Between jelly sandals, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-inspired fashion and statement cord necklaces, it feels like the ‘90s are officially back. But let’s be honest, this iconic decade has never really left us. But it’s undeniably more evident in 2026. And if there’s one nineties category that made the biggest mark this year, it would certainly have to be beauty. More specifically, '90s makeup looks are making a huge comeback this year, with some of the biggest trends being those we saw dominate almost four decades ago.

Now, we know that makeup trends come and go, especially in the age of TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, but there’s just something about a ‘90s makeup look that feels timeless, fitting right into the current zeitgeist without a second thought. Of course, there are trends that, as a makeup minimalist, would have had me running in the opposite direction: body glitter, bright blue eyeshadow and face gems, to name a few. But luckily for me, the it-girl-approved ‘90s makeup trends making a comeback in 2026 remain chic, timeless and, most importantly, feel extremely wearable.

Below, I’ve rounded up the seven key ‘90s makeup aesthetics that are set to dominate 2026. From playful pops of colour that are perfect for the upcoming summer season to the dark lip-liner trend that’s taken TikTok by storm, keep scrolling to see the ‘90s makeup looks trends that are making a comeback in 2026, plus the best beauty buys available so that you can get the look at home.

1. Statement Red Lip

We can't talk about '90s makeup without talking about a bold red lip. Unlike in the current day and age, when it's often paired with equally eye-catching smoky eyeshadows and statement blushes, in the ‘90s it was all about keeping the rest of the face pared-back and minimal, so as to let the lips do the talking (pun intended).

Shop the Trend:

2. Colour Pop

Vivid eyes, cheeks and lips were certainly all the rage in the '90s, and I can see why. These playful colour pops take a makeup routine from basic to elevated, and although I’m not ready to go all out with the trend, this pretty pinky-purple look on Naomi Campbell is slowly convincing me to try it out.

Shop the Trend:

3. Frosted

With “cold-girl makeup,” one of TikTok's latest obsessions, it should come as no surprise that the frosty aesthetic is making a comeback this year. Available in the form of everything from lipsticks to eyeshadows to highlighters, this icy makeup trend perfectly balances feeling cool and classic.

Shop the Trend:

4. Ultra-Matte

As someone with extremely dry skin, I’ve always been skeptical about recreating the ultra-matte bases that dominated the mid-90s. However, there are now plenty of products that give that blurring effect without sucking out every bit of moisture from the skin. So, I’m ready to give this long-lasting, sophisticated look a try.

Shop the Trend:

5. Dark Lip Liner

I’m not trying to brag, but I’ve been rocking the dark lip liner trend since I was a young teen. Between ultra matte blacks, cool-toned browns and deep burgundy hues, this is a trend that I can guarantee will never date.

Shop the Trend:

6. Ultra-Thin Brows

If you have thin eyebrows as I do, then you’ll be pleased to know that the ultra-thin brow trend, championed by the likes of Victoria Beckham, is officially back for 2026.

Shop the Trend:

7. Smoky Eye

For those more formal occasions, there’s nothing quite like a smokey eye. Although this mesmerising eyeshadow look has technically never stopped trending, I, for one, will be taking a cue from the likes of ‘90s icons such as Cindy Crawford and recreating this more subtle look for summer evenings out.

Shop the Trend:

Ah, the '90s. An era defined by MTV, halter-neck tops, and more boy bands than we care to count. Some of our absolute favorite pop culture moments were born out of this decade, and when we think back on it, we can't help but relish in the wonderfully wild '90s hairstyles. And with the boom of the Y2K trend that we've seen over the last few months, it seems we're not the only ones who are feeling a little nostalgic.

From messy buns to a broad selection of fringes, and, of course, butterfly clips galore, there was something special about the hair trends from this time. The It girls of the era, such as Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, and Gwen Stefani, were serving up enough inspiration to carry us right into the following decade.

If you're as nostalgic as we are, then you'll love this roundup of the 20 most quintessentially '90s hairstyles we would low-key wear today. We might get some strange looks, but hey, we'll never shy away from an adventurous beauty look. Keep reading for our favourites.

