If you love bold, edgy beauty with a touch of rebellion, grunge makeup is your go-to look. It’s all about smudged eyeliner, dark lips, and effortlessly undone glam that makes you look cool without trying too hard.
In this article, you’ll discover 13 killer grunge makeup ideas—from classic ‘90s grunge makeup looks to modern soft grunge eye makeup.
You’ll also learn how to make your grunge makeup last all day, the best hairstyles and fashion to match, and common mistakes to avoid. Get ready to embrace your moody, rockstar-chic side and perfect the ultimate grunge aesthetic!
Here are the top 13 grunge makeup ideas for women to achieve the perfect rebel look:
Classic ‘90s Grunge Makeup Look
The 90s grunge makeup look is all about smudged eyeliner, dark lips, and effortless beauty. Start with a matte foundation, then use kohl eyeliner to create an imperfect, lived-in effect.
Smudge black or charcoal eyeshadow on your lids and pair it with deep burgundy or vampy lips. This grunge makeup tutorial is perfect for alternative beauty lovers, rock concerts, and casual everyday wear.
Inspired by Courtney Love and Winona Ryder, it pairs well with ripped jeans, oversized band tees, and combat boots. Keep it modern with a subtle highlighter and feathery brows. Use a setting spray for all-day wear.
Soft Grunge Makeup with Smoky Eyes
If you love soft grunge makeup, this look is a blend of edgy and wearable. Use taupe and charcoal eyeshadows to create soft grunge eye makeup, then blend a smudged eyeliner look for a sultry effect.
A nude matte or dusty rose lip makes it perfect for everyday wear. Great for alternative fashion lovers and casual city outings, this simple grunge makeup idea for women is rocked by Kristen Stewart.
Pair it with fishnet tights and layered silver jewelry. Use a smudge-proof kohl liner and creamy eyeshadow stick to nail the look effortlessly.
Grunge Glam with Glossy Black Lips
For an ultra-bold take on grunge makeup ideas for women, try glossy black lips with a matte complexion. Use a deep black liquid lipstick and define your eyes with winged eyeliner and heavy mascara.
This punk-inspired beauty look is made for goth aesthetics and nighttime events. Think Taylor Momsen’s rebellious glam. It pairs well with leather jackets and ripped jeans.
Must-have products include waterproof black lipstick, setting powder, and volumizing mascara. For an extra edge, add smoky silver eyeshadow.
Simple Grunge Makeup with Smudged Eyeliner
A simple grunge makeup look starts with minimal effort yet maximum impact. Apply black kohl eyeliner and smudge it using a cotton swab for that effortless, undone vibe.
A sheer foundation keeps the skin looking natural, while a nude-mauve lipstick adds balance. This soft grunge eye makeup is ideal for everyday wear, music festivals, and street-style lovers.
Pair it with oversized denim jackets and lace-up boots. For a DIY hack, use eyeshadow as eyeliner and set it with a translucent powder.
Soft Grunge Makeup with Mauve Lips
For a subtle alternative look, this soft grunge makeup is perfect. Start with light contouring and a dewy base, then create a soft brown eyeshadow blend with a smudged eyeliner look for definition.
The standout feature is mauve lipstick, adding a romantic yet edgy vibe. Best suited for casual grunge lovers, moody photoshoots, and soft goth aesthetics, this look pairs well with velvet dresses and lace chokers.
Celebrities like Lana Del Rey rock this vibe effortlessly. Use creamy mauve lipstick, soft brown eyeliner, and a lightweight setting spray to keep the look fresh all day.
‘90s Grunge Makeup and Hair with Dark Brows
The 90s grunge makeup and hair aesthetic is all about bold, unpolished beauty. Use dark, bushy brows and pair them with matte brown eyeshadow and deep brown lips. Keep your hair messy, either in loose waves or a tousled bun.
Best for those who love ‘90s nostalgia and alternative beauty trends, this look is inspired by Drew Barrymore’s iconic style. Wear it with crop tops, plaid skirts, and oversized sweaters.
