How to Do '90s Hollywood Makeup
The secret to this look is steering clear of over-the-top colors and focusing on earth tones and matte finishes. After the colorful, shimmery world of the '80s, the '90s were a much more toned-down, monochromatic yet bold transition. My advice: always keep a brown lip liner, a nude matte lipstick, and a gray-black eye pencil in your makeup bag. The matte textures in the Alix Avien collection will be your biggest help in capturing that famous "velvety" finish of the era.
How to Get Fuller Lips With a Brown Lip Liner: 3 Expert Tips
The signature of the '90s is definitely the lip contour. You haven't really done this look until you have framed your lips. When choosing an Alix Avien lip liner, go for a brown or plum shade at least two shades darker than your skin tone.
Strategic Framing: When applying the liner, add fullness by drawing just slightly outside the very center of your lips (your Cupid's bow and the center of your bottom lip). As you get toward the corners, stay true to your natural lip line, or you'll lose that balanced, professional look.
Soft Blending: Don't just leave the line as it is once you have drawn it. Use a brush or your finger to gently blend the liner inward so it melts into your lipstick; you'll get a softer, more modern haze instead of a harsh line.
Matte and Glossy Balance: After applying your Alix Avien nude matte lipstick, dab a drop of gloss right in the center of your bottom lip to get those famous "supermodel" lips.
Important Note: If your lipstick wears off only in the center after a meal, that's not a big problem with the '90s look; since the lip liner keeps the frame in place, touching up is much easier.
Which Techniques Should You Use for Matte, Smooth Skin?
Back then, completely flat, matte skin was in style. But today, you know you need to avoid that heavy "mask" effect. Before applying your Alix Avien foundation, moisturize your skin really well. Even when going for a matte finish, we don't want your skin to dry out and settle into lines.
Be careful with powder, though. A light touch under your eyes, around the sides of your nose, and in the center of your forehead is all you need. Never make the mistake of applying stark white concealer under your eyes; it makes you look more tired and artificial in photos. When it comes to blush, I recommend avoiding pink or peach shades and defining your cheekbones with bronzer or earth-toned Alix Avien blushes instead.
How to Create a Grunge Effect With Smoky Eye Makeup
That mysterious "partied for hours" look of the '90s is actually one of the easiest techniques to pull off. Apply your Alix Avien black eye pencil casually over your eyelids and smudge it with your fingertips; don't aim for perfection here, because the messier it is, the more "grunge" it looks. Don't be afraid to line your waterline with black pencil, since it adds depth to your gaze. Finish the dramatic effect by layering on your Alix Avien mascara. If your eye makeup smudges a little more during the day, that's not a mistake for the '90s look, it's an advantage; just tidy it up lightly with your finger and go on with your day.
Are Thin Brows Making a Comeback? What You Need to Know
We all shudder a little when we remember those super-thin, string-like brows. This trend, associated with Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss, has been spotted on runways again lately, but I definitely don't recommend ruining your brows with tweezers. Instead of filling in your brows with Alix Avien brow products, simply brush them lightly to keep their shape. To bring a '90s vibe while keeping your natural brows, try setting them outward rather than upward.
When you think of the '90s, those famous brown lips, smoky eyes, and smooth complexion makeup probably come to mind. Naomi Campbell's sharp runway features and Pamela Anderson's iconic smoky eyes are making a comeback in street style today. As a makeup expert, I can tell you this look isn't just about nostalgia; applied with the right techniques, it brings out your facial features incredibly well. I'll walk you through in detail how you can modernize this iconic style with Alix Avien products and how to keep it looking fresh in real life (especially after those famous dinners).
Which Alix Avien Products Should You Use for '90s-Style Matte, Smooth Complexion Makeup?
Quick answer: To capture that velvety '90s skin look, the duo of Alix Avien matte-finish foundation and setting powder is a must. After moisturizing your skin, apply the foundation with patting motions, and dust powder only on your T-zone to prevent shine.
In the '90s, completely flat, matte skin was in style, but today you know you need to avoid that heavy mask effect. Before applying your Alix Avien foundation, always moisturize your skin really well. Even when going for a matte finish, we don't want your skin to dry out and settle into lines.