20 of the Best '90s Hairstyles

1. Tiny Twists

The only thing that could make this style more '90s is a mini clip placed at the end of these tiny twists. This half-rolled hairstyle, also dubbed "picture-day hair" by the primary school set, ruled the decade.

Shop the look:

2. The Winona Pixie

The subtle layers and laid-back styling made this pixie cut an instant hit when Winona Ryder debuted it in the late '90s.

Shop the look:

3. Micro Braids

No one rocked micro braids quite like Brandy Norwood. This was her signature hairstyle on her hit TV show Moesha as well as in her real life.

Shop the look:

4. Bumped Bob

The soft curl added to this classic bob adds an interesting element to the hairstyle. Shown here on an angelic-looking Angelina Jolie, this spin on the bob would make us do a double take if we saw it walking down the street today.

Shop the look:

5. Feathered Fringes

There was a period of time when it seemed like every TV character was sporting these voluminous, feathered fringes. From D.J. Tanner to Kelly Bundy and, of course, Tiffani Thiessen's Saved by the Bell character, Kelly Kapowski, these bangs were the mark of a cool girl.

Shop the look:

6. Claw Bangs

On the other end of the fringe spectrum were these claw bangs, defined by face-framing, peekaboo pieces.

Shop the look:

7. Teeny Double Dutch Pigtails

This easy hairstyle screams '90s. Britney Spears fashioned her short haircut into two messy plaits fastened on the ends with elastics and just enough hair peeking out of the bottoms for a playful 'do.

Shop the look:

8. The Flip

From the pencil-thin eyebrows to the dark lipstick and the leopard-print collar, this photo of our queen Drew Barrymore is like a time capsule into the '90s. Her flipped hair (and those enamel hair clips) is another huge clue as to which decade we're looking at.

Shop the look:

9. Bedazzled Bandanas

Okay, so in all fairness, this photo was taken in the year 2000. But it's important to call out here because it exemplifies the influence that '90s hip-hop had on style and culture well into the decade that followed. J.Lo's bedazzled bandana accentuating her braided hairstyle is proof.

Shop the look:

10. Jumbo Box Braids

Janet Jackson's braids circa Poetic Justice were (and still are) a legendary look. The addition of this newsboy cap solidifies it as one of our favourite looks of hers.

Shop the look:

11. Butterfly Clips

Stefani wasn't afraid to push the envelope when it came to hair. But here, we see her adopting a trend that took hold of just about every '90s girl: the infamous butterfly clip. It was such a thing.

Shop the look:

12. Shortest Possible Platinum Pixie

Jada Pinkett Smith showed us plenty of short haircuts in the '90s, but this bleach-blonde, barely there cut was one of our faves.

Shop the look:

13. The Hilary Banks

Everything about The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a perfect representation of '90s life, but nothing compares to Hilary Banks's perfectly coiled coif, which she'd often top with a statement hat or oversize bow to tie her ensemble together.

Shop the look:

14. Messy Bun + Wispy Tendrils 

Don't be fooled by the name: The messy bun could be a super-chic look. Paltrow proved this point on a '90s red carpet, where she kept with the undone theme by letting some face-framing curls hang loose.

Shop the look:

15. The Rachel

Do we even need to explain? Didn't think so.

Shop the look:

16. The Sky-High Pony

Leave it to supermodel Tyra Banks to claim even more height with this sleek high pony. The flipped curl and swooshed bang add that much more '90s flair.

Shop the look:

17. Antennae

Nineties girls were all about an undone look, as evidenced by the trend of leaving just two straight strands of hair out in the front of an otherwise polished style.

Shop the look:

18. Two Braids

In an era marked by plenty of grungier looks, this almost childlike style really stood out. Note the clipped bangs as well.

Shop the look:

19. Chunky Highlights

Apparently subtlety just wasn't in style in the '90s. Kelly Rowland's highlights, coupled with her choppy cut, were clearly meant to stand out.

Shop the look:

20. Scrunchies

Scrunchie madness was such a defining trend of the '90s. They were perfect for securing any kind of ponytail or even just wearing around one's wrist like a bracelet. You know, just in case.

Shop the look:

This story was originally posted on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.