Use brow gels, brown lip liner, and warm-toned eyeshadow palettes to recreate this effortlessly cool look. Finish with texturizing spray for undone waves.
Heavy Smudged Eyeliner & Nude Lips
This grunge makeup tutorial features intensely smudged eyeliner paired with soft lips. Use black kohl liner on the upper and lower lash lines, then smudge it outwards with a brush or finger for a messy, grungy finish.
Keep lips simple with a nude-matte shade, making this look bold yet balanced. Great for concerts, rebellious street fashion, and alternative lovers, this look is inspired by Avril Lavigne’s punk era.
Pair it with band tees, ripped tights, and silver accessories. Use gel liner, setting spray, and waterproof mascara to make it last all day.
Punk-Inspired Beauty with Graphic Liner
A punk-inspired beauty look with graphic eyeliner takes grunge makeup into the artistic realm. Use sharp, jagged liner designs for a dramatic edge, blending black and deep red eyeshadow.
Keep the lips neutral or glossy black for contrast. This moody makeup style is perfect for alternative fashion lovers, high-fashion events, and creative photoshoots.
Inspired by Billie Eilish, it pairs well with fishnet gloves, spiked accessories, and chunky platform boots. Use liquid eyeliner with a precise tip, smudge-proof setting powder, and clear lip gloss for a polished finish.
Grunge Makeup with Burgundy Smoky Eyes
For a unique twist on grunge makeup ideas for women, try burgundy smoky eyes. Start with deep red and dark brown eyeshadows, blending them for a smoldering effect. Add black kohl liner to the waterline and smudge it for extra drama.
Keep the lips matte nude or deep wine. This bold makeup is great for concerts, gothic fashion, and moody photo shoots, inspired by Taylor Momsen.
Pair it with lace-up boots, fishnet stockings, and leather jackets. Use a smudge-proof eyeshadow primer, creamy matte lipstick, and waterproof liner to maintain the intensity all day.
Soft Grunge Makeup with Rosy Cheeks
This soft grunge makeup look gives an effortless, flushed glow while staying edgy. Use a dewy foundation and rosy blush to create a fresh face. Keep the eyes subtly smoky with taupe and soft brown shadows, then define with lightly smudged eyeliner.
Finish with mauve or rosewood lips for a natural yet rebellious aesthetic. Perfect for daytime grunge lovers, casual wear, and soft goth styles, this look is seen on Zoë Kravitz.
Pair it with flannel shirts and combat boots. Use tinted balm, lightweight foundation, and a soft-focus setting spray for an all-day fresh vibe.
Goth-Inspired Grunge with Black Lipstick
A goth-inspired grunge makeup look revolves around bold black lips and intense eyeliner. Use a full-coverage matte foundation, then apply black liquid lipstick for a statement pout.
For the eyes, go for smudged black liner and dark gray shadow to keep it rockstar chic. This alternative beauty trend is perfect for night outs, goth events, and music festivals, inspired by Wednesday Addams aesthetics.
Pair it with dark lace dresses and silver chains. Use a lip liner for precise application, a matte setting powder, and a waterproof liner to maintain the edgy finish all day.
Grunge Makeup with Heavy Lower Lash Drama
A smudged eyeliner look with a heavy lower lash definition creates a moody, rebellious effect. Apply black kohl liner on the lower lash line, smudging it with a dark brown shadow.
Add extra mascara or faux lower lashes for an exaggerated look. Keep the lips nude or deep berry. This dark aesthetic beauty style is ideal for punk concerts, fashion editorials, and alternative fashion lovers, inspired by Billie Eilish.
Pair it with oversized sweaters and layered necklaces. Use waterproof mascara, a creamy smudge-proof liner, and a matte lip stain to keep the look bold yet wearable.
90s Grunge Makeup and Hair with Messy Bangs
The 90s grunge makeup and hair trend includes messy, choppy bangs paired with grungy, undone makeup. Use matte foundation and light contouring, then add smudged brown eyeliner and soft taupe shadow for a relaxed effect.
