A Look Into The Archives Of The ‘90s: The Supermodel Glam
BY JENNY JUNG
Revisiting the classic 90's supermodel glam: sensual flesh tones, paired with sexy effortless hair.
21 SEPT - 2021
Glamour is making a massive comeback in the beauty world. An ode to the charisma of the '90s, here's the how-to on the supermodel glam.
Think Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss - pioneers of the 90s supermodel glam that we just can't seem to get enough of these days.
Today, I'll be going over the fundamental elements of the 90s supermodel glam - monochromatic lips, cheeks, and eyes, as well as holy grail hair products that will help you achieve volume for days.
This edit is special to me because I view makeup, hair, and outfit as a part of a fantasy. Makeup looks are transformative and allow us to embody different moods by just the switch of your lipstick. I guess I just wanted to share that the 90s supermodel look will definitely have you walking different, talking different, and just feeling fucking fabulous.
First date, girls' night out, or a job interview - manifest the sultry and confident energy of a 90's supermodel.
Yasmeen Ghauri
Cindy Crawford
Complexion
In three words, the 90's supermodel complexion is clean, contoured, and luxuriously matte.
If you are a natural girl, this doesn't necessarily mean high maintenance and full coverage.
In fact, my trick to effortless glam is always a light coverage foundation paired with a great concealer.
For the complexion, I really wanted to shine a light on what seems to be a forgotten holy grail, the Tarte Shape Tape. It is hands down the best concealer I have ever used. A little goes a long way - full coverage, semi-matte, and creamy as hell.
This technique allows for a lot more flexibility in terms of day and night makeup and gives you the option to customise your desired coverage. This way, you can get a skin-like finish without overdoing it everywhere else - after all, we are going for 'effortless' and 'chic.'
Contour is Key
It is unbelievable how a little contour can really transform the face. Focus on your cheekbones and the crease of your eyes.
Now that we are getting to the colour application of the 90's glam, we can really start to build up the monochromatic vibes to the overall look. Contouring the eyes, cheeks, and under your bottom lip will create a sense of unity to the finished look.
Start off by contouring with a heavier hand than usual, and buff out the edges with bronzer to create a beautifully blended contour. If you want to deepen the crease of the eye, use your brow powder. This will frame your features while maintaining the monochromatic theme. For those of you like me who would use a much darker brow powder, this makes the look that much more dynamic. Take a look at Naomi Campbell below.
Note the tones of berry that reoccur in the eyes, cheeks, and lips - monochromatic doesn't always have to be built on shades of brown if you prefer a touch of colour to your looks.
Kevyn Aucoin for Naomi Campbell for Allure Magazine 1991
Eyes to Kill
For that sultry feminine eye, you must use a half lash or individuals. It's going to lift your eyes ever so slightly without making the lashes the main feature of the look. This is particularly important when the eye makeup itself is so neutral.
For lash recommendations, I would check out Sweed Lashes if you haven't heard of them already - an absolute godsend for people who are looking for great individual lashes. Created by @Nikki_makeup, these individuals have a few millimeters of lash band, so they aren't as finicky as regular individuals, and the effect is mindblowing.
Otherwise, just chop your strip lashes in half, and that will do the trick just fine!
'@Nikki_makeup
Lip Liner Heaven: Kevyn Aucoin
Kevyn Aucoin in the 90's is like the Charlotte Tilbury of today - backstage essentials for all the fashion shows. An OG of the 90's glam, I am convinced that all the iconic models would have worn the Unforgettable Lip Liners by Kevyn Aucoin.
This line features six shades of nudes and is the definition of ‘less is more.’ Each shade is so incredibly thoughtful and a must-have for nude lip liner fanatics.
The 90s supermodel lip is predominantly nude with a splash of red or vintage berry here and there, although today's focus is monochromatic shades of seductive antique browns. For that lived-in supermodel look, apply a sheer red lip tint before your brown lip liner to reveal a natural healthy lip shade throughout the night - a makeup magic trick. Now, that's what you call chic.
Kevyn Aucoin and Cindy Crawford
Volume Everywhere Please
Big bouncy hair is definitely a moment that is coming back from the 90s. Working as a part-time hair specialist, I will share some of my tips for long-lasting volume.
I won't lie and tell you that sexy lived-in, effortless hair is actually effortless. I have dead straight hair, and sometimes a blow wave is the only thing that will give me that iconic Cindy Crawford hair-do. But this doesn't mean that hair products can't save the day.
Ever since I tried the Living Proof Dry Volume Blast, I have repurchased countless bottles. It instantly boosts the volume from the roots to the mid-lengths of the hair. Keep in mind that this will work best for those with short to medium hair.
For longer hair gals who need a little extra zhuzh in the volume department, you can get the same effect using Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng and Biotin Hair Volumizing Spray. It's a dry formula that isn't as sticky or gritty as the Living Proof, so it won't weigh down your beautiful long locks - this is key to styling longer lengths of hair.
Claudia Schiffer
Model Off-Duty Vibes
This might seem a little random coming from your local makeup gal, but I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful item that has been sitting on my wishlist for a long while now. This is the Rachel Mills' Valentine Top'- black (obviously) and cowl necked to perfection.
Rachel Mills is a Local New Zealand brand that handcrafts every piece to order. You can find several wardrobe essentials that are simple and iconic yet refined and elegant.
I would style this number with black cigarette pants and some pointed black kitten heels and live my full 90’s glam fantasy. I chose this particular top because it reminds me of the sophistication of the 90’s behind all the coke and nude lipstick.
The 90’s supermodel makeover is the perfect getaway from your everyday routine - an eloquent elevation of the neutrals we know so well! Hope you enjoyed this little throwback into the 90s and fell in love with the aesthetic as much as I did.
Hold on, I'm getting a call from the 90s… I wonder what it could possibly be about…
Naomi Campbell for Coca Cola
RELATED STORIES
GIVEAWAY
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Chatty Chum's mailing list to receive the latest in beauty and lifestyle news, giveaways and the launch of our Editor's Collection boxes.