11 Grunge Makeup Looks to Create a Fresh 90s Retro Look

It’s the middle of the 2020s, and grunge is back, but it looks a little different than before. Today’s grunge makeup looks takes the cool, rebellious style of the ’90s and updates it with a fresh, modern twist. Instead of just matte skin, dark eyeliner, and smudged lips, new grunge makeup uses shiny shadows, glowing skin, and fun color combos. Whether you want a small, simple look or a loud, bold one, there’s a grunge makeup style for you. Keep reading to see 11 grunge makeup ideas perfect for your next night out.

What Is Grunge Makeup?

Grunge makeup is a style that looks natural and a little messy, and it became popular in the 1990s. It features smudged eyeliner, messy eyeshadow, and lipstick that looks imperfect on purpose. This style is all about attitude and being different from shiny, glamorous makeup. It’s more bold, fun, and a little messy, showing who you are. You can make it your own by mixing different textures, colors, and finishes that match your personal style.

11 Grunge Makeup Looks to Try

Want to try a new style? Here are 11 grunge makeup looks that mix old and new styles to help you feel like a rock star inside.

1. Gray eyeshadow and brown lipstick

In the ’90s, very thin eyebrows were very popular, and this style makes them the main focus. First, shape your eyebrows the way you like. Then, fill in any gaps with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil. After that, put a shiny metallic eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle or Magnetic Mauve, on your eyelids. The shiny finish makes your eyes look more interesting and bold.

3. Two-toned lips

Lip looks with a split or broken appearance are everywhere on the runway and match the grunge makeup style. First, draw around your lips with a dark brown pencil, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Worth It Intense. Next, put on a nude lipstick in the middle, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Resilient. Lastly, add a clear or shiny lip gloss to make your lips look glossy and moist.

4. Smudged eyeliner, faux freckles, and popsicle-stained lips

Try this simple way to get a softer grunge makeup look. Use a black eyeliner to line your eyes, then gently smudge it for a relaxed, worn-in look. For an easy way to do this, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner, which has a built-in smudger. Next, draw small freckles on your face with a brown eye pencil. Press a light pink or berry-colored lipstick onto your lips to make them look a little stained. Finish by putting on L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara to make your lashes look longer, separated, and defined.

5. Bleached eyebrows with a black smokey eye

Having very different colors makes this look stand out. If you’re not ready to bleach your eyebrows, you can make them look softer with a light blonde brow gel or a full-coverage concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24H. Then, make your eyes look bold and layered using the L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in All Night Black and Twilight Emerald. Since the eyes are the main focus, keep the rest of your look simple—a little clear lip gloss is enough to finish the style.

6. Ombré glossy lips

Layered lip colors can make your grunge style look a little more fancy. First, put a dark purple or deep red lipstick on the edges of your lips. Then, gently blend a lighter pink or red in the middle of your lips. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick has many shades that can help you make this look stand out. After you finish blending your lips, put on a clear lip gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Lip Oil in Cristal Clear, to make everything smooth and shiny.

7. Bleached brows with cool-toned contour

For a fun and cool grunge makeup look that looks like a sculpture, try using soft-colored eyebrows with cool-colored face shadows and a rusty-colored lip. Use a creamy makeup stick to shape your cheekbones and make your face’s bones stand out. If you’re not sure where to put your contour, check out our guide called How To Contour Your Face Like a Pro. After you finish shaping your face, put on a rusty-colored lipstick, like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Defiant, to complete your grunge style.

8. Cool-toned eyes and lips

Use cool-colored eye shadows like L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze and Cloudy Rose to make your eyes look interesting and shiny. Put on a light purple (mauve) or gray lip color to match. This soft look is perfect if you want to try a slightly edgy style without it being too bold.

9. Gunmetal grunge eyes

Shiny gunmetal-colored eyeshadow makes you look cool and edgy. To do this, put on the L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Starry Bordeaux first as a base. Then, add Moonlit Metal on top to make it look shiny and wet. Smudge it around to make it look fun and a little messy. Finish by putting on the L’Oréal Parwarm is Telescopic Original Mascara so your eyes stand out even more.

10. Smoldering brown eyes with velvet lips

Brown eyeshadow is a common choice for gentle grunge makeup looks. Use a medium brown eyeshadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss, and blend it all over your eyelid to make your eyes look soft and a little mysterious. If you want, you can draw a line on your lower waterline. Then, put on a terracotta-colored lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Wood Nonchalant, to finish your look. This combination makes your grunge makeup warmer and cozy, while still feeling cool and moody.

11. Dark red lipstick

A dark matte black lip looks cool and edgy, but it might seem scary if you’re not used to very dark lipstick. If you want a easier version, try using a deep red-burgundy lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Lazy Sunday. To keep your lips as the main focus, keep the rest of your face simple with brushed-up eyebrows, natural skin, and a little bit of L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara on your eyelashes. It’s bold, fun, and perfect for a ’90s grunge makeup look.