Ever since ’90s trends made a comeback a few years ago, we’ve been rediscovering (or discovering, depending on how old you are) our favorite beauty and style icons from the era. From Pamela Anderson’s bleach-blonde waves in Baywatch to the dark lipstick worn by the witches in The Craft, the decade was filled with fictional characters whose looks we coveted. Interestingly, some characters we ignored the first time around are now inspiring our wardrobes and beauty regimens. Take, for example, the 1998 version of the The Parent Trap. The movie, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, featured Lindsay Lohan in a dual role as long-lost twins who scheme to reunite their estranged parents. While it may not be on the same level as Clueless or Romy and Michele in terms of pop culture fashion impact, it does have its own iconic beauty and style moments—especially from Meredith Blake.
In the film, Hallie Parker and Annie James (Lohan in a seriously Oscar-worthy performance) attempt to sabotage the engagement between their father and his new fiancée, Meredith Blake (played by the amazing Elaine Hendrix). It’s not too difficult a task, as Meredith is nasty enough to fit into the evil stepmother stereotype seamlessly. However, though she threatens to "ship those brats off to Switzerland,” one cannot deny the woman’s stylish wardrobe and stunning makeup. Many fans of the movie have been calling for "justice for Meredith Blake” in recent years (including Hendrix herself), and it’s easy to see why— she was chic, and Hendrix once said she modeled Meredith after Old Hollywood icons.
If you want to incorporate some of Meredith Blake’s beauty regimen in your routine (as well as some of the other characters from The Parent Trap), keep reading for the products you’ll need!
Meredith’s hairstyle, a chin-length, voluminous bob, is a popular choice among TikTokers. (Are side parts finally acceptable again?) Whether you do the chop or not, you can style your hair like Meredith’s using this heatless curling set from Kitsch.
One of Meredith’s most iconic outfits is the black-and-white sun hat she wears at the pool (shout-out to the costume designer, Penny Rose!). The look is beautifully contrasted by red lipstick and matching nail polish (courtesy of makeup department head Karen Blynder). While we may not know the exact products Blynder used, this Chanel nail polish shade would look absolutely perfect.
To retain Meredith’s perfectly bouncy curled ends, use a flexible-hold hair spray. This one from Guy Tang’s line keeps your style in place but still moveable, so your bob won’t feel like a stiff helmet.
Meredith’s preferred red is a bright, unabashed, bold crimson hue. You can quickly get the same look by swiping on this pretty matte shade from Kiko Milano.
In another scene, Meredith forgoes the signature red for a more muted lip. Make the look your own with this mauvey pink shade called Wedding Belles.
Elizabeth James
Meredith may dazzle us, but let’s not sleep on the twins’ mom, Elizabeth James (played by the late Natasha Richardson)! Her Princess Diana–esque fashion is effortless and stunning, as is her no-makeup makeup. A lovely neutral lipstick, like Merit’s Slip shade, will help you pay homage to her.
Elizabeth doesn’t wear much eye makeup, so you’ll need a good mascara. KVD’s Full Sleeve lengthens the lashes so you can look more surprised when you find out your daughter is actually her secret twin in disguise.
Chessy
With her casual button-downs and breezy slacks, Chessy (Lisa Ann Walter) is an underrated style icon! She wears classic neutral lip, and this shade from Glossier is way too pretty to pass up. Fun Fact: Hendrix and Walter are BFFs to this day.
Hallie Parker
In an early scene, Hallie challenges her bunkmates (and sister) to a poker game, and there are Hard Candy polish bottles in the pot. It’s only natural to include some kind of Hard Candy beauty product in this story, even though the polish is discontinued. This shiny, holographic lip gloss is so perfectly ’90s.
Hallie’s metallic blue nail polish was a highly coveted beauty product for ’90s tweens and teens (back when the kids didn’t care much about skincare). Rumored to be Hard Candy’s Frigid shade (which the brand doesn’t make anymore), OPI’s shade is a fun alternative.
If you want more of a teal polish (Hallie’s sometimes looks teal onscreen), this shade by Sally Hansen will look pretty on your digits.
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