The lips should be dusty rose or brown. Perfect for everyday grunge aesthetics, casual wear, and vintage lovers, this look is inspired by Drew Barrymore’s ‘90s era.
Pair it with oversized denim jackets and lace-up boots. Use a lightweight mousse for textured bangs, soft matte lipstick, and a cream blush to enhance this nostalgic yet rebellious look.
How to Make Grunge Makeup Last All Day?
You love that perfectly smudged eyeliner look, but how do you keep it from disappearing by noon? Start with a lightweight primer—this keeps your foundation and eyeshadow from sliding off.
When layering smoky eyes or kohl liner, build it up slowly to create depth without creasing. Set everything with a translucent powder or setting spray for a matte, long-wearing effect.
Finally, keep black eyeliner, blotting paper, and your go-to lipstick in your bag for quick touch-ups. This way, your bold, rebellious glam stays fresh from morning coffee to late-night adventures.
Hair & Fashion to Complement Grunge Makeup
Your grunge makeup look isn’t complete without the perfect hair and fashion combo. For hairstyles, go for messy waves, tousled bedhead hair, or dark-dyed tones—think effortless, undone, and rebellious.
Fashion-wise, you can’t go wrong with oversized flannels, ripped jeans, band tees, and combat boots for that true ‘90s grunge makeup and hair aesthetic. Want to take it further? Layer on chokers, silver rings, and stacked necklaces to add edge.
The goal? To look like you didn’t try too hard—while still looking impossibly cool. You’re now ready to own that alternative beauty trend with confidence!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You love grunge makeup, but small mistakes can ruin the look. Avoid these common mistakes:
- First, don’t overdo your eyeliner without blending—harsh lines take away from that effortless smudged effect.
- Second, avoid cakey foundation—grunge is all about raw, lived-in beauty, not a heavy mask.
- Skipping lip liner? Big mistake. Dark lipstick tends to bleed, so a liner keeps everything sharp.
- Lastly, don’t forget skin hydration—even if you’re going for a matte finish, dehydrated skin can make your makeup crack.
- Keep your rebellious glam looking fresh by balancing edgy intensity with effortless cool.
Now you’re ready to rock that grunge aesthetic!
How to Remove Grunge Makeup Properly?
You’ve rocked your bold, smudged eyeliner look all day, but removing it the right way is just as important. Start with an oil-based cleanser—this melts away dark eyeshadow, heavy kohl, and deep lipstick without scrubbing.
Follow up with micellar water to wipe off any leftover residue, ensuring your skin is fresh and clean. Finally, don’t skip moisturizing! Heavy makeup can be drying, so use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin soft and healthy.
You love grunge, but your skin shouldn’t suffer for it. Treat it well, and you’ll be ready to create another moody makeup style tomorrow!
Conclusion
Grunge makeup is all about rebellion, creativity, and effortlessly cool, and now you have plenty of ways to make it your own.
Personally, I love soft grunge makeup for its balance of edgy and wearable, and 90s grunge makeup looks for its raw, nostalgic feel. Now it’s your turn—go bold, get messy, and own your alternative beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Do Grunge Makeup Look?
Start with matte foundation and smudged black eyeliner for that effortless, rebellious vibe. Add dark eyeshadow, bold brows, and deep lipstick to complete your bold, edgy beauty look.
How to Do Hot Goth Makeup?
Go for pale foundation, dark smoky eyes, and deep red or black lips. Add sharp contouring, dramatic winged eyeliner, and intense brows for a dark aesthetic with vampy lips and moody makeup styles.
What Is the eGirl Makeup Style?
Soft grunge eye makeup meets playful elements—think blush-heavy cheeks, winged eyeliner, faux freckles, and glossy lips. It’s a mix of punk-inspired beauty, alternative trends, and Y2K influences.
How to Do ‘90s Eye Makeup?
Use frosty eyeshadows, thin brows, and smudged eyeliner for an iconic ‘90s grunge makeup and hair vibe. Finish with mascara-heavy lashes and matte brown or deep burgundy lips for a nostalgic touch.
