12 Best '90s Makeup Looks We Love

" ... Baby One More Time" is already stuck in our heads after seeing these.

By Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping

Butterfly clips, crimped hair, and outrageous style choices defined the '90s. But something we need to talk about is what our favorite actresses and singers were wearing on their faces. The best '90s makeup trends were widely adopted by the most beautiful, iconic celebrities of the time. From Britney and Christina to every member of Destiny’s Child, bold eyeshadows and overdrawn lips were just a couple of the popular '90s makeup ideas. Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, and Reese Witherspoon also have their fair share of epic makeup looks from back then.

And while we definitely copied them, we’re not so sure we were making the best choices with these '90s makeup looks. Before we knew about contouring and lip kits, it was all about having the glossiest lips and thinnest eyebrows possible. Our preferences and styles have certainly evolved since then, but it’s always nostalgic and fun to look back on the good ol’ days. Whether you’re preparing for a wild '90s dress-up party or want to show your kids why mom was wearing blue eyeshadow 20+ years ago, we have all the evidence you need. So, now that you’ve been warned, prepare for the most iconic makeup looks of the '90s. 

1 

Angeline Jolie

Blue eyeshadow was seen on any and every celeb back then, and Angelina Jolie wasn't afraid to put it all over her lids and under her brows. Typically we focus on emphasizing one part of the face, but here, she clearly couldn't pick which she wanted to flaunt most. 

2 

Britney Spears

Makeup wasn't just for your face in the '90s. As pop sensation Britney Spears showed us, body glitter was almost a requirement for shining as brightly as possible. After all, nothing goes with a bright pink tube top quite like gold body glitter. 

3 

Courtney Love

Though this is a somewhat subtle look for both Courtney and the decade itself, we can't get over how popular electrolysis was in the '90s. From the looks of her brows today, it appears she made the decision to make hers permanently thin.

4 

Drew Barrymore

The wet look made its way to the late 2010s, but we're thinking brick-brown lipstick might stay there, as one of the best '90s makeup looks. That, combined with those skinny, over-plucked brows (and the choker!) make it an iconic overall style.



5 

Destiny's Child

We're quite impressed that the girl group matched from eyeshadow to toe for this red carpet look. Showing us a variety of the best '90s makeup looks, we're still talking about that glowy, opalescent eyeshadow all four of them are wearing. 

6 

Reese Witherspoon

We can't really get over the spiky updo happening here, but Reese's makeup has a lot going on too. You can see her foundation is quite pale and her lips are that super deep, on-trend red.



7 

Tyra Banks

There are few things that are more '90s than being matchy-matchy. But Tyra took it to the next level when she wore a dress that was complemented by an almost identical shade of eyeshadow. And we hope you noticed her earrings and necklace bobbles are exactly the same. 

8 

Christina Aguilera

Lips were matching clothing too! Just look at how pop star Christina Aguilera wore a super-pigmented gloss that paired far too well with her bright pink t-shirt. 

9 

Gwen Stefani

From her tube top to neon hair, the singer simply added to her epic '90s style with a deep red lip and yes, those teeny tiny brows. We're thrilled to report that she's returned to her classic blonde locks and fuller brows since. 

10 

Jennifer Lopez

Not even the always-glam JLo could escape the cringe-worthy trends of the '90s. Here, she's rocking the ultra glossy lip and blue eyeshadow. You can tell she's proud of the look, as she decided to pull her hair back into a decade-friendly, slicked-back pony. 

11 

Mariah Carey & Brandy

We couldn't pick just one, so we had to include this photo of both Mariah and Brandy from the 7th annual Billboard Music Awards in 1996. If you look closely, you can see just how much Brandy's lip color contrasts with her accentuated lip liner.



12 

Pamela Anderson

Talk about making a statement. The actress couldn't be more '90s if she tried, with basically all the trends we've discussed going on here. With a go-to '90s hairstyle, floral hair clips, and a statement necklace, use this entire look as inspo for your next throwback party.