Jasmine Tookes on '90s Supermodel Makeup and the One Trick That Makes Her Eyelashes Look Thicker
Our take
The resurgence of ‘90s beauty trends feels less like a fleeting fad and more like a deliberate return to a sensibility of understated elegance. Jasmine Tookes’ recent interview with Who What Wear, highlighting her approach to makeup as “polished but easy,” perfectly encapsulates this shift. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the maximalist trends that have dominated social media, and it speaks to a deeper desire for authenticity and effortless beauty. We’ve seen this trend reflected in other areas of style, as well; consider the quiet luxury aesthetic gaining traction, a move away from overt displays of wealth towards timeless pieces and impeccable tailoring. Similarly, the recent exploration of color combinations in “I’m Not Emotionally Prepared for Summer to End—3 Viral Color Combinations I’m Holding On To” demonstrates a yearning for simplicity and intentionality in visual expression. The beauty world, like fashion, is responding to a collective desire for less noise and more substance.
Tookes’ emphasis on foundational techniques and a focus on enhancing natural features rather than masking them is particularly noteworthy. Her insight into creating the illusion of thicker lashes with a simple trick – a technique any makeup artist would appreciate – underscores the power of skill over product. It’s a sentiment echoed by many makeup artists who prioritize understanding facial structure and color theory over blindly following the latest viral contouring trend. The interview also highlights her early interest in makeup artistry, a fascinating parallel to the broader phenomenon of individuals finding creative outlets beyond their primary profession. This aligns with a cultural shift where multi-hyphenates are increasingly celebrated, and where personal expression is woven into every aspect of life. Recall the recent exploration of Dannelle Davidson, the “Let's Marry Harry” finalist, who demonstrates how multifaceted personalities often possess unexpected talents and passions [Who Is Dannelle Davidson, the 'Let's Marry Harry' Finalist Stirring Up Drama?]. This reinforces the idea that beauty, like artistry, is about more than just the finished product; it’s about the process and the individual behind it.
The enduring appeal of ‘90s supermodel makeup also speaks to a broader cultural nostalgia. That era represented a certain ideal of beauty – one that was confident, natural, and effortlessly chic. It wasn’t about achieving an impossible standard of perfection; it was about embracing individuality and showcasing a healthy, radiant glow. This is a stark contrast to the heavily filtered and often unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by social media. Tookes’ approach – focusing on a flawless base, subtly defined eyes, and a nude lip – feels like a deliberate rejection of those unrealistic expectations. It’s a return to a time when beauty was less about transformation and more about enhancement, and where a minimalist approach was seen as a sign of sophistication. The emphasis on "polished but easy" suggests a desire for a look that feels both put-together and achievable, a crucial distinction in a world saturated with complex beauty routines.
Ultimately, Jasmine Tookes’ perspective on beauty aligns perfectly with the current cultural climate. It's a move away from fleeting trends and towards a more enduring, self-assured aesthetic. The beauty industry, traditionally driven by constant innovation and product launches, is being forced to reconsider its approach. Consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, simplicity, and products that enhance their natural beauty rather than masking it. The continued popularity of lip liner reviews, as evidenced in "I’ve Tested What Feels Like Hundreds of Lip Liners—These 9 Come Dark-Skin-Approved," demonstrates this demand for quality and effectiveness over sheer novelty. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to observe how brands adapt to this shift and whether the ‘90s supermodel aesthetic will solidify its position as the defining beauty standard of the next decade. Will the emphasis on effortless elegance continue to reshape the beauty landscape, or will the pendulum swing back towards more elaborate and experimental looks?
Fun fact about Jasmine Tookes: If for some reason modeling didn't work out for the 5'9" Victoria's Secret Angel, she'd become a makeup artist. "I've always loved the creative side of makeup," the runway veteran, beauty brand founder, and mom of two shares with Who What Wear. "Early in my modeling career, I had the opportunity to watch some of the most talented makeup artists on set, and I was constantly asking questions because I was fascinated by how small techniques could completely elevate a look. I think that’s really when I fell in love with the artistry of makeup. Every photoshoot and runway felt like a learning experience, and I loved seeing how makeup could enhance your features, create a mood, or even tell a story."
Perhaps one day we'll find Tookes behind the glam chair (never say never!), but it's clear all those on-set crash courses paid off in spades. Take a scroll through her TikTok GRWM videos, and you'll agree: Tookes is an absolute whiz at technique. She's even got notoriously finicky eye makeup down to a science, which makes her quite the fitting partner for Ilia's new Thru Line Waterproof Eyeliner. "Ilia has been one of my staple brands for years," she says. "Between motherhood, running a business, and having sensitive skin, I’m much more intentional about what I use." The liners are cruelty-free and clinically tested on sensitive eyes and the waterline, so she doesn't have to sacrifice comfort for performance (quite a feat for waterproof formulas that often leave you bleary-eyed!).
In terms of nailing an immaculate wing, "I think eyeliner is one of those things that definitely takes a little practice. But I’ve learned it really doesn’t have to be perfect," Tookes explains. "I think the less precious you are about it, the easier—and more fun—it becomes." In fact, she deems a warm, softly-smudged smokey eye her signature, inspired by era-defining supermodels of the '90s. "It's a look I always feel like myself in," she adds. "I've always loved enhancing my eyes because they can completely transform a look, whether I'm keeping my makeup minimal or doing something more glam."
Before dressing up the lids, however, she likes to nail down her other signature: a glowy, sun-kissed canvas. "I usually start with Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint in Dominica ST14 and Honopu ST14.5 for a natural-looking base, add a touch of warmth with bronzer, while keeping the rest of the complexion fresh and luminous before defining my eyes," she explains. Once her complexion is nice and sculpted, she fills in her lids with Ilia's Stylus Shadow Stick in Relic, then grabs the Thru Line Waterproof Eyeliner in Gesture (a matte warm brown) to tightline her upper lashes, smudging it at the outer corners until it resembles a teeny wing. "It gives my eyes definition without feeling too 'done,'" she notes.
For a nighttime look, Tookes swaps Gesture for Serif (a matte dark brown hue), tightlines her top and bottom lashes, and extends the wing for a bit more drama. "Using eyeliner to subtly define my lash line is one of my favorite tricks for making my lashes look fuller," she adds. From there, she smudges out the lines to make them appear more lived-in ("One of my favorite techniques," she shares) and wiggles on a brown mascara—namely, Ilia's Limitless Lash in Before Dawn. "I want my makeup to feel polished but easy, something that still looks and feels like me," she says of the minimal, brown-toned aesthetic. It's simple, but she can always dial up the intensity depending on her mood without overpowering her features, just like the '90s icons living on her beauty mood board. "There's something so chic about that," she says.
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