With fall just around the corner, your FYP is probably filled with autumnal beauty inspiration. While we love a hair color refresh or new manicure, the return of grunge makeup is one of the most exciting trends of the upcoming season. Vampy, rebellious, moody and deeply emotional, grunge makeup is having a major moment, and the beauty set couldn’t be more thrilled. After swooning over Jenna Ortega’s glamorous premiere looks and several vampire TV shows, the grunge comeback feels fresh and timely.
Instead of being disheveled and messy, it leans into a lived-in look perfect for day and night. According to Pinterest's Fall Trend Report, the revival is all about balancing edge with elegance. With a modern and wearable twist, the new grunge embraces a soft, diffused and blurred style. However, the key players are still around since smudged shadows and dark eyeliner never go out of style. Ahead, two makeup artists weigh in on the trend and share how to recreate a wearable grunge look this season.
Featured experts
- Christian Briceno is a professional makeup artist
- Katherine Dorn is a makeup artist at LRN Beauty
Grunge makeup returns
The trend cycle has revived many nostalgic looks. However, the return of grunge makeup stems from more than memories. “I think beauty is having another ‘let’s break the rules’ moment,” says makeup artist Christian Briceno. The grunge era of the early ‘90s was a time of creative rebellion. In some ways, this comeback has a similar feeling. Briceno feels people are tired of perfect, filtered makeup and want something that feels raw and lived-in. It’s dark, moody and unique in the sea of fresh faces and minimal looks we often see today. Pop cultural shifts play a factor in the revival. Makeup artist Katherine Dorn notes that popular vampire and witchy shows are making the look feel approachable for everyday wear. Think: Wednesday Adams or Dakota Johnson and Kourtney Kardashian’s rock-infused looks.
The modern grunge era
Unlike the grunge looks of the ‘90s, today's versions are designed to be wearable, regardless of your usual makeup style. “This time around, it’s less about looking messy for shock value and more about wearing makeup in a way that feels realistic, personal and self-expressive,” says Briceno. Pinterest's report notes that fresh styles are trending more than the original look. According to the report, interest in clean grunge makeup has increased 652 percent, while searches for natural grunge makeup have increased 368 percent. Even more compelling is the fact that interest in messy grunge makeup has risen by only a mere 72 percent. In other words, the current trend is much softer, using techniques to diffuse its once harsh look. It still features deep and moody colors, but is blended to deliver a more subdued look that fits popular minimal makeup styles.
“Pairing it with balmy skin so it feels intentional and fresh,” says Briceno.According to Pinterest, effortless smudges and deep tones are essential as they speak to ’90s and 2000s nostalgia. While juxtaposition has always been an integral part of grunge makeup, the modern version hinges on contrast even more. Smudged eyeliner with dewy skin, satin foundations with dark matte lipsticks, and sultry eyes are a prime example. According to Dorn, attention to detail is one of the major upgrades to this year’s grunge makeup. “Most looks include more specialized techniques, such as contouring and highlighting, and newer trends, which have allowed grunge to evolve. It’s perfectly imperfect but works just as well for evening wear or a night out,” she says.
How to do grunge makeup
Fortunately, some elements have remained the same. “The eyes usually get the most attention, so stocking up on smudged eyeliner and smoky shadows is important for creating a little under-eye haze,” says Briceno. Deeply saturated lips are also still very prominent; however, he notes that you don’t always have to go dark. While vampy berry tones and brick red lipsticks scream grunge, a soft nude that looks like you’ve worn it all day works too. He recommends starting with a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer. “This helps your skin look fresh, not flat, and creates a nice base for your look,” he says. Since the eyes are the focus, Dorn suggests using a deep matte shadow in signature grunge shades. “Cool grays, browns or even a washed-out black can be blended all over the lid into the crease. Then use a pencil liner to tightline the top and bottom of the lash lines,” she says.
One rule of thumb both artists stick by is keeping the blush subtle and clean. “A wash of color for the cheeks paired with soft contouring deepens the look without going overboard,” says Dorn. If you’re opting for a dark colored lip, Dorn suggests using a liquid lipstick to create a bold statement, while Briceno recommends tapping it in for a worn-in effect rather than applying with a perfect line.
