's alternative fashion aesthetic.

The tone of the lipstick will either make or break your look.

How to Create the Perfect 90s Lip Look For 2025

Step 1: Prep Your Lips

Start with smooth, well-moisturized lips. Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub or soft toothbrush to remove any dead skin, then apply a thin layer of lip balm. Allow it to absorb before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Choose Your Shade

The key to authentic 90s lips is selecting the right colour family. Look for shades that fall into these categories:

Deep Browns: Think chocolate, espresso, or mahogany tones

Warm Taupes: Mushroom, greige, or warm beige shades

Berry Browns: Plum-brown hybrids that add subtle warmth

Nude Browns: Lighter brown-toned nudes that enhance your natural lip colour

Step 3: Line and Define

Use a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade or is one shade darker. Start by outlining your natural lip shape, paying special attention to creating clean, precise lines. The 90s look favors a slightly overlined upper lip to create fuller-looking lips without going overboard. To achieve this go over your cupids bow slightly with the lipliner.

Step 4: Fill and Blend

Apply your lipstick using a lip brush for the most precise application. Start from the centre of your lips and work outward, ensuring even coverage. For an authentic 90s finish, blot once with a tissue and reapply for longer-lasting colour.

Step 5: Perfect the Finish

For a true matte finish, lightly dust translucent powder over your lips using a small brush. This technique, popular among 90s makeup artists, helps set the colour and creates that coveted velvety texture.

Patrick Ta
Line the lip and keep the lipliner defined not to blended

.

Modern Interpretations of 90s Lips

While staying true to the original aesthetic, today's interpretation of 90s lips often incorporates modern techniques and formulas. Contemporary liquid lipsticks offer the matte finish and longevity that 90s makeup artists achieved through layering and setting techniques.

Many beauty brands now offer "90s-inspired" collections featuring updated versions of classic brown and nude shades. These modern formulas include moisturizing ingredients and improve staying power while maintaining the authentic colour profiles of the original trend.

Styling Your 90s Lip Look For 2025

The beauty of a 90s lips lies in their versatility. This look pairs beautifully with minimal eye makeup – think defined brows, neutral eyeshadows, and a touch of mascara. The lips should be the focal point, so keep other makeup elements understated.

For a complete 90s-inspired look, consider pairing your lip colour with other trends from the decade: dewy, natural-looking skin, thin brows (though perhaps not as thin as the original trend), and subtle contouring.

Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone

Fair Skin Tones: opt for lighter taupe’s, warm beiges, or berry-browns that won't overpower your complexion.

Medium Skin Tones: Rich chocolates, deeper taupe’s, and warm browns will complement your natural undertones beautifully.

Deep Skin Tones: Embrace the darkest shades in the 90s palette – deep browns, plums, and rich berry tones that enhance your natural beauty.

The Lasting Appeal of 90s Lips

The enduring popularity of 90s lip looks speaks to their sophisticated simplicity. In an era of bold, Instagram-ready makeup trends, there's something refreshing about the understated elegance of a perfectly applied brown lip.

This trend represents more than just a beauty moment – it embodies an attitude of confident minimalism that resonates with modern sensibilities. The 90s lip look proves that sometimes the most impactful beauty statements are also the most effortlessly wearable.

Whether you're looking to add some nostalgic flair to your everyday makeup routine or want to experiment with this timeless trend, 90s lips offer the perfect balance of edge and elegance. With the right shade and technique, you can master this iconic look and make it uniquely your own.