Vibrant World of 90s Latina Makeup: Top 16 Looks and How to Recreate Them

The 1990s were a golden era for bold, expressive makeup, especially within the Latina community, where beauty icons like Selena Quintanilla, Jennifer Lopez, and Salma Hayek set trends that still inspire us today. Whether you’re looking to channel your inner pop diva or simply want to add a nostalgic twist to your beauty routine, this guide will walk you through the top 10 iconic 90s Latina makeup looks and how to recreate them step by step. From sultry brown lips to shimmering eyeshadow and perfectly sculpted brows, get ready to embrace the best of 90s glam. Ready to transform your look? Let’s dive in and discover which style speaks to you—don’t forget to share your favorite and tag your recreated looks on social media!

1. Selena-Inspired Bold Red Lips and Winged Liner

No list of 90s Latina makeup looks is complete without paying homage to the Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla. Her signature look—flawless matte skin, dramatic winged eyeliner, and those unforgettable cherry red lips—remains timeless. To achieve this, start with a matte foundation and a touch of translucent powder for a smooth base. Use a black liquid liner to create a sharp cat-eye, extending the wing slightly past the outer corner. For the lips, choose a classic blue-red lipstick and outline with a matching lip liner to get that crisp, defined pout. Finish with a hint of blush on the apples of your cheeks for that youthful Selena glow.

2. J.Lo’s Bronzed Glow and Nude Lips

Jennifer Lopez’s 90s makeup was all about radiant, bronzed skin and glossy nude lips—a look that’s both glamorous and wearable. Begin by applying a luminous foundation and a warm bronzer along your cheekbones, temples, and jawline for that sun-kissed effect. Highlight the high points of your face with a champagne shimmer. For the eyes, stick to neutral brown shadows and a touch of mascara. The lips should be lined with a brownish-nude pencil, then filled in with a creamy nude lipstick and topped with clear gloss. This look is perfect for both day and night, giving you that effortless J.Lo glow.

3. Salma Hayek’s Soft Smoky Eyes and Mauve Lips

Salma Hayek’s 90s red carpet appearances often featured soft, smoky eyes paired with mauve lips—a combination that’s sultry yet sophisticated. To recreate this look, blend taupe and brown eyeshadows across your lids, focusing the darker shade in the crease and outer corners. Smudge a brown eyeliner along the upper and lower lash lines for extra depth. Apply a few coats of volumizing mascara. For lips, choose a mauve lipstick with a satin finish and outline with a matching liner to enhance your natural shape. Add a rosy blush to tie the look together.

4. High-Contrast Brows and Frosted Shadow

The 90s were all about bold, defined brows, and Latina beauties perfected this trend with high-contrast arches that framed the face. Start by brushing your brows upward and filling them in with a brow pencil or powder a shade darker than your natural color. Set them with a clear or tinted brow gel for all-day hold. For the eyes, apply a frosted silver or pale blue eyeshadow across the lids and inner corners for that iconic shimmer. Pair with a thin line of black eyeliner and lots of mascara. Keep the rest of the face simple with a matte base and nude lips.

5. Chola-Inspired Dark Lip Liner and Gloss

The chola makeup aesthetic is a staple of 90s Latina culture, characterized by sharply lined lips, dramatic brows, and a fierce attitude. To nail this look, start with a full-coverage foundation and powder for a flawless matte finish. Use a deep brown or burgundy lip liner to outline your lips, slightly overdrawing for extra drama. Fill in the center with a lighter nude or pink lipstick, then top with clear gloss for that signature contrast. Pair with thin, arched brows, black eyeliner, and a touch of blush on the cheeks.

6. Glittery Eyes and Soft Pink Lips

Glitter was everywhere in the 90s, and Latina icons often rocked sparkly eyes for parties and music videos. To recreate this fun look, apply a sticky eyeshadow primer, then press a fine, cosmetic-grade glitter onto your lids—silver, gold, or even pink work beautifully. Blend a soft brown shadow into the crease for dimension. Keep the eyeliner minimal and finish with fluttery lashes. For the lips, opt for a soft pink lipstick or gloss, and add a subtle pink blush to the cheeks for a fresh, youthful vibe.

7. Terracotta Blush and Brown Lips

Earthy tones were a huge trend in 90s Latina makeup, with terracotta blush and brown lips taking center stage. Sweep a warm terracotta blush across your cheeks and up toward the temples for a lifted effect. For the lips, use a chocolate brown liner and lipstick, or mix a brown liner with a nude lipstick for a custom shade. Eyes should be kept simple with a wash of warm brown shadow and a coat of mascara. This look is universally flattering and perfect for everyday wear.

8. Metallic Blue Eyeliner and Glossy Skin

For a playful twist, many Latina trendsetters in the 90s experimented with metallic blue eyeliner. To try this look, line your upper and lower lash lines with a vibrant blue pencil or liquid liner, winging it out slightly at the corners. Pair with dewy, glossy skin—use a hydrating foundation and a liquid highlighter on the cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow. Keep the lips neutral with a sheer gloss, and add a touch of peach blush for balance. This look is bold yet wearable, perfect for making a statement.

9. Grunge-Inspired Plum Lips and Smudged Liner

The grunge movement influenced many 90s makeup trends, and Latina beauties adapted it with their own twist—think deep plum lips and smudged black eyeliner. Start with a matte foundation and minimal blush. Smudge black or charcoal liner along your upper and lower lash lines, blending with a brush or cotton swab for a lived-in effect. For the lips, choose a dark plum or wine lipstick, applying with a brush for precision. This look is edgy and dramatic, ideal for nights out or when you want to channel your inner rock star.

10. Subtle Contour and Peachy Gloss

Not all 90s Latina makeup was bold—many looks focused on enhancing natural features with subtle contouring and a hint of color. Use a contour powder or cream two shades darker than your skin tone to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Blend well for a seamless finish. Highlight with a peachy blush and a matching gloss on the lips. Eyes can be kept simple with a light brown shadow and mascara. This understated look is perfect for everyday glam and lets your natural beauty shine through.

Recap: Embrace Your Inner 90s Latina Icon With These Timeless Makeup Looks

From Selena’s bold red lips to J.Lo’s bronzed glow, these top 10 90s Latina makeup looks offer something for everyone—whether you’re into dramatic statements or subtle enhancements. Each style captures the vibrant spirit and creativity of Latina beauty in the 1990s, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Experiment with these tutorials to find your signature look, and don’t be afraid to mix and match elements for a style that’s uniquely yours. Ready to turn heads and celebrate your heritage? Grab your favorite products, try out these iconic looks, and share your transformation with friends or on social media. Let the 90s inspire your beauty routine today!