Be strategic with powder. A light touch of Alix Avien powder under your eyes, around the sides of your nose, and in the center of your forehead is all you need. Never make the mistake of applying stark white concealer under your eyes; it makes you look more tired in photos. When it comes to blush, I recommend avoiding pink or peach shades and defining your cheekbones with earth-toned Alix Avien bronzers or blushes instead.
How to Do '90s Lip Makeup With a Brown Lip Liner and Nude Lipstick
Quick answer: Frame your lips with an Alix Avien brown lip liner, fill them in with a skin-toned matte lipstick, and dab a drop of gloss right in the center. This trio will give your lips a plump volume, as if you'd had lip filler.
How much darker should your lip liner be than your lipstick? For the best result, make sure your liner is 1-2 shades darker than your lipstick.
How do you make your lip outline look natural? After applying the liner, soften the harsh line by gently blending it inward with your finger.
How do you refresh your lip makeup after a meal? Just touch up the lipstick in the center and reapply your Alix Avien gloss; the lip liner frame keeps things in place.
How Should You Smudge an Alix Avien Eye Pencil for Hazy, Smoky Eyes?
Quick answer: Apply an Alix Avien black or brown eye pencil along your upper and lower lash lines, then smudge it with a brush to create a "grunge" effect. Finish the look by layering on Alix Avien mascara to deepen your gaze.
That mysterious "partied for hours" look of the '90s is actually one of the easiest techniques to pull off. Apply your Alix Avien black eye pencil casually over your eyelids and smudge it with a brush; don't aim for perfection here, because the messier it is, the more "grunge" it looks. Don't be afraid to line your waterline with black pencil, since it adds depth to your gaze.
If you want a more sophisticated '90s effect, you can try Alix Avien matte eyeshadows in blue or gray shades. Blue eyeshadow was very popular back then; to modernize it, I recommend using it only along the lash line instead of sweeping it over the whole eyelid.
How to Try the '90s Thin-Brow Trend Without Damaging Your Brows
Quick answer: Define your brows as a thin line with an Alix Avien brow pencil, but never pluck them with tweezers. Brush your brows outward rather than upward to get that signature arched look.
Do thin brows suit every face shape? No, brow shape should always be adapted to a person's facial features and bone structure.
How should I apply brow pencil? Draw a straight, sharp line along the bottom of your brow and keep the top softer; this gives more of a "'90s" feel.
Quick '90s Hollywood Makeup!
Prep: Buff away dead skin from your lips with an Alix Avien lip exfoliator and apply a moisturizing base.
Complexion: Apply Alix Avien matte foundation all over your face and set shiny areas with powder.
Eyes: Apply Alix Avien black eye pencil along your lash lines and smudge it to create a smoky effect.
Contour: Shade just below your cheekbones with an earth-toned Alix Avien blush.
Lips: Frame your lips with an Alix Avien brown liner, apply your nude lipstick on top, and finish with gloss.
If you want to capture those famous smoky, mysterious '90s eyes, you don't actually need complicated palettes; all you need to focus on is the right matte shades and a flawless blending technique. As a makeup expert, I can tell you that for hazy eye makeup that reflects the spirit of the era, the matte earth tones, espresso browns, and charcoal blacks in the Alix Avien collection will be your best friends. With this look, stay away from glitter and shimmer and create a "sculpted" depth with a modern supermodel attitude.
Which Eyeshadow Colors Should You Choose for '90s Hazy Eye Makeup?
Quick answer: For the '90s style, go for Alix Avien's matte taupe, mink, and dark espresso shades. To add depth to your gaze, use the matte black in your palette like a shadow along the lash line.
In this era, eye makeup became much more minimal and understated as a reaction to the over-the-top colorful world of the '80s. When choosing your Alix Avien eyeshadows, you can start by applying a matte shade close to your skin tone as a base across your entire eyelid. Then, add a soft "V" shape with matte brown at the outer corners of your eyelids to create that famous lifted, hazy effect.
Don't forget: To capture the '90s "grunge" style, apply Alix Avien black eye pencil along your lash line and smudge a dark eyeshadow over it for that slightly messy yet alluring look.
How Do You Modernize Blue Eyeshadow in Smoky Eyes?
