90s Alt Makeup: Looks & Tutorials

The 90s were a defining decade for alternative culture, and makeup was no exception. 90s alt makeup embraced a grungy, rebellious, and unapologetically individualistic aesthetic. It was a time of experimentation with dark eye shadow, bold lips, and an emphasis on grunge-inspired textures and styles. This article delves into the world of 90s alt makeup, exploring iconic looks, offering tutorials, and providing a glimpse into the history and trends that shaped this iconic style.

The Rise of 90s Alt Makeup: A Cultural Revolution

The 90s were a period of significant cultural shifts, marked by the rise of grunge music, alternative fashion, and a rejection of mainstream trends. This rebellious spirit manifested in makeup, with a focus on individuality and self-expression. 90s alt makeup was a reaction against the polished, idealized beauty standards of the time. It was a celebration of imperfections, an embrace of the raw and the real, and a statement of defiance against societal norms.

Key Elements of 90s Alt Makeup:

Dark Eyeshadow: The defining feature of 90s alt makeup was the use of dark eye shadow. Black, charcoal, plum, and navy were popular choices, applied heavily across the lid and blended up towards the crease for a dramatic, smoky effect.
Black Eyeliner: Black liner was essential for creating a dramatic, edgy eye. Think thick lines, winged flicks, and smudged eyeliner for a grunge-inspired look.
Pale Skin: The pale complexion was another key element of 90s alt makeup. Think natural skin with minimal foundation, just enough to even out the skin tone.
Statement Lips: While many opt for muted lips, others embraced bold statement lips in dark shades like black, burgundy, brown, or even bright colors like green or blue.
Texture & Finish: The textures of 90s alt makeup leaned towards a matte or shimmery finish, avoiding overly shiny or dewy looks.

Iconic 90s Alt Makeup Looks:

The Grunge Look: Think dark, smudged eyeliner, black eyeshadow, and pale, minimal foundation. A grunge-inspired lip might be bare or a dark, matte lipstick.
The Goth Look: This look emphasizes dark, moody eye makeup, often with intense black eyeshadow and thick black eyeliner. It's paired with pale skin and often a bold, dark lipstick.
The "Heroin Chic" Look: This controversial look, popularized by the fashion industry in the mid-90s, emphasized a pale, washed-out complexion, dark circles, and a generally lifeless appearance.
The "Clueless" Look: While not strictly alt, the "Clueless" look, with its bright pink lips, shimmery eyeshadow, and pastel shades, tapped into the 90s trend of playful color and bold statement makeup.
The "The Craft" Look: The film "The Craft" (1996) featured a range of powerful, feminine, and often dark and dramatic looks, inspiring a generation of makeup enthusiasts.

90s Alt Makeup Tutorials:

Grunge Makeup Tutorial:

Start with skin prep: Cleanse, moisturize, and apply a light, natural-looking foundation.
Eyeshadow: Apply a dark, matte eyeshadow, such as black, charcoal, or dark brown, across the entire eyelid, blending towards the crease.
Eyeliner: Use a black liquid liner to create a thick line along the lash line. Smudge the liner for a more grunge-inspired look.
Mascara: Apply a generous coat of black mascara to the top lashes.
Lips: Choose a nude lip color or a dark, matte lipstick.

Goth Makeup Tutorial:

Prepare the skin: Apply a light foundation or concealer to even out the skin tone.
Eyeshadow: Use a dark, matte eyeshadow like black or deep purple to create a smoky eye. Blend the color across the lid and into the crease.
Eyeliner: Apply a thin, precise black liner to the upper lash line. You can also add a touch of liner to the lower lash line.
Mascara: Apply multiple coats of black mascara to the top lashes.
Lips: Complete the look with a bold, dark lipstick in a color like black, burgundy, or deep plum.

The Craft-Inspired Makeup Tutorial:

Base Makeup: Apply a light foundation or concealer to obtain a pale, even complexion.
Eyeshadow: Select a dark, rich eyeshadow color like deep brown, purple, or black. Apply the shadow heavily across the lid.
Eyeliner: Use a black liquid liner to draw a dramatic cat eye or a winged liner.
Mascara: Apply black mascara to the top lashes.
Lips: Choose a bold, deep lip color, such as dark red, berry, or chocolate brown.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What tools and techniques did you use for 90s alt makeup? The tools were simple: eye shadow brushes, eyeliner brushes, and mascara wands. Blending was key to creating a soft, diffused look.
What are the best 90s alt makeup products? Many drugstore and high-end brands offer products suitable for 90s alt makeup. Look for matte eyeshadow palettes, black eyeliner, and mascara.
How can I make my 90s alt makeup look modern? Add a touch of color by using brighter eyeshadow shades like green, blue, or purple. A subtle shimmer in the center of the lid can also create a modern twist.
Is 90s alt makeup still relevant today? Absolutely! Modern iterations of the 90s alt makeup look have become popular, with brands and influencers incorporating dark palettes, bold colors, and a grunge-inspired attitude into their makeup routines.
What are some popular 90s alt makeup influencers? Many makeup artists and influencers have revived the 90s alt makeup look, incorporating modern techniques and product choices.

Conclusion:

90s alt makeup was a powerful expression of individuality and rebellion. It was a rejection of mainstream beauty standards, a celebration of imperfection, and an embrace of the raw and the real. While the decade has passed, the influence of 90s alt makeup remains relevant today, inspiring modern makeup trends and encouraging a sense of self-expression through beauty. So, if you're looking for a bold, edgy, and undeniably cool makeup vibe, dive into the world of 90s alt makeup. Experiment with dark eyeshadows, bold lips, and grunge-inspired techniques to create your own unique statement.

Call to Action: Want to learn more about vintage makeup trends? Follow us on social media for more articles, tutorials, and historical beauty insights.