Between jelly sandals, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-inspired fashion and statement cord necklaces, it feels like the ‘90s are officially back. But let’s be honest, this iconic decade has never really left us. But it’s undeniably more evident in 2026. And if there’s one nineties category that made the biggest mark this year, it would certainly have to be beauty. More specifically, ’90s makeup looks are making a huge comeback this year, with some of the biggest trends being those we saw dominate almost four decades ago.
Now, we know that makeup trends come and go, especially in the age of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, but there’s just something about a ‘90s makeup look that feels timeless, fitting right into the current zeitgeist without a second thought. Of course, there are trends that, as a makeup minimalist, would have had me running in the opposite direction: body glitter, bright blue eyeshadow and face gems, to name a few. But luckily for me, the it-girl-approved ‘90s makeup trends making a comeback in 2026 remain chic, timeless and, most importantly, feel extremely wearable.
Below, I’ve rounded up the seven key ‘90s makeup aesthetics that are set to dominate 2026. From playful pops of colour 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 looks trends that are making a comeback in 2026, plus the best beauty buys available so that you can get the look at home.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
We can’t talk about ’90s makeup without talking about a bold red lip. Unlike in the current day and age, when it’s often paired with equally eye-catching smoky eyeshadows and statement blushes, in the ‘90s it was all about keeping the rest of the face pared-back and minimal, so as to let the lips do the talking (pun intended).
MERIT Beauty
Signature Lip Blush in September
Dior
Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999
If you haven’t already invested in this iconic shade, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
L’Oréal Paris
Infallible Laque Resistance in 415 Red Club
This stuff has unrivalled staying power.
Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red
Red Carpet Red is a slightly deeper red that works on all skin tones.
Nyx Professional Makeup
Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam
I’d pair this pretty bold hue with a black lip liner and clear gloss on top.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Vivid eyes, cheeks and lips were certainly all the rage in the ’90s, and I can see why. These playful colour pops take a makeup routine from basic to elevated, and although I’m not ready to go all out with the trend, this pretty pinky-purple look on Naomi Campbell is slowly convincing me to try it out.
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Chanel
Multi-Use Eyeshadow in 232 Lilas Poudre
This lighter lilac hue will blend in seamlessly with your nude, brown or black eyeshadow.
I own about five of the Refy lip glosses already, but this pretty pink hue is calling to me.
Fenty Beauty
Killawatt Highlighter in Wattab!*%#
The colour! The sparkle! The packaging! There’s so much to love about this Fenty highlighter.
Benefit
Benetint in Raspberry
This is cult favourite for very good reason, and it now comes in this bold raspberry hue.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Cream Glide Lip Liner in Plum & Get It
A creamy, long-lasting lip liner for under £5? Sign me up!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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 in the form of everything from lipsticks to eyeshadows to highlighters, this icy makeup trend perfectly balances feeling cool and classic.
M.A.C Cosmetics
Frost Lipstick in Plum Dandy
HAUS Labs
Optic Intensity Eco Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Titanium Shimmer
This comes in eight other eye-catching (no pun intended!) shades.
Rodial
Blush Drops in Frosted Pink
This works on all skin tones.
Stila
Heaven’s Hue Highlighter
Stila’s Heaven’s Hue highlighter is having a resurgence on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram at the moment.
Sephora Collection
Special Effects Multichrome Foil in 03 Opal Shift
This pretty colour-shifting shadow immediately went into my basket.
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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 plenty of products that give that blurring effect without sucking out every bit of moisture from the skin. So, I’m ready to give this long-lasting, sophisticated look a try.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Water Powder Serum
Simply apply this to the oiliest parts of your face for makeup that lasts all day.
NARS
Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
There are 46 shades to choose from in NARS’ new natural-matte longwear foundation.
One/Size
On ’til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
I swear by this stuff in the summer months.
Dior
Forever Skin Wear Foundation
I have dry skin, but this blurring Dior foundation applies smoothly without looking flaky or patchy.
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte
Another setting spray that stays in my makeup rotation throughout spring and summer.
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I’m not trying to brag, but I’ve been rocking the dark lip liner trend since I was a young teen. Between ultra matte blacks, cool-toned browns and deep burgundy hues, this is a trend that I can guarantee will never date.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Lip Definer in 06
Charlotte Tilbury
Lip Cheat Contour Duo in Deep
Morphe
Signature Lip Pencil in Sweet Tea
If you have a paler skin tone, this light brown shade would be perfect.
M.A.C Cosmetics
Lip Pencil in Caviar
My go-to lip liner shade for evenings out.
rhode
Peptide Lip Shape in Flex
Rhode’s peptide lip shade is creamy, blendable and effortlessly contours the lips.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you have thin eyebrows as I do, then you’ll be pleased to know that the ultra-thin brow trend, championed by the likes of Victoria Beckham, is officially back for 2026.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Babyblade Eyebrow Pencil
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Powder Duo
It doesn’t get more ’90s than a brow powder.
Ilia Beauty
In Frame Brow Gel
All the reviews praise this gel for keeping your brows in place all day—and they should be believed.
Maybelline
Build-A-Brow Pen
Out of all the brow products I’ve tried, I’d say this creates the most realistic illusion of hair.
Labyrinxel
Eyebrow Stencil Kit
This brow stencil is hands free!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For those more formal occasions, there’s nothing quite like a smokey eye. Although this mesmerising eyeshadow look has technically never stopped trending, I, for one, will be taking a cue from the likes of ‘90s icons such as Cindy Crawford and recreating this more subtle look for summer evenings out.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Mini Sultry Eye Shadow Palette
One of my go-to palettes.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Satin Kajal Liner in Black
Rabanne
Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Back to Black
Just look at that smokey-grey shimmer!
Makeup By Mario
Master Mattes Cream Eyeshadow
For a softer smokey eye, opt for this deep brown hue.
Rimmel
Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil
This under-£5 find has been my everyday eyeliner for years.