This iconic makeup look from the 90s is back. It gives an intense and sensual look as desired.
We see the phenomenon every day: the 90s/2000s are back. Whether it’s low-waisted pants, tooth jewelry or even very voluminous blow-drys à la Farrah Fawcett. Recently, makeup from this period is coming back to the forefront. Disappeared in favor of more discreet makeup like the Clean Girl aesthetic (understand a perfect complexion and eyes simply adorned with mascara), this new year seems to mark its big return. Its appeal? It gives an intense and very sensual look and is extremely easy to achieve.
This type of makeup has its origins in ancient Egypt. Its ability to reinvent itself over the decades testifies to its timeless character, establishing itself today as the ultimate symbol of a look that is both raw and modern. In the nineties, big stars like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer were the ambassadors of black kohl under the eyes. At the time, this pencil line was part of the punk rock/grunge aesthetic that dominated the scene. If it fades for a while, the designer Marc Jacobs makes it his aesthetic during his last autumn/winter show in New York, where the models appear with pencil skirts, sequined tops straight out of the 90’s and… eyes rimmed with kohl! No doubt, he has indeed just made his comeback. Today, celebrities like model Bella Hadid or singer Billie Eilish have already adopted it without hesitation.
Proof of the scale of the phenomenon, on the social network TikTok, Internet users have also seized on this beauty trend. Videos of young women passing a black pencil into the mucous membrane are multiplying. Goodbye to smooth perfection, the goal is to obtain authentic and “alive” makeup, like after an evening at a nightclub.
“The key is to use a gel kohl with a soft texture, which allows it to be easily blended along the upper and lower lash line.“, explains Lan Nguyen-Grealis, professional makeup artist at British media outlet Grazia. “This gives definition and brings dimension to the eyes, while adding that “cool girl” touch both during the day and in the evening.“The expert recommends choosing a waterproof and long-lasting kohl.”Not only will it blend better and last longer, but it will also require fewer touch-ups.“And above all, we don’t forget: the more imperfect, the better!
