7 Throwback Grunge Makeup Looks

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a throwback makeup look? There’s nothing like embracing the beauty trends of your youth with a few swipes of foundation, mascara, and lipstick. From black smoky eyes to matte lips, here are seven throwback grunge makeup looks to try.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #1: BLACK SMOKY EYE

We love a dramatic eye. This bold look is perfect for a night out on the town or your next rock concert. There are a couple of possible variations when it comes to creating this look but overall you want to focus on smudged liner, blended shadows, and a thick wing.

The beauty of a black smoky eye is it doesn’t need to be perfect—especially if you want to give off grunge vibes! If you have the right products on hand, you can probably master this look all on your own but we’re happy to lend a helping hand if needed. Here’s How to Wear Bold Black Eye Makeup.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #2: BROWN LIP

Brown lips aren’t only a lip color trend for fall—they were also seriously popular back in the ‘90s, when grunge was all the range. Today, dark brown lip colors are still a great way to create a statement. For this particular trend, you’ll want to skip lighter, more neutral brown shades and opt for ones that will give your pout bold, pigmented color. Here are a few of our favorite brown lip products for getting the look:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipliner in Brown: When it comes to sporting this daring lip color, you’ll want to start by applying a lip liner to ensure your lipstick stays in place and your pout has perfectly sharp edges—no blurred lines here. This chocolate brown liner keeps lips soft and prevents fading and feathering.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick in 70% Yum: Want a dark, deep brown color that lasts all day (and night)? This is the lipstick for you! This liquid lipstick will give your pout smooth, matte coverage accompanied by an indulgent chocolate scent.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in Sienna Supreme: If you’d rather wear a medium, chocolate brown lip color, this is the perfect option for you. The hydrating formula will give you all-day comfort with an ultra-matte finish.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #3: BURGUNDY EYE MAKEUP

Good news, burgundy is back! In fact, within the makeup world, some are saying burgundy is the new black. So, you can totally take a trip back in time and embrace a throwback burgundy look, while managing to be au courant at the same time. Whether you choose to rock a burgundy mascara or a burgundy eye shadow, there are plenty of options to customize this grunge makeup look.

Looking to get inspired? Check out our article, Trend Spotlight: Burgundy Mascara.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #4: MATTE LIPS

Another way to channel your inner grunge makeup guru? Try adding a matte lip to your makeup look. This is a much subtler way to incorporate the grunge esthetic into your everyday look. Here are some of our best matte lip products to try:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick: This highly-pigmented matte liquid lipstick will give you a long-wearing lip that’s comfortable. The pro-sculpt applicator allows you to perfect your application for flawless shape and dimension.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Matte Lipstick: This luxurious matte lip color will give you the matte finish you crave while also providing intense hydration.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible PAINTS/LIPS Matte: Want high impact color? This is the matte lipstick for you. This formula will paint your pout in a vibrant, opaque matte shade in just one stroke.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #5: TAUPE EYE SHADOW

Want to infuse your daily makeup routine with a touch of grunge? Swapping your go-to eye shadow for a taupe shade is an easy way to do just that! Try using the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eye Shadow in Cafe Au Lait for rich, velvety color.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #6: DARK EYEBROWS

While big, thick eyebrows are not a throwback look—we all remember the days of super skinny brows—having dramatic, filled-in brows certainly pulls together any grunge makeup look. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Unbeliva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to define your natural eyebrow shape.

GRUNGE MAKEUP LOOK #7: BLACK LIPSTICK

Of course, when you think of grunge makeup, your mind probably conjures an image of black lipstick. While you may think that this grungy look is too bold for you, it’s perfect for a night out when you want to look totally edgy and trendy. Pair it with an anything-but-boring nude eye for a stunning contrast.

Want more throwback makeup ideas? Check out our article, ‘90s Makeup Spotlight: Goth Makeup.