The 90s grunge makeup look has made a comeback in 2023. It’s all about embracing the undone, smudged, and sooty-black eyeliner and eyeshadow. The trend has been seen on the runways of designers like Christian Dior, Alice + Olivia, Louis Vuitton, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and PatBo. The beauty of this look is that it’s meant to be imperfect and smudgy, giving it a more natural and accessible feel.
History of Grunge Makeup
While grunge makeup first became popular in the 90s, it had a resurgence in the 2010s with Tumblr girls and Jenny Humphrey. The trend has evolved since then, with makeup artists like Anaya predicting that throwback makeup will skew more grunge and less supermodel in 2023.
Achieving the Perfect Grunge Look
To achieve the perfect grunge look, start with a liner two or three shades deeper than your natural lip color and blend your lines toward the center of the mouth. For the eyes, use smudgy black eyeliner and eyeshadow to create a sooty effect. Chocolate- and mid-tone brown lip liners under layers of sheer lip glosses can also be used to create a grunge look.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the grunge makeup look in 2023.
- Grunge makeup is all about creating contrast, so you want to start with a smooth and even base. Use a primer to fill in any pores or fine lines and apply a matte foundation that matches your skin tone. You can also use a concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Set your makeup with a translucent powder to keep it in place.
- Brows are an important part of the grunge look, as they frame your eyes and add some definition to your face. You can either go for thin and arched brows, like Gwen Stefani in the 90, or fuller and more natural brows, like Zendaya in 2021. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any gaps, and brush them up with a spoolie or gel for a more textured look.
- The key to a grunge eye is to use dark and earthy colors, like black, brown, gray or burgundy. You can use a kohl pencil, a gel liner or an eyeshadow to create a smudgy effect on your upper and lower lash lines. You can also blend some eyeshadow on your lids and crease for more depth. The idea is to create a messy and sultry look, so don’t worry about being too precise or neat.
- To finish off your eyes, apply a generous coat of mascara on your top and bottom lashes. You can use a black or brown mascara, depending on your preference. You can also curl your lashes for more drama, or use false lashes for more volume.
- Choose a dark lip color that suits your eye makeup for the finishing touch to your grunge style. Depending on the finish you like, you can use a matte lipstick, a gloss, or a stain. Burgundy, plum, brown, and black are some common grunge colours. A lip liner may also be used to outline your lips and make them appear larger.
Final Thoughts
The ’90s comeback is more than skin deep. It’s about embracing the lazy skin, post-cry smudged eyeliner, and black lipstick on the catwalks. The trend is expected to continue throughout 2023 with designers showcasing more grungier makeup looks alongside their collections. The grunge style is also adaptive and versatile. You can mix and combine different colours and items to create your own distinct design. The grunge look is more than just a cosmetic trend; it’s a way of life and a statement.
So if you’re looking to rock the 90s grunge makeup look in 2023, embrace the imperfections and go for a smudgy black eyeliner and eyeshadow. This look is versatile and easy to pull off, as long as you have the right attitude and confidence. So grab your flannel shirt, your combat boots and your favourite 90s playlist, and get ready to rock the grunge look like a pro. Remember that this look is all about being undone and imperfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and textures.
