Celebrity makeup artist Robin Schoen shares how to bring the decade’s most memorable beauty looks into 2026.

By Robin Schoen

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Aaah, the ’90s…Flashback to when I was completely obsessed with Linda Evangelista’s ever-changing, chameleon-like beauty. I can still picture it so clearly: perfectly sculpted brows, sultry multi-toned feline eyes, and a rose-brown, fully lined lip. To me, that was the definition of sexy at that time.

Then, on the flip side, Drew Barrymore was all about prominent string-thin, dark, rounded brows (which I wouldn’t necessarily miss if they never made a comeback 😉) and deep, moody lips. At the time, it looked so sassy and rebellious, like the cool girl who was just a little bit reckless, but in the cutest way possible.

In the late ’90s, makeup trends embraced four distinct aesthetics: the bold grunge look with slept-in smoky eyes and dark matte lips; frosted and holographic makeup featuring pastel shadows, glitter accents, and glossy lacquered lips; Hollywood glamour with ultra-thin brows, black eyeliner, and deep vampy lips; and monochromatic makeup with softly coordinated tones and peachy-pink lips.

Now, in 2026, many of these retro influences are reappearing on fall/winter runways, reimagined through a modern lens. Chanel even introduced an elevated Denim Makeup Collection in spring 2026, showcasing blues, neutrals, and icy pastels with iridescent and shimmering finishes applied in a strategic, timeless, and balanced way.

Nearly any beauty trend from the past can be updated and made wearable today by selecting the elements that resonate with you and adapting them to suit your features and lifestyle.

The iconic ’90s sitcom Friends provides a perfect example. Monica’s look typically featured a matte complexion, dark thin brows, contoured eyes with black liner, and a deeper lip color, while Rachel’s was softer and more natural, with lighter, softly defined brows, matte taupe shadow, subtle liner, and a russet-cinnamon lip.

To bring these looks into the present, start with skin that appears fresh, hydrated, and radiant rather than muted and matte. Instead of thin, heavily defined brows, opt for filling in the shape and length minimally by creating with hair-like strokes from a brow pen. (My go-to is Urban Decay’s Brow Blade 2-in1 Eyebrow Pen + Waterproof Pencil.)

On the eyes, replace traditional shine-free taupe shadows with a wash of creamier, more luminous textures that open up and awaken the eye area. (I love Sisley Paris Ombre Éclat Liquide Eyeshadow in 8 Stardust.) While matte shadows can still be beautiful, they can sometimes appear chalky, dry, and diminish the light that makes eyes look vibrant.

The thick black eyeliner of the era has evolved into sleek micro-liner details and precisely placed definition that feels intentional, polished, and modern. (Tarte Sex Kitten Liquid Eyeliner makes it easy.)

As for lips, rich browns, deep burgundies, and medium taupe shades remain relevant and can be worn as softer, blurred stains during the day or full-on for evening. (Violette_Fr Bisou Balms add a cloud-like veil of soft focus color to lips without the harsh edges.)

For a more understated daytime look, try softly overlining the lips with a light brown or taupe liner and filling them in with nude, rosy-beige, or muted pink tones.

Whichever look you choose, the result is a modern interpretation of ’90s beauty that feels current, flattering, and effortlessly wearable.

About Robin: For more than three decades, Robin’s makeup artistry has transformed the faces of some of the world’s most recognizeable women, including Kate Winslet, Keri Russell, Anna Paquin, Parker Posey, Sarita Choudhury, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, Jessica Simpson, Ashley Graham, Laura Benanti, Jessica Biel, and Elle Macpherson. Her diverse makeup range, meticulous eye for detail and inventive sensibility have led to collaborations on prestigious campaigns for Urban Decay, Rimmel, Origins, and Prescriptives.

Robin’s beauty and fashion work have appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, W, Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, InStyle, Town & Country, L’Officiel, and Glamour.