Grunge Makeup Ideas for an Effortlessly Edgy Look
This article is all about grunge makeup ideas.
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This year, the grunge aesthetic is back!
The grunge subculture dates all the way back to the mid-1980s, when the indie rock music scene of Seattle started fusing the punk and metal genres together to create the musical, literary, fashion, and lifestyle aesthetic that we know and love today.
In the ‘90s, grunge hit the mainstream fashion world thanks to the influence of icons like Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, and Marc Jacobs.
If you’re feeling inspired by grunge’s comeback, one of the easiest ways to incorporate the grunge aesthetic into your look is through your makeup.
There’s something so carefree and nonchalant, yet edgy and cool about a grungy makeup look—whether you’re a former clean girl looking to upgrade to a slightly edgier aesthetic, or whether you’re a former scene kid who can’t wait to relive their emo glory days, there’s a grunge makeup look out there that will perfectly suit your personal style and vibe.
Edgy & Cool Grunge Makeup Ideas
Smudged Black Eyeliner
One of the hallmarks of a grungy makeup style is a messy, lived-in eye look, almost like you smudged some makeup on for a party, fell asleep in it, and wore the same look out again the following night!
This smudged black eyeliner look is super easy to achieve—all you need is a black eyeliner pencil, some neutral toned eyeshadow to blend it out a little, and some generous coats of your favorite black mascara!
Bold Black Eyeliner
If you’re inspired by bold black eyeliner, but the smudgy, slept-in look is a bridge too far for you, try this black eyeliner look, which is just as eye-catching, but is also a little less messy.
All you need to do is apply a layer of thick black eyeliner all around your eye, top and bottom, and wing it out slightly.
Keep the rest of the skin super dewy, minimal, and fresh so that your eyeliner is the star of the show!
Warm Smokey Eye
If you love to get creative and express yourself with your makeup, try taking a cue from this intricate warm smokey eye.
This is a distinctly goth-inspired take on a fall eyeshadow look, featuring rich tones of burgundy, bronze, mustard yellow, and even an unexpected pop of steel blue in the inner corners to add a little bit of contrast.
Glitter Grunge
Just because you’re taking inspiration from the grunge aesthetic doesn’t mean you have to relinquish your love for glitzy, glamorous sparkly eyeshadow!
The shape of this eyeshadow and eyeliner look is pretty traditional, but the dark smokey jewel tones of the glittery eyeshadow give it a grungy vibe, almost like there’s an iridescent oil spill on your eyelids!
Blood Red Lipstick
Bold, dark lipstick is another mainstay of the gothic makeup aesthetic, and a must have for any grunge enthusiast.
This deep oxblood lipstick shade would look amazing on any skin tone.
It pairs beautifully with a bold eye look, like the graphic matte black smokey eye shown in the picture, but it would look equally gorgeous with minimal makeup, just fresh skin and a sweep of black mascara!
Metallic Red Smokey Eye
If you’ve always wanted to try wearing red eyeshadow but were scared to look bloodshot or like you have a black eye, this metallic red smokey eye is the perfect way to dip your toe into this unexpected eyeshadow shade.
The winged eyeliner and metallic finish of the eyeshadow lend the look a classic, familiar feel, but the bold red tones and smoked out shape of the eyeshadow give it an edgier, grungier vibe.
Grungy Glam Look
If you’ve got a special event coming up where you want to look a little glamorous, but you still want to take inspiration from the grunge aesthetic, this grungy glam look is the perfect combination of the two vibes.
The eyeshadow is dark and smokey, but also features a glimmering sparkly top coat to give the look some extra pizazz.
If you really want to go over the top, you can even add some face gems to the look—we love the way these delicate pearls placed over the eyebrows almost look like an eyebrow piercing from far away.
Mod-Inspired Grungy Makeup
People generally associate the grunge aesthetic with the 1990s, but you can also combine grungy vibes with the makeup aesthetic of other decades past to really interesting effect.
This mod-inspired grungy makeup look obviously takes inspiration from ‘60s icons like Twiggy, but something about the cool toned, slightly dingy eyeshadow shade and lip color still evoke the grunge era.
Matte Cool Toned Makeup Look
For another decade-mashing option, you can also combine grungy tones with the full glam makeup style of the mid-2010s for a look that’s undeniably bold, but also still soft and smokey.
We’re absolutely obsessed with this blown out matte smokey eye, which pairs beautifully with a cool toned nude pink lip combo to create a soft grunge effect that’s somehow still super glamorous at the same time.
Monochromatic Soft Grunge Makeup Look
This monochromatic soft grunge makeup look clearly takes inspiration from some icons of the ‘90s, like Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss, and Drew Barrymore.
It combines a subtle brown smokey eye with a moody brown lipstick, all in coordinating tones that strike the perfect balance between rosy, warm, and cool.
Indie Sleaze Vibes
This grungy makeup look gives us definite indie sleaze vibes—the slightly lived-in, blurred edges of the eyeshadow and lip make you look like you’ve been out dancing the night away for hours on end.
A black and gray smokey eye is enhanced beautifully by a glossy, plummy burgundy lip.
The tones on the eyes and lips are both pretty bold and dark, but the subdued and smudgy application prevents the overall look from reading too heavy or dramatic.
Dark Brown Metallic Lip
This dark brown metallic lip is an interesting and eye-catching variation on the classic grungy, dark colored lip.
If you don’t feel like deep oxblood, burgundy, or plum shades suit you, this chocolatey bronze shade is a cool alternative that gives the same effect, but with a less pink, more neutral undertone.
Soft Blurry Grunge Look
Maybe you’re really inspired by the grunge vibe, but you don’t feel comfortable wearing super bold, edgy, or eye-catching makeup looks.
This ‘90s grunge makeup is a more natural, wearable take on the grunge trend that keeps the overall vibe, but turns down the contrast.
Soft, smokey brown tones on the eyes and lips give the look a moody aesthetic, and we especially love the approachable touch of shimmer on the eyelid and the soft, blurred, satin finish of the lip color.
Glossy Vinyl Smokey Eye
On the other hand, if you’re really inspired by editorial, unapproachable, and artistic makeup looks, look no further than this glossy vinyl smokey eye.
To achieve this look, you’ll first have to apply a classic black or dark brown smokey eye using matte eyeshadows.
Over the top, you’ll smear a thin layer of a clear gloss to create this super shiny, vinyl-like effect.
Unfortunately, because of the glossy finish, this kind of look smears and smudges pretty easily, so it might not be the best choice to wear for a long day at work or school.
Y2K Sci Fi Grunge Look
This makeup look combines grunge elements with a Y2K-inspired sci fi aesthetic to create a look that feels nostalgic and futuristic at the same time.
Bold, graphic silver eyeliner and bleached brows create an edgy vibe to the look, while a sheer burgundy lip adds a grungy element that complements, not clashes.
The grunge look is really all about self-expression, living in your makeup, and disregarding traditional rules that dictate what should look good or beautiful.
Regardless of whether you prefer more artsy, glam, or minimal makeup looks in your day to day life, there’s definitely a way to adapt your usual makeup aesthetic to fit the grunge trend.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself, try on makeup colors or techniques that are a little outside of your comfort zone, and embrace the grunge subculture!
