Grunge Makeup Is Back—But Are We Missing the Point?

Grunge makeup is one of the biggest 2025 makeup trends, resurfacing on TikTok feeds, celebrity red carpets, and even high-fashion runways. The look—defined by smudged eyeliner, muted lips, and undone skin—has been rebranded as “clean grunge.” But while the modern version is trending, many argue it misses the original spirit of grunge: a raw, rebellious rejection of polished beauty standards.

So, is today’s grunge makeup revival honoring its roots, or just turning rebellion into another curated aesthetic?

The Origins of Grunge Makeup

In the early ’90s, grunge makeup wasn’t about blending techniques or high-end palettes. It was smudged kohl eyeliner, foundation-free skin, dark lipstick from the drugstore, and a lived-in look that didn’t try too hard.

It reflected the same authenticity and anti-perfectionism as the music scene it grew out of. Where the supermodel era was glossy and flawless, grunge beauty said: “Take me as I am.”

The 2025 Revival: Clean, Polished “Grunge”

The 2025 version of the trend is often called “clean grunge”:

• Smudged eyeliner… but carefully blended with precision
• Gray and taupe shadows applied with artistry instead of haphazardly
• Nude glosses instead of vampy brown lipsticks
• Flawless base makeup from foundation to setting powder

It’s grunge reimagined for Instagram—still edgy, but safe for everyday wear.

The Cultural Critique

This transformation raises a question: if grunge was once a rejection of mainstream beauty, does perfecting it defeat the purpose?

What started as a celebration of imperfection has been polished into something trend-driven and marketable. It reflects how subcultures often get repackaged for the mainstream—like ripped jeans going from thrift-store finds to runway staples.

How to Create a True Grunge Makeup Look (With a Modern Twist)

If you want to embrace grunge without losing its spirit, focus on imperfection and rawness while still using quality products that protect your skin. Here’s how:

• Smudge It Roughly
  Use a soft, blendable eyeliner like the Bellapierre Mineral Eye Liner in Ebony. Instead of aiming for a perfect wing, smudge it out with your finger or a brush for a slept-in effect.
• Skip the Heavy Base
  The grunge look works best when skin looks real. Try a lightweight Bellapierre Mineral Foundation or BB Cream that evens tone without hiding natural texture.
• Dark, Statement Lips
  Go bold with a matte finish. A mineral lipstick in burgundy, plum, or brown creates that unmistakable grunge focal point.
• Keep It Matte
  Use a Mineral Finishing Powder to cut down shine. Grunge isn’t glossy—it’s muted and understated.
• Embrace Imperfection
  Let your eyeliner smudge, your lipstick wear down, and your hair stay undone. That lived-in feel is what makes the look authentic.

Final Thoughts

The return of grunge makeup shows how trends cycle back, often reinvented for new generations. But while the polished, clean grunge aesthetic has its place, the heart of grunge lies in self-expression without apology.

Whether you embrace the softer 2025 version or stay true to its messy roots, remember: the best grunge look is the one that makes you feel like yourself—no filters, no perfection required.

Step 3: Wake Up Your Eyes

For those barely-there summer eye looks, reach for our Shimmer Powder in Champagne. Tap a small amount onto your lids for a subtle glow that catches the light beautifully. It can also double as a highlighter for cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.

Step 4: Define and Go

Smudge a bit of our TwistUP Brow Pencil through your brows for a quick, natural frame to the face. Add a coat of your favorite mascara, and your eyes are instantly brighter.