Blue eyeshadow was one of the boldest but also riskiest trends of the '90s; it usually showed up in pastel, "frosted" shades. If you want to try this trend today with your Alix Avien products, instead of painting your entire eyelid ice blue, try using a darker matte blue only along the lash line like an eyeliner, or blending it softly into your smoky makeup. That way, you get that nostalgic vibe without the risk of looking dated.
What Should Your Eyeshadow and Pencil Combination Look Like for Deep, Intense Eyes?
In '90s hazy makeup, you often see eyeliner used heavily not just on top of the eye but underneath it too. After applying Alix Avien eye pencil along both your lower and upper lash lines, soften the edges with a matte eyeshadow to give your gaze that smoky, "smoldering" effect. This technique is also the foundation of the "heroin chic" and "mob wife" aesthetics that make your gaze more dramatic and mysterious.
That rebellious, free-spirited, and mysterious '90s "grunge" spirit has taken over everywhere today, from the runways to street style. If you're tired of the overly polished "clean girl" aesthetic and want to add some depth and character to your gaze, modern grunge is made for you. As a makeup expert, I can tell you the secret of this style is creating "perfect imperfection." Let's talk step by step about how to capture this hazy, dramatic effect with Alix Avien products without looking dated.
How to Do Modern Grunge Eye Makeup With Alix Avien
Quick answer: For modern grunge eyes, apply Alix Avien black eye pencil along your upper and lower lash lines and smudge it with a brush. Then sweep a matte earth-toned eyeshadow over it to soften harsh lines and add depth to your gaze.
Grunge makeup, associated with Courtney Love and Kate Moss in the '90s, is known for those messy black eyeshadows that sometimes looked like you'd "partied for hours." In the modern version from 2024 onward, though, we apply that messiness in a more sophisticated, controlled way. Instead of the chalky or frosted eyeshadows of the past, velvety, matte textures now take center stage.
Which Alix Avien Eye Pencil Should You Choose for Smoky, Smudged Eyes?
'90s smoky eye makeup (the smokey eye) is the cornerstone of this style. You can start with a soft-textured black or dark brown eye pencil from the Alix Avien collection.
Framing: Apply the pencil generously along both your upper and lower lash lines, and even on your waterline. Heavy eyeliner under the eye is very characteristic of the '90s.
Smudging Technique: After applying the pencil, blend it outward with a blending brush before it has a chance to set. If a harsh line is left behind, lightly dampen your brush and soften the edges like a "magic eraser."
Modern Touch: If black feels too harsh, go for an Alix Avien brown pencil for a "softer" grunge aesthetic.
What Are the Secrets to Adding Depth With Matte Eyeshadows?
In grunge makeup, stay away from glitter and shimmer as much as possible; our focus is on matte finishes. Alix Avien's matte taupe, mink, and espresso shades are tailor-made for this.
"V" Effect at the Outer Corner: Create a "V" shape at the outer corner of your eyelid with a dark matte eyeshadow to draw your gaze up and out. This instantly gives your eye shape a model-like attitude (the supermodel look).
Transition Shades: Instead of applying a single color, blend Alix Avien's different brown shades into each other to create a "gradient" smoke. You shouldn't be able to tell where the colors end; they should practically melt into your skin.
Using Blue Eyeshadow: Wearing the famous frosted blue eyeshadows of the '90s today can be risky. But you can modernize this trend by using a dark matte blue eyeshadow only as a shadow along the lash line.
How Do You Soften the "Heroin Chic" Effect With Under-Eye Shadows?
The "heroin chic" trend, popular in the early '90s, was known for pale skin and those dark circles under the eyes. When adapting this effect to everyday life today, you need to be a little more careful. Try not to take the Alix Avien eyeshadow you apply under your eyes too low; otherwise your gaze may look not "mysterious" but simply "tired."
Makeup Expert Tip: If you line your waterline with black pencil and finish your makeup with just mascara, you can get that "rebellious" look that was a favorite among young people back then.
How Should You Apply Mascara for a Dramatic Lash Effect?
The finishing touch of grunge eye makeup is always intense lashes. Seal the look by layering your Alix Avien mascara on both your lower and upper lashes. Instead of separating your lashes one by one, a slightly more voluminous, "clumped" look (spider lashes), like back then, better serves the grunge spirit.
