Between jelly sandals, Caroline Bessette-Kennedy-inspired fashion, and statement cord necklaces, it looks like the ’90s are officially back. But let’s be honest, this iconic decade was never In fact left us. But it is undeniably more evident in 2026. And if there’s any category from the nineties that’s made the biggest mark this year, it’ll definitely be beauty. More specifically, the ’90s makeup look is making a huge comeback this year, with some of the biggest trends being the ones we saw dominate nearly four decades ago.
Now, we know makeup trends come and go, especially in the age of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, but there’s something about a ’90s makeup look that feels timeless, fitting into the current era without a second thought. Of course, there are some trends that, as a makeup minimalist, would have steered me in the opposite direction: body glow, bright blue eyeshadow, and gems on the face, to name a few. But lucky for me, this ’90s It-girl-approved makeup trend is making a comeback in 2026 that feels chic, timeless and, most importantly, extremely wearable.
Below, I’ve compiled seven key makeup aesthetics from the ’90s that are set to dominate in 2026. From playful pops of color that are perfect for the upcoming summer season, to the dark lip-liner trend that’s taken TikTok by storm, keep scrolling to see the ’90s makeup look trends that are making a comeback in 2026, along with the best beauty buys so you can get the look right at home.
1. Statement red lips
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We can’t talk about ’90s makeup without talking about bold red lips. Unlike the present day and age, when it is often paired with equally striking smoky eyeshadow and statement blush, in the 90s it was all about keeping the rest of the face light and minimal, letting the lips do the talking (pun intended).
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2. Color Pop
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Glitter eyes, cheeks and lips were definitely very popular in the 90’s and I can understand why. These playful color pops take a makeup routine from basic to elevated, and although I’m not ready to go completely all out with this trend, this pretty pinky-violet look Naomi Campbell is slowly convincing me to try it.
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3. frosted
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With “cold-girl makeup” one of TikTok’s latest obsessions, it should come as no surprise that the frosty aesthetic is making a comeback this year. Available as everything from lipsticks to eyeshadows to highlighters, this icy makeup trend perfectly balances cool and classic feels.
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4. Ultra-matte
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As someone with extremely dry skin, I’ve always been skeptical about recreating the ultra-matte bases that dominated the mid-90s. However, there are now a number of products that give a blurring effect without sucking even the slightest moisture from the skin. So, I’m ready to try this long-lasting, sophisticated look.
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NARS
Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
NARS’s new natural-matte longwear foundation has 46 shades to choose from.
5. Dark lip liner
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I’m not trying to brag, but I’ve been into the dark lip liner trend since I was a young teenager. Between ultra matte black, cool-toned brown, and deep burgundy shades, this is one trend I can guarantee will never go out of style.
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6. Very thin eyebrows
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If you have thin eyebrows like me, you’ll be happy to know that the trend of ultra thin eyebrows, Victoria Beckham is officially back for 2026.
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Ilya Beauty
in frame brow gel
All the reviews praise this gel for keeping your brows in place all day—and they have to be believed.
7. Smoky eye
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For those more formal occasions, there’s nothing like a smokey eye. Although this mesmerizing eyeshadow look has technically never stopped trending, I, for one, will be learning from ’90s icons like Cindy Crawford and recreating this more subtle look for summer evenings.
