The Smokeshow: A 90's Grunge Makeup Look

Embrace the edgy style of the 90s with our step-by-step guide to authentic grunge makeup. From bold 90s grunge eyeliner to the perfect lipstick, we cover everything you need to know to nail the soft grunge aesthetic makeup look.

Unleash your bold, captivating energy. When you look back on old 90s grunge makeup looks, the smokey eyes, lived-in eyeliner, and brown lip liner made it an iconic look. That’s why we’re seeing this trend come back in a major way. If you want to take part in this soft grunge makeup look, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to achieve this smokey eye: 

The Eyes

The 90s grunge makeup trend was less of a trend than it was a lifestyle. Late nights bled into early mornings and the smeared and smudged eye makeup was a natural byproduct. Luckily, we can emulate that effortlessly lived-in look with the right products. 

Step One: 90s Grunge Eyeliner 

Start with our Power Line™ Lasting Eyeliner is the shade LBD. Line both the top and lower lash line, then use the built-in brush to smudge the edges. This gives a natural smokey, smudged look that’s perfect for soft grunge aesthetic makeup. 

Step Two: Smokey Shadow 

Once your eyeliner is complete, you’ll need our beloved Forever Babe Eyeshadow Palette. Using the shade FEELIN' IT, apply the shadow to the inner and outer corners of your eyelid and blend it out. Next, take the shade SENSUAL and apply directly to the center of the lid, creating a halo effect. 

Step Three: Flirty Lashes 

Finally, you need mascara to bring the whole look together. Give yourself a lash-lift with our babe-approved Buxom® Lash Volumizing Mascara. And with that, your 90s grunge eye makeup is complete.

The Lips 

There’s one thing about 90s grunge lipstick that’s absolutely necessary: And that’s brown lip liner. So, here’s how to start: 

Step One: Brown Liner 

Using our Power Line™ Plumping Lip Liner in CREAMY CHOCOLATE, sculpt and define your natural lip line.  

Step Two: Nude Lip 

Next, swipe on our Full-On™ Satin Lipstick in JUICY PEACH for some nude-y pink color in the center of your lips. 

Step Three: Plumping Gloss 

Most 90s grunge makeup looks don’t say anything about plumping the lips, but we can’t resist ourselves. For added volume, top your lipstick with our Plump Shot™ Lip Serum in SOFT BLUSH. 

The Cheeks 

If you look back on authentic 90s grunge makeup, you often don’t see a lot of color on the cheeks. But we’ve entered our blush era and wanted to propose a few options to complete the look. 

Add Some Color 

Apply Wanderlust™ Primer-Infused Blush in the shade GOA to the apple of your cheeks. Sweep upwards for a lifting effect. Want to add a little extra volume to your cheeks without the filler? Substitute for a touch of our Plump Shot™ Collagen Peptides Advanced Plumping Blush in the shade BERRY GLAM. 

Grunge Makeup FAQs

What is grunge makeup 1990?   

Grunge makeup from the 1990s was comprised of messy, smudgy applications, dark lip liner, and a matte finish. 

How to wear a grunge makeup?  

You can wear grunge makeup however you want. But if you want a step-by-step 90s grunge makeup tutorial, follow our instructions above. 

What is the best eyeliner for grunge makeup?  

The best eyeliner for grunge makeup is one that applies smooth but can be buffed out into a smokey line. Our Power Line Lasting™ Eyeliner is the perfect choice. 

What are grunge makeup colors? 

The typical grunge makeup colors include muted tones like taupe, gray, brown, beige, and charcoal. To modernize that look, we’ve included a few pinky tones for the lips and cheeks. 

What events is soft grunge makeup looks good for? 

If soft grunge makeup looks make you feel your most confident, then it’s the perfect look for any event. Though our favorites include concerts, date nights, and nighttime parties.