I’m a child of the 90s grunge era—think flannel shirts, gritty guitar riffs, and that too-cool-to-care attitude.
And guess what?
Grunge is making a killer comeback, but with a fresh twist that’s totally now.
Here I’m going to be your guide to nailing those iconic grunge makeup looks, perfect for rocking out at Coachella or slaying on your TikTok feed.
Ready to master the art of the stylish smudge?
I’ll show you how to rock smeared eyeliner and eyeshadow that looks effortlessly edgy.
And we can’t forget about that matte lip—it’s the secret sauce for an authentic grunge vibe:
Grungy Makeups To Try Now : Gallery
Smudged Black Eyeshadow – Use black eyeshadow smudged heavily under the lower lashing and blended outwards. Pair with thick black eyeliner on top
This edgy eye look is all about getting that lived-in, imperfect vibe.
Start by using a dense pencil or angled brush to sweep black eyeshadow under the lower lashing.
Get it right up against the lashes and pack on the shadow, without any blending yet.
Take a fluffy brush and use a windshield wiper motion to start smudging and softening the black shadow, pulling the color out and away from the lashing on the outer corners.
Don’t blend too perfectly – you want there to be patchiness and unevenness for an authentically grungy effect.
Next, switch to a black pencil or liquid liner on the upper lashing.
Draw it on thickly and skip your usual winged liner shaping; this liner should be rough and smudgy.
Take an angle brush to continue softening and blurring the upper and lower liner toward the outer corners.
Finish by adding a few layers of black mascara to the top and bottom lashes, concentrating the most product on the outer corners. Let some clumping happen to emphasize the grunginess.
Avoid any other eye makeup for maximum smokey impact.
The pairing of the heavily smudged black shadow underneath with the thick, imperfect liner on top creates a smoked-out eye that feels decidedly rock n’ roll.
Customize the messiness to suit your style!
Glitter Tears – Apply glitter liner or eyeshadow under the eyes and let it run down the cheeks like tears
Glitter tears are all about making a dramatic statement.
For this look, start by applying a cream or liquid glitter eyeliner under the lower lashing.
Keep it messy and uneven, with heavier application on the outer corners.
Next, take a shimmery pressed glitter eyeshadow on a small dense brush.
Sweep this under the lower lashing on top of the liner, extending it down the cheek in a teardrop shape. Apply more pressure so the glitter really sticks to the skin.
Use your finger to gently smudge and blur the edge of the glitter shadow to blend it into the cheek. Let some glitter fallout happen beneath the main teardrop shape.
The key is imperfect placement.
For extra impact, apply a second teardrop of glitter coming from the opposite outer corner of the eye, intersecting the first teardrop on the cheek.
You can use any glitter colors you like, but metallic shades like silver, gold, gunmetal or copper work especially well for the grunge look. multicolored glitter creates a cool cyberpunk vibe.
Finish with loads of black mascara on the top and bottom lashes to balance the strong glitter tears.
Leaving the rest of the face bare keeps the focus on the standout glitter moment.
The combo of chunky glitter and chaotic tears creates such an edgy, artsy look. It’s perfect for music festivals or just experimenting!
Dark Lipstick – Try deep burgundy, purple, brown or black lipstick for a grungy pout. Matte finishes work best
Going for an ultra-dark lip color is essential for nailing the authentic grunge aesthetic. Stick to deep plums, burgundies, chocolates, blackened purples and true black shades.
Matte finishes are key – they last longer and prevent the vivid lipstick from looking too neat.
Prep lips by gently exfoliating to remove any dry skin or flakiness. Outline and fill in lips with a matching dark lip liner. This provides the matte base and prevents feathering.
Use a highly pigmented liquid matte lipstick or an opaque bullet lipstick to coat the lips in the dark hue. Apply two or three layers to build up the rich color to full opacity. Press lips together to evenly disperse.
To make the lip color appear more lived-in, take your finger and lightly dab the center of the lips to sheer out some of the heavy pigment there. Or, apply loosely with a brush for a softer stain effect.
Define the lip shape by sharpening edges with concealer using an angled brush. Blot gently with tissue to matte-ify the finish. Finish by brushing black eyeshadow lightly over lip edges for dimension.
Balance the dramatic lip with simple, moody eyes, focusing shadow and liner only on the top and outer corners. Keep the cheeks bare.
Ramp up the edginess by topping off the dark lip with a clear gloss and drawn-on piercing details.
