The ‘90s and its major style trends have been back in a big way for several years now — everything from platform sandals to plaid skirts to dark vampy lipsticks has come back into fashion, and we have that throwback decade to thank. While certain elements of ‘90s style will probably never be back in vogue again (at least not for a long time), you can still add a bit of ‘90s flavor to your look for fall.
We asked Aveda Global Artistic Team members Ian Michael Black and Janell Geason to share their favorite ways to bring the ‘90s back to your beauty look, whether it’s an update to your current hair color or go-to makeup look, and they delivered. Channel your inner grunge girl or pop star without looking like you’re caught in a time warp — here’s how.
Spice up your color. “For those who wish to brighten things up, one of the biggest trends is ginger hair color,” says Ian Michael Black, Global Artistic Director for Hair Color. He loves the many facets of the color, from soft pastel “stained” blondes to bright gold to a hint of ginger in your brunette base.
Another nod to the ‘90s that Ian loves? Add a flash of color through a section of hair. “In the ‘90s those big stripes were placed on the top of the head. Keep the inspiration but keep it up to date; work a strong flash through the under layers of your hair to give you your own signature statement piece.”
Update throwback trend shades. When it comes to your makeup routine, look to trendy shades of the past and give them a new life in a more modern way. Janell Geason, Global Artistic Director for Makeup, rocked her fair share of brown tones in the ‘90s, so she knows her way around the comeback shade. “The way to make a brown lip look more modern is to make it look matte and to keep the rest of the skin clean, glowy and healthy. Otherwise, it looks dated and your skin can look dead.” Her picks? Feed My Lips lipstick in the deep brown Cacao Bean and the taupe Bronzed Pecan.
“For a matte look, apply powder to your lips before your lipstick, then add a little on top too,” Janell recommends. You can also use lip liner all over your lips; she likes rich brown Chestnut and soft brown Loomi.
Blue eyeshadow and liner are another ‘90s trend Janell is ready to see make a comeback — with a more classic, elegant edge, of course. “Blue has a bad rep but it’s really cool,” she says. “Update the blue shadow look by doing it just as eyeliner to keep it looking sophisticated.”
If you’re feeling the late ‘90s vibes, you may be reaching for body glitter a la the biggest pop stars of the era. “Now, we use glitter on lips and upgrade it with an eco-friendly formula,” Janell says. (She and her team love the eco-chic biodegradable glitter brand Universal Soul.) It’s a little more elegant than the pop star look of the past, but you’ll still be the center of attention.
