15 Beauty Lessons We Learned From Watching ‘Clueless’
“Clueless” is easily one of the most quotable movies from the ’90s, but it didn’t merely introduce us to the concept of a “total Betty”—it taught close observers how to actually be one. From perfecting the art of the hair flip to executing makeovers like a pro, Cher Horowitz and her friends (or dare we say frenemies?) taught us some valuable beauty lessons.
As we’ve already noted, it’s been 20 years since the movie’s release, and yet these takeaways have managed to stand the test of time. Scroll through to see some of the most memorable.
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1. Sometimes your fingers are better than a hair brush.
We’re willing to bet Cher’s detangling digits were the source of all that enviable volume, too. Color us jealous, but the girl never even needed a spritz of dry shampoo.
2. There’s nothing more satisfying than a hair flip.
Our high-fives always end like that, too.
3. …but they can be kind of dangerous.
At all times, watch where you’re flipping.
4. Coke cans double as hair rollers.
“No shit, you guys got coke here?” Um, Tai? Cher clearly stocks the soda in her beauty cabinet. If you’re out a curler, grab a can. This scene gave us an entirely new appreciation for common household objects.
5. Bad lighting is a curse.
Okay, so a fluorescent bulb wasn’t the reason Christian wouldn’t kiss Cher, but second-rate lighting is no joke. It haunts every selfie we never posted on Instagram.
6. Her “Monet” analogy is somewhat valid.
At least when it comes to not blending in contouring or going hard with bold eyeshadow and lipstick.
7. Half-up hairstyles are really underrated.
You relied on it for just about every school dance before the age of 15, but it’s a ’90s beauty trend we still dig. Just don’t pair it with a scrunchie. There’s no fix there.
8. It’s worth splurging on fragrance.
No one wants to hear that their aroma is offensive—especially not in the middle of debate.
9. Blot, baby. Blot.
Keep that hot pink lipstick off your teeth.
10. Red hair dye will turn your bathroom into a battle scene.
Expect your tub to resemble something out of a horror movie when washing out temporary red hair dye. You have to be a really good friend to deal with those stains in an all-white bathroom.
11. A flushed face is no match for powder.
Not even high-coverage foundation is a match for stress-induced blotchiness. Not to be way harsh, but sometimes you just have to chill out.
12. A girl will always know which hair extensions are hers.
Weaved, glue-on, clip-in, natural, synthetic—these things couldn’t be more personal. Don’t you dare try to tell us otherwise.
13. Sometimes it’s necessary to get intimate with your mirror.
How else are you expected to properly define your cupid’s bow with a lip liner?
14. Pink eyeshadow can be really flattering.
We know we’ve been pushing this feminine hue for your peepers lately, but we won’t take the credit away from Cher and her bold brows.
15. Makeovers are the ultimate pick-me-up.
Dionne had a point with that whole “sense of control in a world of chaos” thing.
