How To Wear The New ’90s Nude Makeup

While an immaculate complexion was a ’90s makeup staple, this update feels much more low-key. “We’re moving into a semi-velveteen finish for fall,” says Daley. “It’s being called the cushion finish and sits somewhere between a velvet and satin effect.” She suggests opting for a silky, medium-coverage formula but emphasizes that skin prep is key. “It’s all about hydrating skin thoroughly first, then emphasizing what your natural skin looks like with foundation… like good skincare with polish.”

“Nudes are playing perfectly into our obsession with skincare; they’re the makeup that matches,” says Daley. “Plus, there are so many more shades, tones and products to choose from this time around, so it’s easy to do a nude look for all skin tones.” When choosing shades, her ultimate trick for a fresh take on the trend is to use one color only. “I’ll take it all over the face – be it a bronzer, eyeshadow or even a deep-colored contour powder. I’ll use that same color as eyeshadow, blush and contour, so everything gives that monochromatic glow. I like a pink-toned nude on myself, and I wear it on my lips, lids and cheeks.”

Daley recommends avoiding the apples of your cheeks for this look. “Start your blush right underneath the cheekbone, in the hollow, and take it up over your temples, blending it to just above your eyebrow – it really warms up the sides of the face,” she says, adding that it’s not a heavy contour look. “It’s a blush that you can see, but it’s not a bright color like back in the day. The tonal hue gives it a more modern feel.” For darker skin tones, she suggests trying a deep-pink nude; for medium tones, “a deep terracotta is gorgeous”; and, if you’re really pale, Daley advises opting for taupes. “You’re essentially matching your own skin tone and enhancing what would be glowing from within rather than applying an obvious color.”

For a fresh take on the ’90s classic smoky eye, keep shadow nearly transparent. “It’s a washed-out smoky nude look where there’s no cut crease,” says Daley. “Do a smoky eye with a bronzer or a darker shadow, apply it to the entire lid, taking it over the crease and up, then stop just below the brow. The key is to really blend it out to perfection, so it gives a beautiful halo of color. Add a pop of shimmer on the center of lids for a modern finish,” she adds. Next, “add drama with a black eyeliner, starting from halfway along your lash line to create a cat-eye flick and elongate the eye. Finish with loads of lashes to really glam up the look.”

“Whatever color I’ve used on lids and as a blush, I’ll use to line lips, too. I tend to use powders as lip liners – it works perfectly to keep that seamless monochromatic look. Just blend it in a bit, then use your favorite nude lip gloss or lipstick on top.” She always finishes lips with a central dab of clear lip gloss, too. “Most of my clients are on the red carpet, so putting gloss in the center gives it time to spread over the whole lip. It’s a great trick if you don’t want color to bleed too early,” Daley says. Alternatively, for that instant high-lacquered effect, slick it across both lips and shine on.