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"Trend Revival: The '90s Lip" by Undercover Beauty Agent
The 1990s are back in a big way. We’re not talking about the television re-launch of classics like All That or Clarissa Explains It All. It’s the '90s Lip that’s all the rage…at my counter at least. If you don't remember this lip look, it consists of a dark, heavily-lined mouth with a super nude (and usually overly-glossed) center. Celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Jennifer Lopez rocked this look, and it seems like a certain New Yorker is trying to bring the fad back.
It's perfectly normal when someone asks for black liner at my counter. I’m asked what’s my favorite black eye liner so much that it’s become second nature to automatically walk customers over to our bestsellers. It’s rare that a customer isn’t satisfied with these products, but on one particular day my client was unhappy with everything I showed her. Each pencil was either too creamy, too black, or too dull. Nothing seemed to please her. I could sense her frustration, but quickly solved the problem when she finally told me that she wanted a firmer black (but not too black) pencil liner.
I knew the perfect one and literally ran across the aisle to get it back to her before she became too upset. When I swatched the color on her hand she seemed pleased, but asked if she could try it on.
Of course I let her test out the pencil herself, but I just wasn’t expecting her to use it as lip liner! But sure enough, she traced her lips with the black eye liner, and then used a cotton swab to create a gradient, lightly fading the color inward. The problem was that because the pencil wasn't that creamy, it really didn't have any effect. Still, she seemed happy. After adding clear gloss, her look was complete.
It was a blast from the past, but I'm not sure I wanted the visit. Would you rock this bold lip now or is it a pass for you?
Image Courtesy of Tumblr
Undercover Beauty Agent is just an average makeup artist at your local beauty counter who's reporting true stories exclusively for Beautylish: "I love what I do because I get to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. Working with so many different people in New York City has definitely been interesting. I've learned a lot and not all of it is very pretty. I'm a beauty advisor by day and a secret beauty agent by night, totally ready to share all my insider secrets and gossip."
Poll
Would you rock the 90's Lip?
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A. The 90's are so in- YAY
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B. It's time to move on- NAY
- Vote
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Last week
Janelle J.
Its beautiful when done right, as in "less is more".
Naturally, if I wear a gloss or light lipstick, it will appear as if I'm wearing lip liner; I received compliments back then and I still do. So if anyone wants to do a natural look, I think it would look nice.
but over doing it, like some, especially in the 90's would not look good for everyday make-up. Back then I would wear super dark brown liner w/clear gloss, but hey, it was "In"
Jan 16, 2013
Bianca W.
I can see that you're all my people. lol Like Ja'Nae J said, i too have an aunt who still wears that style. Not only does she line them in black liner but she fills in her lips with this silver lipstick! At least it looks silver against her very dark skin complexion. Some other darker skinned complexion people wear that exact style as well. I don't think this style is making a come back...its just being discovered by media and this website that for some people...it never died.
Nov 06, 2012
Ja'Nae J.
My Aunt unfortunately still does this, i've tried to talk get out of it. Not cute
Jul 20, 2012
Heather V.
Eww!
Nov 23, 2011
Myrna P.
I do not like dark lips but I do like the lip liner to be a little darker...not like BAM here I am lol
Sep 11, 2011
Amy G.
Luckily I never participated in this trend as I was still a baby, but even if I wasn't back then, I wouldn't have done it! This look makes me cringe, please don't come back!
Sep 01, 2011
Ayesha N.
That's disgusting!
Aug 04, 2011
Andrea F.
A lot of good came out of the 90's, but not the 90's lip. Ew. In my opinion, it looks a little trashy.
Aug 04, 2011
Erica J.
oh ma gosh! I remember being in middle school and lining black liner on my lips with the gloss- yuck! we looked, for lack of a better word, like baby sluts lol
Aug 04, 2011
Lisa H.
Noooooo!! Please make this go away!! Once was enough!