The 1990s were a transformative period for personal style, marked by a significant departure from the bouffant hair, red lipstick, and power suits that defined the 1980s. This era was characterized by a new wave of fashion icons, including Jennifer Aniston, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who inspired us with their effortless charm.
The 1990s were also the heyday of supermodels like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and the Supers, while glam grunge brought an edgy cool to everyday beauty. It’s no wonder that brides are drawing inspiration from this iconic era for their big day. With 90s nostalgia having taken over social media, we’re seeing its influence in everything from wedding dresses to flowers.
Famous brides like Nicola Peltz have channeled the hair and beauty looks of the 1990s with great success, giving us a modern twist on these timeless styles. Here, we’ll explore how you can incorporate the best of the 90s into your bridal look and add a touch of magic to your special day.
90s Hair & Makeup Looks for Brides
A visual journey through time, featuring two iconic supermodels – Naomi Campbell from 1990 and Hailey Bieber from 2023. The accompanying makeup look features a palette of neutral tones, with a focus on defining the shape of the lips. A range of products were used to achieve this look, including NYX Line Loud lipliner, Chanel Rouge Allure L’Extrait, and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat.
Overlined Lips in Brown
The overlined brown lip, a staple of the 90s, has made its comeback in a modernized form. Unlike the pin-thin brow trend, which thankfully hasn’t returned, the revamped version of this retro look is here to stay. The 1990s saw Bobbi Brown pioneer the neutral brown lipstick range, catering to all skin tones and resulting in an instant sell-out at Bergdorf Goodman.
Fast forward to today, and the trend has evolved into a more subtle yet striking combination of nude lipsticks and slightly overlined, darker lip liners. Achieving this look requires finding the perfect semi-matte finish – think lipstick that strikes a balance between matte and glossy. To get it right, imagine MAC’s Powder Kiss Lipstick or Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick, both showcased at Yves Saint Laurent’s 1996 PFW show.
Glossy Red Lip
The effortless beauty of 90s icons like Witherspoon, Moss, and Aniston lies in their ability to effortlessly transition from a night out to a morning after. Their rosy cheeks and natural makeup look were not just a one-time affair but a lingering glow that remained throughout the evening. This trend, which saw flushed cheeks and a glossy red lip become the hallmark of a successful night out, has evolved over time to incorporate modern techniques and products.
To achieve this look in today’s context, consider pairing a soft-filter demi-matte lipstick with a lip stain or long-wear formula applied with your ring finger. A little balm added for comfort can further enhance the overall effect. For an even greater impact, opt for opaque lipstick with a powder-like finish that appears soft and natural.
We’ve explored this trend in more depth in our guide to the best long-wear lipsticks for brides.
The iconic beauty looks of Cameron Diaz (1994) and modern interpretations can be seen in photos by Getty: Richard Quinn LFW 2023.
Pretty Pastel Shadow
The 90s blue pastel shadow trend, popularized by style icons like Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Drew Barrymore, has evolved to incorporate rich, vibrant hues. Today’s take on the trend features bold washes of lilac, mauve, antique gold, and pink. To recreate this look for a modern wedding, pair it with waterproof mascara or wispies to emphasize the outer lash line, resulting in a delicate and ethereal appearance.
For added longevity, use a long-wear shadow stick in your preferred pastel shade to keep your look intact throughout the day. The resurgence of this trend is evident when comparing photos from 1999 (Gwyneth Paltrow) with those from 2023 (Cara Delevingne).
Tightlined Eyes
The iconic eyeliner look of the 1990s has stood the test of time, with its versatility in creating a range of styles from soft and subtle to bold and dramatic. To incorporate this timeless trend into a modern bridal look, focus on defining the inner corner of the eye while keeping the upper lash line sharp. For added depth, use a lightly smudged pencil liner to create a sultry effect under the lower lashes.
Pair this look with natural-looking false lashes and a bold, bitten red lip for a striking and contemporary bridal aesthetic. The key is to strike a balance between classic and modern elements, resulting in a look that is both nostalgic and fresh.
Gorgeous Glowing Skin
The 1990s were the heydays of radiant skin, with many seeking to achieve that enviable glow. Fast forward to today, and self-tanning products have become an integral part of our beauty routines. From body makeup to shimmering oils, the options are endless.
For brides-to-be, planning ahead is key – whether it’s a professional spray tan or DIY approach using bronzer, highlighter, or golden tones.
Even for those with naturally pale skin, a subtle touch of color can warm up their complexion, while deeper skin tones can benefit from self-tan products to neutralize any ashiness.
It’s worth noting that if you’re new to self-tanning, a professional spray tan is often the best way to start. As seen in iconic photos like Kate Moss’s sun-kissed look in 1994 and Gigi Hadid’s radiant complexion in 2021, achieving that perfect glow requires some planning and experimentation.
When it comes to products, there are plenty of options on the market – from NARS Radiant Long-Wear Foundation to Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid and Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear. With so many choices out there, it’s all about finding what works best for your skin tone and personal style.
Natural Foundation
Textured Hair
In the 90s, having texture in hair was a defining characteristic that added an edginess to even the most glamorous red carpet looks. Today, incorporating texture into your bridal hairstyle is an effortless way to achieve a similar effect. The Boho braid or wave has become a go-to choice for brides due to its relaxed, romantic, and slightly undone nature. When paired with fresh or dried flowers, and potentially accompanied by a veil, this style offers unparalleled versatility.
For those with medium to long hair that tends to be straight, the Dyson Airwrap is an excellent tool for creating loose waves that add texture to your locks. Follow up this styling session by spritzing on some hairspray to ensure your look remains in place throughout the day. In contrast, individuals with shorter hair can utilize heat-memory spray when their tresses are damp and twist them into sections. Set the air dryer to low and medium heat, gently drying the hair as you go.
Allow the hairstyle to cool completely before gently separating the sections and securing everything in place with some additional hairspray.
90s Hairbands
The 90s-inspired statement hairband has become a staple in modern weddings, marking a significant departure from the fussy headpieces that dominated the 80s. Instead of veils, today’s brides opt for thicker, padded, and often embellished hairbands that exude effortless cool. This style is particularly well-suited to casual or second-day celebrations, offering a chic and distinctly bridal look.
The enduring popularity of this trend is evident in its ability to be worn with equal aplomb by iconic stars like Jennifer Aniston (1995) and Kaia Gerber (2021), as seen in these Getty Images.
