How to Nail a Grunge Makeup Look Using 3 Essential Elements

By Nile Cappello

Updated on 1/8/2016 at 6:00 PM

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Though the current popularity of grunge makeup can partly be attributed to the more general '90s renaissance, there's another reason this beauty trend is gaining so much momentum: its customizability. While the overall fad is obviously inspired by the traditional moody style, the modern variations we're seeing have evolved to include a more diverse scope of techniques, palettes, and features. From soft grunge to glam grunge, we love how the movement can be tweaked to fit your specific style and facial features.

But no matter what iteration of grunge makeup you choose, there are three basics that are essential to nailing it: a matte face, smoky eyes, and dark lips. Once you've perfected these crucial elements, you can adjust them by adding additional colors or products to make it your own. To help you get started on your vampy makeover, we've put together the essential tips and products to master these three basic steps.

Matte Face
Instagram | sarahhawkinson

Matte Face

One of the most important pieces to going grunge is the base tone. A pale, matte face is essential, since the '90s preceded the self-tanner rage. Porcelain skin goes against another current trend — contouring — requiring you to put down the bronzer and blush. Opt for a mattifying primer and add a BB cream, foundation, or powder to create a flat canvas for the rest of your vampy look.

Matte Face: Powder Foundation

Matte Face: Powder Foundation

Bare Minerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($28)

Matte Face: Primer

Matte Face: Primer

The Body Shop Skin Primer Matte It ($15)

Matte Face: Liquid Foundation

Matte Face: Liquid Foundation

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation ($12)

Matte Face: BB Cream

Matte Face: BB Cream

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($20)

Smoky Eye
Instagram | easyneon

Smoky Eye

If there's one technique that defines makeup as grunge, it's the smoky eye. To achieve this smoldering look, you'll need a dark eyeliner (either liquid or pencil, depending on how dramatic and thick you're hoping to go), a smudge brush, a palette of shadows (including gray and black tones), and a dramatic mascara. The best part about using the products we've selected is that many of them can create various different smoky eye looks — for example, the liquid eyeliner can be used for winged or straight liner, and the Naked Smoky Palette can offer an endless combination of shadow pairings.

Smoky Eye: Eyeliner Pencil

Smoky Eye: Eyeliner Pencil

Yves Saint Laurent Couture Kajal Eyeliner Pencil ($35)

Smoky Eye: Liquid Eyeliner

Smoky Eye: Liquid Eyeliner

Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Liquid Eye Liner in Black 01 ($7)

Smoky Eye: Eyeshadow Palette

Smoky Eye: Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette ($54)

Smoky Eye: Mascara

Smoky Eye: Mascara

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara ($29)

Smoky Eye: Smudge Brush

Smoky Eye: Smudge Brush

Laura Mercier Smudge Brush ($24)

Dark Lip
Instagram | jadethelibra

Dark Lip

There's no better way to finish off a grunge look than with a dark lip. Deep reds, purples, burgundies, and even browns help create a signature contrast against the pale base tone you've already created. To match the matte foundation, we suggest choosing a shine-free lipstick — adding to the overall flat effect of the finished look. While you can get creative with the color highlights you choose, we suggest choosing a shade that will complement the tones you used in your smoky eye.

Dark Lip: Ruby

Dark Lip: Ruby

Butter London Moisture Matte LIPPY Lipstick ($22)

Dark Lip: Plum

Dark Lip: Plum

Lipstick Queen in Bete Noire in Possessed Intense ($40)

Dark Lip: Scarlet

Dark Lip: Scarlet

Semi Matte Lipstick in Scarlet Empress ($27)

Dark Lip: Deep Nude

Dark Lip: Deep Nude

NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Maison ($6)