A little mysterious, bold, and totally unapologetic, grunge makeup is making a comeback, but in a much more modern and glamorous style. How to embrace it this winter? We'll tell you everything.
To understand the appeal of grunge makeup, we have to go back a few years to reveal its early inspirations. The grunge makeup trend is inspired by the distinctive style of the 90s grunge musical and cultural movement. This style is characterized by its casual, rebellious, and often unkempt look, seeking to subvert the norms of conventional beauty.
What are the characteristics of grunge makeup?
Very popular in the 80s and 90s, grunge makeup primarily favors a nonchalant and carefree look. Key elements include smoky eyes, often achieved with dark eyeshadow, sometimes applied imperfectly to create that deconstructed look. You can also opt for dark colors like black, gray, or brown to intensify the eyes. Lips can be made up with dark shades, such as burgundy, dark brown, or plum lipsticks, accentuating the rebellious side.
The complexion is meant to be rather natural, sometimes a bit pale to create a contrast with the eye and lip makeup. In short, grunge makeup seeks to capture an unconventional, casual, and rebellious aesthetic, playing with contrasts and dark tones to create a distinctive and bold look.
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Grunge makeup in 2023
2023 is a revival year. After bringing back all the fashion trends from the 2000s, it's now the turn of past beauty trends to resurface. Grunge makeup, which was popular in the 80s and 90s, is back on the scene, but in a slightly different way. Indeed, "grunge makeup" in 2023 continues to draw inspiration from the rebellious and unconventional style of the 90s movement, but it has naturally evolved to adapt to current trends.
Focus on the eyes:
The eyes remain the center of attention. Dark, deconstructed smoky eyes are still present, but we are also seeing the use of bright or metallic colors for a more modern effect. Graphic liners and colored eyeshadows, sometimes applied in unconventional ways, are also popular.
Gloss and plump lips:
Lips often lean towards a more natural look with the use of colored glosses and matte lipsticks in surprisingly neutral or bright red tones. Lip contouring is quite popular to create the illusion of a plump mouth, but unlike in the 90s, it should blend into the lipstick to avoid creating too visible of a demarcation.
Read also: How to embrace the sunkissed makeup trend?
Natural, luminous skin
The current trend favors fresh, luminous skin. Rather than using high-coverage foundations, we opt for lighter products like CC creams or hydrating foundations for a subtle finish and a natural glow.
Read also: How to apply makeup for a perfect complexion?
Textured, bushy eyebrows:
Natural, thick eyebrows remain in fashion. They are often brushed upwards for a brow lift effect and a less structured look.
Experimentation and individuality:
Modern grunge encourages experimentation and creativity. We mix styles, colors, and textures to create unique, personalized looks.