Facial Piercings – Draw on fake facial piercings with liquid eyeliner or use metallic temporary tattoos. Focus on brows, lips and nostrils
Facial piercings are an iconic part of the 90s grunge look. Use these tips to create faux piercings that look real:
For the brows, use a thin, precise liquid eyeliner pen to draw on a piercing at the arch of one or both brows. Keep it simple with a single silver ring or stud shape.
On the lips, draw a ring piercing on one side of the mouth with liquid liner. Make it an oval shape and leave an opening in the center for added dimension. You can also do a central labret piercing under the lips.
For nostrils, carefully draw a silver nose ring on one side, resting on the nostril. Or, do a septum piercing right under the tip of the nose with a hoop or horseshoe shape.
Take metallic temporary tattoos meant for the body and cut them into small pieces to make flat-back earrings. Adhere them along the ears and eyebrows.
Use a dark eyeshadow to add depth and definition to the drawn-on piercings, filling in holes and shadows. This makes them look more 3D.
Set everything with makeup setting spray so the liner and tattoos last all night without smudging.
Finishing off your grungy makeup look with fake piercings pulls the whole vibe together.
Choose your favorite facial piercings or do a full-on collection for maximum edge!
Grunge Graphic Liner – Create rough graphic or geometric liner shapes with black liquid eyeliner. Leave the lines imperfect
Graphic liner is a really fun way to get an edgy, artsy vibe.
To make it work for a grunge look, you’ll want to keep the lines imperfect.
Start by using a matte black liquid eyeliner pen.
Think about the graphic shape you want to create – it could be triangles, rectangle frames, slashes or abstract shapes.
Begin slowly drawing your shape along the upper lashing. Move the pen without lifting so the line has an uneven, hand-drawn look. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly even on both eyes.
Extend the shape past the outer corners for an elongated cat eye effect. Let some areas along the line be thicker and some thinner for natural variation.
Soften the graphic edges by running your finger along them to smudge slightly. This creates that gritty, lived-in texture.
You can add more shapes or connect them to make a bold graphic style.
Draw shapes along the lower lashing too.
Finish with loads of black mascara on the upper and lower lashes to blend with the liner. For extra grunge, add some clumps.
The key is creating liner shapes that look almost accidental. The more imperfect, the better! It creates an edgy graphic eye that totally fits the grungy vibe.
Style your hair in an undone messy bun, leaving out face framing pieces. Add texture spray for grit
The messy bun is a go-to hair look for that “I just rolled out of bed” vibe. To get it right for a grunge style, you’ll want to focus on imperfection.
Start by spritzing a texturizing spray all throughout dry hair and ruffling your hands through to get grit and separation. Avoid using conditioner or oils that will make it look too smooth.
Gather hair at the crown of your head as if doing a top knot. Pull it together loosely with your hands, leaving pieces falling out messily around the hairline and nape of the neck.
Twist the hair clockwise and coil into a bun shape, placing it just off-center. Don’t neatly tuck in flyaways – the messier the better.
Take bobby pins and haphazardly pin pieces in place to hold the bun. Focus on pinning only the middle, leaving the ends loose.
Gently pull out pieces around the hairline to create soft framing layers around the face. Lightly backcomb for extra volume and texture.
Finish with a stronger hold hairspray, spraying from underneath the bun outwards. Scrunch bangs and flyaway so they look piece.
The grunge messy bun is all about that undone, tousled vibe. Embrace the imperfections and let those pretty flyaway frame your face!
Smoky Eyes – Rim lower lash lines with black or brown eyeshadow, smoked out heavily. Pair with dark shadow on the upper lid
The smoky eye is a go-to for grunge makeup, with the key being to keep it looking rough and blended out.
Start by using a pencil brush to sweep black or dark brown eyeshadow along the entire lower lashing. Pack it on densely and heavily, without any blending yet.
Switch to a fluffy blending brush and use windshield wiper motions to start diffusing the shadow outward. Blend until there’s no harsh lines, only gradient shadow.
Take the brush upwards to blend a dark brown shadow across the upper lid, concentrating the most color at the lashing and outer corner.
Go back with the pencil brush to reinforce the lower lashing color, rounding it out towards the outer corners. Connect it with the top shadow.
Take a matte skin-tone shade on a wide brush and blend just under the brow bone to diffuse any hard edges.
Curl lashes and apply black mascara heavily to upper and lower lashes, concentrating on the outer corners.
The pairing of the blown-out lower shadow with the intense upper lid color creates that signature smoky look.
Let it be messy and uneven for optimal grungy impact!
Face Jewels – Adhere metallic temporary jewels around the eyes, temples, cheeks and lips. Gold and silver work best
Face jewels are a fun way to add some edgy glam to your grunge-inspired makeup.