Don't worry if you make a mistake once your makeup is done. You can gently clean up the edges with Alix Avien concealer and a flat brush; but remember, part of the spirit of this makeup lies in being a little "messy."
Frequently Asked Questions About '90s Hollywood Makeup
What is the main philosophy of '90s Hollywood makeup, and how does it differ from today?
'90s Hollywood makeup is a discipline built on "matte" and "earth tones," moving away from the over-the-top color palette of the '80s. Its main difference is using the same color family (monochromatic) across every area of the face (skin, eyes, and lips) and favoring "powder-finish" textures. Today, this style is being modernized with matte products that have a more hydrating base, avoiding the heavy mask effect.
How do you prevent the "mask effect" when doing matte, smooth complexion makeup?
To modernize the completely flat, matte skin of that era, moisturize your skin intensely during prep and use a makeup primer. Instead of applying foundation all over your face in a thick layer, press it with patting motions only into the areas that need it. Limit powder to strategic areas that get shiny, like under the eyes, the sides of the nose, and the center of the forehead (the T-zone), rather than your whole face.
How do you frame "supermodel" lips with a brown lip liner?
For a natural yet full look, your lip liner should be at least 1-2 shades darker than your lipstick. Go slightly outside your natural line at the very center of your lips (the Cupid's bow and the center of the bottom lip), but stay true to your own lip line as you reach the corners. To soften the harsh line, blend the liner inward with a brush or your fingertip so it melts into your lipstick.
What are the secrets to creating a '90s "grunge" effect in eye makeup?
The grunge effect is a mysterious, far-from-perfect gaze that looks like you have "partied for hours." Apply a black or brown eye pencil casually along your lash lines and smudge it into a hazy finish with a brush. Line your waterline with black pencil to add depth, and layer on mascara for dramatic volume. In this style, messiness isn't a mistake; it's part of the look.
How can you try the thin-brow trend without damaging your brows?
Instead of permanently thinning your brows with tweezers, you can create a '90s illusion with makeup. Rather than brushing your brows upward, set them outward and slightly downward to give them an arched shape. By drawing a straight, sharp line along the bottom of your brow and keeping the top more diffused, you can make your brows look thinner and more arched than they are.
How should blush and contour be used in '90s makeup?
In the '90s, brown and earth tones that define the cheekbones were favored over bright pink or peach blushes. Instead of applying blush right on top of the cheeks, apply it just below the cheekbones to add shadow and give the face a sharper, more defined structure.
How do you refresh '90s makeup in everyday life?
The biggest advantage of this makeup is its staying power. After a meal, since the lip liner keeps the frame in place, touching up the lipstick in the center is enough. If your eye makeup smudges during the day, you can refresh the smoky effect by gently blending it with your fingertip. If you get shiny, a light touch of powder on your T-zone is all you need.
How do you modernize blue and gray eyeshadows in '90s style?
To modernize the popular blue and gray matte eyeshadows of the '90s, instead of applying them across the entire eyelid, use these colors as a line along the lash line or as a transition shade in your smoky eye makeup. That way, you capture a retro vibe without compromising a modern look.
Should I Apply a Primer Under My Eyeshadow for Grunge Eye Makeup?Yes. Evening out your eyelid with a primer or a skin-toned concealer, especially so your Alix Avien eyeshadows last all day without creasing, helps the smoky effect blend more cleanly.
Does Black Eye Pencil Make My Eyes Look Smaller?Black pencil on the waterline makes the eye look smaller but more "defined" and "rebellious." If you want your eyes to look bigger, you can concentrate the pencil along the outer lash line and apply more nude shades to the inner part.
Which Lipstick Should I Pair With This Makeup?The best companion to the grunge style is definitely '90s brown lips. You can pull the look together by framing your lips with an Alix Avien brown lip liner and filling them in with a matte lipstick.
How to Do Modern Grunge Makeup in 5 Steps
Base: Create a smooth base with Alix Avien matte foundation.
Frame: Apply black eye pencil along your lash lines and smudge it upward with a brush.
Depth: Apply a matte brown eyeshadow to your crease and blend it with the black.
Lower Lashes: Carry the smoky effect from the top down along your lower lash line too.
Finish: Seal your look by layering on Alix Avien mascara.