The 90s saw the birth of the supermodel and with it the obsession with the model off-duty look—one that hasn't slowed in over 30 years.
From Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Cindy Crawford to Bella Hadid, our muses over the years may have changed, but the desire to emulate their energy has gone nowhere—and now we're right back where we started as the 90s model-off-duty makeup look makes its way back to the mainstream.
If your inspiration boards are full of backstage shots from your favorite fashion houses' shows, this minimal no-makeup makeup look is a great one to recreate. Makeup artist Lila Childs shared exactly how to achieve the look.
Speaking to Newsweek, Childs, who called the look her "favorite kind of no makeup makeup", said: "I love this style of makeup because I think it's what we're moving toward—a more natural satin or matte skin finish rather than an overly dewy look.
"Not only is it a beautiful, timeless, and universal look, but it's going to be more long-lasting and suitable for warmer weather due to the use of mattifying products. It's worth noting that matte does not mean cakey, think of it as a blurred or airbrushed finish."
How To Get 90s Model Off-Duty Look
1. Time to prime
Childs uses two types of primer to ensure a flawless base that will stay all day. The makeup artist uses a blurring formula on the perimeter of the face, and a smoothing primer to prep her T-Zone.
She explained, "Use thin layers of product on specific points of the face rather than thick layers on top of one another. It's going to make the look more skin-like and maintain the natural effect we're going for."
2. Use a matte satin finish
For her foundation, Childs selected a stick product from her collection and used a dense blending brush to evenly disperse the product.
As for why she chose the stick foundation, the choice came down to the formula giving the perfect blend of dewy and matte, as she explained, "just because it has a really nice kind of matte satin finish."
3. Bright undereye, always
The undereye area is a key element of achieving the look. "We almost want our under eyes to give flashback," Childs said. So grab your best brightening concealer ready for this one!
Childs applies the product under her eyes, as well as around the nose and on the chin and forehead before blending with a small brush.
4. Backstage blush
To get the flushed look of a model racing between runways during fashion week, choose a red-toned blush that she blends "all across the cheekbones and across the nose".
Childs adds depth by using a deeper toned product towards the perimeter of her face, which she layers "over top of the and a little bit above the brows".
5. Get bronzed
The next step is an element lifted from Moss. Childs shared, "I love how Kate Moss' forehead always looks kind of tanned."
She used a contour stick on the forehead, blending with a brush and then using the excess on her cheekbones. Explaining why this look uses less bronzing product than we're used to in 2024, Childs said, "The center of your face should still pull really bright."
6. Get set for on set
To set the bright undereye and T-Zone, Childs uses a small fluffy brush with a light loose powder, ensuring she doesn't apply the product too heavily.
The soft approach to the application allows the skin's natural texture to show through the makeup. She explained, "You want to keep that natural aspect to your skin."
Childs told Newsweek: "Be sure to let your cream complexion products sit so they have a chance to self-set before going in with powder. You'll end up using less powder this way and will avoid any patchiness."
7. Brushed brows
Thin brows reigned supreme during the 90s, so don't take too much time trying to get the fluffy, laminated look we're used to. Instead, just brush your brows to keep them neat and in place.
8. All about the eyes
When it comes to the eyes, keep it neutral with muted brown tones for both shadow and liner.
After curling her eyelashes, Childs took a cool toned brown shadow, buffed through the lid and crease, as well as under the lower lash line. She then goes in with a dark brown liner on the upper and lower lash line, softening with a blending brush.
To finish, take a pale shadow shade to the brow bone and inner corner for added brightness and apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes.
9. Line those lips
Pick your blush back up to create the perfect base for a 90s pout, before defining the shape using a darker lip liner. Tap with your finger to blur any harsh lines.
10. Faux freckle effect
To complete this barely-there makeup look, add in some faux freckles using a freckle pen, or improvise with a brown liner or some eyeshadow and a steady hand.
After applying the freckles, layer some powder blush on top to set the product.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Lollie is Newsweek's Beauty and Self Care Reporter based in London, U.K. In her role, she covers a range of ... Read more
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