Focus on using metallic temporary gems in silver, gold or gunmetal shades to align with the gritty vibe.
Start by laying out an assortment of jewelry rhinestones, chains and charms.
Use lash glue to adhere small jewels around the eyes, pressing them on along the lashing, lid crease and outer corners.
Take longer chained jewelry pieces and cut them into sections.
Use eyelash glue to attach a few chain links around your temples, trailing down past the eyebrows.
Glue on small gems, rings or studs along your cheekbones as faux piercings.
Place them in uneven clusters for an eclectic look.
Finish with metallic studs, hoops or chains glued horizontally under the lower lip. You can also place jewels at the corners of the mouth.
Apply dark, dramatic winged liner and shadow to offset the shining face jewels.
Sweep black heavily under lower lashes too.
Spritz everything with makeup setting spray to make the jewels last all night. The sparkly jewels contrast gorgeously with the grungy vibe for an edgy final look!
Dark Lips & Light Eyes – Do a dark burgundy lip with soft, neutral smoky eyes for contrast
Start with a matte burgundy or deep purple lipstick. Apply it generously and blot to set it.
Use a matching lip liner to define the edges.
Diffuse the lip color slightly by pressing a tissue into the center and blotting.
This creates a subtle Ombre effect.
Outline and fill in the lips with concealer using an angled brush to sharpen the shape. Set with translucent powder.
Sweep a soft brown eyeshadow across the lid and into the crease, blending upwards towards the brow.
Avoid black liner.
Take a skin-toned shadow on a fluffy brush and blend just under the brows to diffuse any harsh shadow lines.
Curl lashes and apply brown mascara lightly to both top and bottom lashes.
Concentrate most on the outer top corners.
Let a few strands of hair fall messily around the face to soften the look.
The bold matte lip color paired with the neutral, hazy eyes creates striking contrast. It’s an edgy yet wearable take on the grunge aesthetic. Finish with faux lip rings for extra edge!
Use purples, grays and blacks around the eyes to create “bruised” looking shadow. Heavily blended
This shadow style uses cool tones like purples, grays and blacks blended together to mimic the look of a bruise around the eyes.
Start by applying a matte medium purple shadow across the eyelid up to the crease. Extend it outward past the outer corners.
Use a fluffy brush to diffuse the edges so there are no harsh lines. Take the brush up towards the brow bone as well.
Switch to a pencil brush and sweep a dark gray shadow along the upper and lower lashlines. Concentrate the most color at the outer corners.
With windshield wiper motions, blend the gray shadow outward and upward, making sure it connects with the purple lid color.
Take a matte black shadow and lightly dab it onto the outer corners on top and bottom. Softly diffuse the edges.
Go back with the fluffy brush and grays to further blend everything together seamlessly. The colors should be hazy.
Finish with black mascara on the top and bottom lashes. Let clumping happen for added grunginess.
The muted purple, gray, and black shadows create the perfect bruised effect for grunge makeup. Keep blending until it looks faded and imperfect.
Gritty Glitter – Apply chunky glitter loosely around the eyes. Let it fall onto the cheeks for an imperfect finish
Choose chunkier, textured glitters rather than fine particles. Irregular shapes and sizes work best to create that grungy look.
Metallic colors like silver, gold, gunmetal and copper complement the edgy vibe. Multicolored glitter creates a cyberpunk feel.
Use your finger or a dense brush to sweep press the glitter on around the eyes, concentrating on the outer corners and lids.
Let the application be messy and uneven. Allow some glitter to fall onto the upper cheeks and temple areas.
You can also run a glitter glue stick or vaseline around the eyes first before patting on glitter for maximum payoff.
If using a glitter adhesive, wait until it gets tacky before applying glitter. This prevents too precise of placement.
Do not blend the edges completely. Let them look choppy and opaque in areas. Avoid highlighting the inner corners or brow bone.
Apply black liner and mascara heavily on the upper and lower lashes to offset the glitter.
Spritz with makeup setting spray to lock in the sparkle and prevent major fallout.
By keeping the glitter placement imperfect with an uneven distribution of chunky texture, you get that cool, edgy grunge effect. The messier, the better!
Earthy Eyes – Use matte browns, olive greens and other earthy tones on the eyes. Avoid shimmer
Stick to mostly matte eyeshadows in shades like brown, taupe, olive green, army green, beige, sand, and soft gray. Avoid shimmers.
Sweep a medium matte brown all over the lid up to the crease. Blend it outward toward the temples.
