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The ’90s were a defining era for fashion and beauty, marked by frosted everything, skinny brows, and an obsession with bold self expression. But while chokers and brown lipstick have staged a comeback, many makeup products that once ruled our Caboodles have quietly vanished. Here are 13 iconic ’90s makeup products that most of us forgot… until now.
Lip Smackers
These iconic lip balms were more than just hydration; they were a fashion statement. Teen girls collected them in every flavor imaginable, from Dr. Pepper to Bubblegum. The smell alone could bring back memories of middle school lockers and slumber parties. They were swapped like trading cards and often attached to keychains.
Caboodles Makeup Cases
Caboodles were the treasure chests of teen makeup. These colorful plastic boxes had trays that popped out like magic, revealing secret compartments. Whether it was neon pink or glitter purple, owning one felt elite. Inside, you’d find Lip Smackers, butterfly clips, roll-on glitter, and more.
Roll-On Body Glitter
No ’90s outfit was complete without a streak of roll-on glitter. These tiny glass bottles with sponge ball tops added sparkle to your arms, collarbones, and hair. The scent was sugary and strong, part perfume, part fairy dust. Girls applied it before school dances, hoping it would catch the light on the dance floor.
Bonne Bell Gel Blush
Gel blushes were a total sensation, cool and unexpectedly pigmented. Bonne Bell’s version came in tiny tubes or compacts. It felt like smearing Jell-O on your cheeks, but somehow worked. The application was uneven, but we loved the flushed, just ran a mile look.
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Brown Lip Liner with Nude Lipstick
This combo was everywhere in the ’90s, worn by celebs, moms, and teens alike. The contrast was sharp, deliberate, and unapologetic. Liner was often several shades darker than the lip color. The look was matte, bold, and lined within an inch of its life. MAC’s Chestnut was a cult favorite for this trend.
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Colored Mascara
Electric blue, plum, and green lashes were the norm for the boldest beauty fans. Colored mascara turned every blink into a statement. Drugstores carried them in a rainbow of shades. Some girls layered them over black mascara, others went all-in. It matched your eye shadow, your outfit, and your scrunchie. The pigment often faded fast, but we reapplied constantly.
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Blue Eyeshadow Palettes
Nothing said ‘90s like a frosty blue lid. Worn from lash line to brow bone, it was unapologetically bold. CoverGirl and Wet n Wild had whole palettes dedicated to the look. The pigment was chalky, but we didn’t mind. It matched our butterfly clips and denim skirts. Everyone tried it, whether it suited them or not. Applying it with fingers or sponge applicators was the norm.
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Scented Nail Polish
Once dry, these polishes smelled like candy, fruit, or bubblegum. At first, the scent was masked by that potent chemical smell. But once the polish set, your nails smelled like a gumball machine. Brands marketed them like scratch and sniff stickers for your hands.
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Butterfly Hair Clips
Tiny, colorful butterfly clips weren’t technically makeup but were part of the full ‘90s beauty aesthetic. Worn in rows, swirls, or zig zags, they turned every hairstyle into an art project. They came in clear plastic, sparkly finishes, and every color imaginable. Part of the fun was coordinating them with your outfit or makeup. Applying them was a skill; lining them up perfectly took time and practice.
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Matte Mousse Foundation
Mousse foundation was the soft, whipped alternative to traditional liquid foundation. It felt like chocolate pudding for your face, and we loved it. Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse ruled the shelves, promising a flawless, airbrushed look. It applied with fingers and often looked cakey in harsh light.
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Frosted Lipstick
This icy, shimmery lip look dominated teen beauty kits. Frosted lipstick came in pale pinks, silvers, and sometimes icy lilacs. It made lips look frosty, glossy, and vaguely futuristic. Worn alone or over a liner, it gave off a cool, Y2K vibe. Drugstore brands made it cheap and accessible, so everyone tried it.
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Glitter Lip Gloss Tubes
These clear glosses came filled with floating glitter chunks and a sticky consistency. They were goopy, messy, and completely addictive. Girls kept them in purses, pencil cases, and coat pockets. Applying them meant lips stuck together, but they looked incredible in photos. Some had scents, vanilla, cherry, or even cotton candy. You didn’t wear them for hydration, you wore them to sparkle.
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While beauty trends are always evolving, there’s something irresistibly fun about revisiting the playful, daring spirit of the ’90s. These makeup products may have faded from store shelves, but they live on in our memories, and occasionally, our makeup drawers. As minimalism and skincare-forward routines dominate today’s trends, it’s easy to forget how bold the ’90s were.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information
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