Nothing Beats '90s Makeup, and These Lipstick Trends Are Making a Serious Comeback

We all know that '90s beauty trends were elite. From blue eyeshadow to grungy eyeliner and matte skin, everything about that period is iconic. Whenever I ask anyone what their favourite era of makeup is, they all agree that nothing beats the '90s.

However, something I've noticed lately is that a lot of these '90s makeup trends are actually having a revival, especially when it comes to lipstick. There are so many different lipstick trends that defined this era, and I've seen almost every single one pop up on my Instagram feed in the last few months.

Gwen Stefani wearing red lipstick in the '90s

(Image credit: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor)

The stars all sported red lipstick back in the '90s.

If you're not familiar with these '90s lipstick trends, then let this be your guide on how to wear these retro styles in 2024. From matte red lipstick to dark lip liner and even frosted finishes, there are so many ways to add a '90s feel to your makeup look while still keeping things fresh and modern.

Brandy wearing frosted lipstick in the '90s

(Image credit: Getty Images Vinnie Zuffante / Stringer)

Frosted lips were a big '90s trend.

Whether you like your makeup to be bright, bold or subtle, there is a '90s lipstick trend to suit everyone. So, without further ado, keep on scrolling for some of the biggest comeback lipstick looks of the season, and get ready to embrace your inner '90s child in new ways this summer...

1. Dark Lip Liner

@selenagomez wearing dark lip liner

(Image credit: @selenagomez)

Dark lip liner is definitely having a revival this summer. If you didn't know, this trend was huge back in the '90s. Stars could always be seen sporting a dark brown lip liner with a lighter lipstick or lip gloss in the centre, helping to make the liner stand out even more.

@bellahadid wearing dark lip liner

(Image credit: @bellahadid)

To make this trend feel a little more modern, you can make the contrast look a lot more subtle just like Bella Hadid above. Here, she's used a nude lip liner that is slightly darker than her natural lip colour, and blended it into the rest of her lipstick for a seamless finish.

Get the Look:

2. Frosted Lips

@anaasmood wearing frosted lip gloss

(Image credit: @anaasmood)

The '90s was all about that frosted finish, from eyeshadow to nail polish and even lipstick. This shiny, reflective formula almost gives a pearlescent effect, and is so fun for the summer months.

@fridacashflow wearing frosted lip gloss

(Image credit: @fridacashflow)

The trick to making this lipstick trend more wearable is to opt for a frosted gloss that perfectly compliments your skin tone.

Get the Look:

3. Matte Red Lipstick

@tylynnnguyen wearing matte red lipstick

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Whenever I want to make a statement with my makeup, I opt for a matte red lip. I remember my mum wearing these lipsticks all the time back in the '90s, and I used to love stealing them from her bathroom shelf and trying them on in my bedroom mirror.

@nnennaechem wearing bright red lipstick

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

In 2024, it's all about playing with different shades of red to find out what suits you best. This summer, I'll be going for more coral-toned reds to keep my look as bright as possible.

Get the Look:

4. Glossy Finishes

@zendaya wearing lip gloss

(Image credit: @zendaya)

Yep, I know lip gloss is huge right now, but this trend was an even bigger deal in the '90s. I had so many different tubes of colourful, fruity-flavoured glosses back in the day, but luckily for me, these formulas have come a long way in the last few years.

@emrata wearing lip gloss

(Image credit: @emrata)

These days, there are so many sophisticated shades available that come with hydrating, high-shine finishes.

Get the Look:

5. Nude Tones

@haileybieber wearing nude lipstick

(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Nude lipstick was big in the '90s, with lots of brown and beige hues being seen on the red carpet. Thanks to the classy, timeless finish, this lipstick trend is just as big today.

@tylynnnguyen wearing nude lipstick

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

There are so many different ways to wear this trend, from matte lipstick formulas to nude lip glosses and more.

Get the Look:

Explore More:
Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.