Deepen the outer corners and crease with a darker matte brown or olive green shadow. Diffuse edges.
Run an earthy khaki or umber shadow lightly under lower lashes. Smudge it outward with a brush.
Take a matte sand or beige tone on a fluffy brush and blend just under brows to mute any harsh shadow lines.
Use short, stroking motions when blending to keep the earthy shadow looking lived-in and grungy.
Line upper lashing with dark brown pencil liner. Smudge lightly with a brush or fingertip.
Apply black or brown mascara only to the outer top and lower lashes for a subtle finish.
Fill in brows with a matte powder to look natural. Brush brows upward for a messy effect.
Add strategic messiness like smudges at the lash lines or temples.
The matte, neutral shadows create a soft, earthy eye that evokes the grunge vibe. Keeping the application imperfect enhances the organic look.
Beauty Marks – Draw on faux beauty marks with black or brown eyeliner. Focus on cheeks, lips and temples
Use a black or dark brown pencil eyeliner to draw on beauty marks. Liquid liner is too harsh and precise.
Focus on placing them around the eyes, cheeks, lips, and temples. These areas align well with natural beauty marks.
Make the shapes like small dots, hearts, stars or abstract blobs. Vary the sizes for dimension.
Draw beauty marks in clusters of 2-3 rather than evenly spaced out. This looks more natural.
Use a lightweight hand when applying so the marks have an imperfect, smudged look.
Blend the edges of each mark subtly with your finger or a brush to soften them.
Make some appear more faded as if they are underneath the skin.
Use a matte eyeshadow to add depth to the beauty marks, filling in the centers and accentuating the outlines.
Set with makeup setting spray to increase longevity.
Balance them out with dramatic winged liner, dark lips or a bold eye look.
Strategically placed faux beauty marks can give your makeup an edgy, retro vibe. Focus on imperfect placement and a smudged look.
Cobweb Liner – Create a cobweb effect on the lid using black liquid liner. Leave it uneven and slightly smudged
Cobweb liner involves using black liquid eyeliner to draw a web-like pattern on the eyelids. The key is keeping it imperfect and messy for that edgy grunge vibe.
Start by envisioning the cobweb design you want to create. Focus on uneven intersecting lines that connect in an organic way.
Use a matte black liquid liner pen and start slowly drawing the liner pattern on your lids. Do not use a steady hand here – let the lines waiver and intersect messily.
Make some of the liner lines thin and delicate, while leaving others much thicker and bolder. Allow the width to vary naturally as you draw.
Extend the cobweb pattern past the outer corners of the eyes, drawing lines out towards the temples. Keep them uneven.
Once your design is in place, take a thin eyeliner brush or your finger and gently smudge the edges of the lines to soften them.
Lightly brush over the liner with gloss or petroleum jelly, then press a tissue against your lids to pick up some of the color. This sheers it out.
Finish with loads of black mascara focused on the top and bottom outer lashes to connect with the liner.
Embrace the imperfect, hand-drawn look of the cobweb pattern. The smudges make it perfectly grungy!
Messy Color – Apply eyeshadow haphazardly using fingers. Focus darker shades on the outer corners and crease
Start with matte neutral base shades like beige, brown or gray. Use your fingers to sweep color loosely across the lid up to the brow bone.
Switch to deeper shades like charcoal, navy or burgundy and pat these onto the outer corners and crease in a haphazard way.
Avoid precision – let some edges appear more opaque and others sheer out. Do not blend completely.
Take a dark shade like black or deep brown under the lower lashing. Smudge it out down the cheek a bit.
Use a pressing and dabbing motion with your finger to deposit color. Avoid too much swiping, which will look too neat.
Let some eyeshadow fall onto the cheek area and fade it out for a grunge effect.
Apply black or brown pencil liner roughly along the upper lashing. Smudge it with your finger.
Use just a few coats of mascara on the top lashes only. Let it clump together.
Fill in brows messily with quick strokes and do not brush them into shape.
The key is keeping the eyeshadow application uneven and imperfect. Embrace the messiness and skip precision blending for that authentic grunge look.
Grunge makeup is all about embracing a dark, gritty, and imperfect aesthetic.
By using techniques like smudged liner, glitter tears, cobweb eyes, bruise tones, messy buns, and strategically placed face jewels, you can create edgy makeup looks that capture the grungy spirit.
The key is to keep the application looking organic and unpolished. Avoid precise blending, winged liner, or tidy hair. The more undone and faded it appears, the better.
Allow your makeup to be imperfect, uneven, and even runny in places.
Reject mainstream beauty standards and go for an avant-garde, artistic vibe!
