’90s Supermodel Hair & Makeup Never Go Out of Style—Here’s How to Achieve the Look

’90s supermodel hair and makeup have lasting appeal. Decades later, the superstar’s appeal continues to inspire people, appearing on mood boards and TikTok. Naomi’s dramatic lips, Cindy’s voluminous hair, Linda’s sleek chin-length bob, and Christy’s fresh, flawless skin each embody the era’s signature beauty.

fashion magazine The Most ’90s-Inspired Beauty Picks

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No, it’s not just fleeting nostalgia that fuels lasting appeal. Every few years, media trends announce like clockwork that the ’90s aesthetic is back. In fact, the decade’s appeal has never really gone away—my own Pinterest board has been growing since I was a teenager, which is a testament to its lasting influence.

Professional makeup artist Ash K. Holm says, “Overall, this look focuses on a balance between bold and natural, emphasizing certain features while maintaining an effortless elegance,” and in many ways, this still holds true in 2026. Here, we break down the fundamentals of supermodel beauty look and why it has timeless appeal. From heavy pops to matte looks, here’s how to style yourself.

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90s supermodel makeup

“90s glamor was an interesting time for makeup, having just exited the ‘more is more’ era of the ’80s that featured heavy blush and bold neon colors, ’90s makeup evolved into fresh, lighter skin tones, more subtle yet impactful lip lines, matte colors, and a wearable playfulness not seen in makeup before,” celebrity makeup artist Taylor Chanel said of the era. As makeup artist Sean Harris puts it, the look is sophisticated, impactful, yet androgynous. Fresh minimalism, warmed by bronze sculptures, contrasts with bright colors and dazzling flashes. Kevyn Aucoin, Matu Andersen, Sam Fine, Pat McGrath, Bobbi Brown and François Nars are among the trendsetting artists who create unforgettable looks that have graced countless runway shows, ad campaigns and superstar faces.

To modernize a look for the 21st century, Holm recommends starting with brown and smoky tones (hello latte looks!) and then injecting a hint of drama. “There is an indescribable quality to this look that always evokes a sense of seduction and captures the true glamor of this makeup era,” she said.

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