90s Supermodel Makeup Tutorial

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Sculpted matte base

   Step 1 of 6

   Apply a medium-coverage matte or satin foundation. The 90s look is about skin that looks polished, not dewy. Set with a fine translucent powder, focusing on the T-zone and under-eyes.

   Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge for a skin-like finish—avoid the fully cakey look some 90s tutorials create.

2. 2

   Sculpt the cheekbones

   Step 2 of 6

   Apply a cool-toned contour shade in the hollows of the cheeks, blending upward toward the temples. This is the signature of the look—sharp, defined cheekbones. Add a touch of bronzer across the forehead and jawline.

   Tip: Use a small, angled brush for precise placement in the cheek hollows. Blend with a clean fluffy brush.

3. 3

   Warm neutral eye

   Step 3 of 6

   Apply a warm taupe or light brown matte shade across the lid and crease. Deepen the outer V with a darker brown. Keep the look soft and blended—the 90s eye was warm and diffused, not sharp or cut.

4. 4

   Smudged brown liner

   Step 4 of 6

   Line the upper lash line with a brown or dark brown pencil liner, then smudge slightly with a small brush. Add a thin line on the lower waterline or outer third of the lower lash line. The look is smoky but soft—not graphic.

5. 5

   Strong brows

   Step 5 of 6

   Fill brows to a slightly thicker, more defined shape than your natural brow. The 90s brow was groomed but strong—not thin or overly arched. Use light, hair-like strokes and set with a clear gel.

6. 6

   Brown lip liner with nude lip

   Step 6 of 6Almost done!

   Line the lips with a brown or warm nude lip liner, slightly overlining the cupid's bow for a fuller shape. Fill the lips with liner, then apply a nude or warm-toned matte lipstick. Blot and reapply for a long-lasting, velvety finish.

   Tip: MAC Spice or a similar warm-brown liner is the iconic 90s lip liner choice.