Okay, confession time—I binged Emily in Paris Season 5 the moment it dropped on December 18, 2025, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the makeup since. There I was, curled up with coffee, watching Emily navigate Rome (and Venice!) with that sharp new bob and those effortlessly cool ’90s vibes radiating from her face. It hit me like a flashback to my own teenage years experimenting with brown lip liner in the mirror. Lily Collins’ character has evolved so much, and this season’s beauty looks feel like the perfect blend of nostalgic ’90s edge and modern sophistication. If you’re obsessed too and ready to shop the products that bring it all to life, let’s dive in. I’ll share exact dupes, expert tips, and where to grab everything—because who doesn’t want a little Roman holiday glow?
What Makes Season 5 Makeup So ’90s-Inspired?
This season’s looks lean heavily into ’90s nostalgia, thanks to Emily’s blunt bob channeling Posh Spice and a shift away from bold reds toward matte browns and nudes. Makeup artist Aurélie Payen drew from Victoria Beckham’s iconic era, mixing cool-toned lips with luminous skin and textured smoky eyes. It’s elevated minimalism—think Sophia Loren meets Spice Girls, but refined for 2026. I love how it feels grown-up yet playful, perfect for anyone tired of glossy overload.
The Evolution of Emily’s Beauty Look
Emily started with classic red lips in early seasons, symbolizing her bold American energy in Paris. By Season 5, she’s embracing maturity—no more shiny lipsticks, just precise liners and deeper tones. Payen notes the bob sparked the ’90s pivot, adding structure and edge. My own hair chop years ago gave me that same confidence boost; suddenly, subtler makeup felt powerful.
Key ’90s Elements in Emily’s Season 5 Glam
The standout is the lip game: brown liners, matte nudes, and occasional purple undertones. Eyes get smoky and defined, skin stays dewy but contoured. No frosted extremes here—it’s wearable ’90s with Italian luminosity.
- Brown Lip Liner: Overlined yet natural, a true ’90s staple.
- Matte Nude/Brown Lips: Daytime soft, evening deeper.
- Smoky Eyes: Textured, modern takes on grunge.
- Luminous Skin: Glowy base with strategic contour.
- Thin, Defined Brows: Groomed but not overly fluffy.
Top Products to Shop for Emily’s ’90s Lips
Lips steal the show this season. Payen skipped traditional lipstick for liners and mattes.
Nars Precision Lip Liner
Builds that perfect ’90s outline—soft for day, intense for night.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lip Definer
Posh-approved shades for authentic brown-nude vibes.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipstick
Matte formulas Payen loves for depth without shine.
Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick
Deeper tones with purple edges for evening drama.
Must-Have Eye Products for Smoky ’90s Vibes
Eyes are bolder, balancing lips with texture.
Dior Diorshow Mascara
Lengths and defines for wide-eyed flutter.
Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Palette
Contours and smokes out creases effortlessly.
Nars Eyeshadow Singles
Cool taupes and browns for that era feel.
Skin Prep Essentials Behind the Glow
Dewy, contoured skin starts with prep.
Yon-Ka Lotion Toner
Mists for refresh and luminosity.
Merit Bronze Balm
Subtle contour that looks like shadow.
YSL Touche Éclat
Highlighter for ’90s glow without heaviness.
Sothys Eye Patches
Hydrate and depuff pre-makeup.
Comparing Emily’s Lip Looks: Seasons 1-5
| Season | Signature Lip | Vibe | Key Product Example | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Bold Red | American in Paris | Dior Rouge 666 | $40-50 |
| 4 | Mixed Reds/Browns | Transitioning | Makeup by Mario Nicole | $25-35 |
| 5 | Brown Nudes | ’90s Mature | Nars Precision Liner | $20-40 |
Season 5 wins for versatility—nudes suit everyone.
Pros and Cons of ’90s-Inspired Makeup
It’s trending, but real talk needed.
Pros:
- Timeless and flattering on most tones.
- Low-maintenance matte finishes.
- Boosts structure with contour.
- Versatile day-to-night.
Cons:
- Can feel drying without prep.
- Overlining risks looking dated.
- Cooler tones tricky for warm skin.
- Needs precision for polish.
I once overdid liner—lesson learned: less is more.
How to Recreate Emily’s Signature Looks at Home
Start with skin mist, light foundation, contour cheeks. Line lips brown, fill matte. Smoke eyes softly, mascara heavy.
Best tools: Fine brushes, quality liner, setting spray.
Where to Shop These Products
Sephora or Ulta for testing—many stock Nars, Dior. Online: Brand sites or Harper’s Bazaar guides. Sales often hit post-holidays.
People Also Ask: Emily in Paris Makeup Questions
- What lipstick does Emily wear in Season 5? Mostly liners like Nars; no traditional lipstick.
- Is Emily’s Season 5 makeup ’90s inspired? Yes, heavily—brown lips, Posh bob influence.
- How to get Lily Collins’ brows? Anastasia gel for definition.
- What mascara is used on Emily? Dior Diorshow for volume.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Why no red lipstick in Season 5?
Emily’s evolving—browns feel mature, ’90s nod.
Best drugstore dupe for brown liner?
NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Nutmeg.
Is this look pregnancy-safe?
Yes, most clean; check individuals.
How to make it warmer-toned?
Add peach blush, golden shadow.
Can I wear with glasses?
Absolutely—smoky eyes pop frames.
Season 5’s ’90s twist feels fresh yet comforting, like revisiting old favorites upgraded. From my binge sessions, these looks empower without effort. Grab a liner, channel your inner Emily (or Posh), and own it. For more, check The Zoe Report’s breakdown. Ciao for now!