Authentic tutorial for 90s Grunge makeup
Do you want to know how the girls in the 90s rock bands like Hüsker Dü or Hole got their signature look?
One of my favorite looks that I love doing on my clients is what I call faux-grunge. To create this look, all you need are some tattered clothes for an edgy, grunge effect. Think old ripped jeans and a flannel shirt.
Your makeup should be dark and heavy duty with black towels around the eyes and black liner with lots of mascara to really make your eyes pop!
If you’re feeling particularly daring, try adding some pale foundation mixed onto your brow bone for that leathery, sweaty sheen that perfectly epitomizes this iconic era. I will walk you through how to achieve the look below.
1. Start with your primer.
I used Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous foundation mixed with a little Porefessional by Benefit.
2. Set your foundation .
Next, you want to set your foundation with some translucent powder to keep it from spreading throughout the day and developing blotches.
My favorite product is the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder but if you don’t like a powdery formula I recommend the Maybelline Fit Me!
Powder Foundation which is definitely matte but has a light coverage that won’t make you feel caked.
3. Create depth for your eyes .
I lined my top lash line with the Covergirl liquid liner in black and winged it out. This is a very easy beginner look that anyone can create!
Be careful when applying eyeliner though. Don’t use a lot of pressure or it will make you look puffy and tired. Just let your hand glide over your lids like you are writing an “M” and don’t press too hard on the tip of the pencil.
This allows for more control and precision. I used a pencil to line my upper waterline as well to add some more drama to the look
4. Tone down your lids with some browns .
To add some depth to my eye, I used Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer on my lid up to the middle.
Then I applied some black eye shadow on the outer V of my eyes and blended it with the brown tones on my lids.
I used a brush from Coastal Scents that was too thick for this but any fine powder brush will do.
5. Apply a neutral shade to your crease .
To add more dimension, I applied some Covergirl TruNaked Eyeshadow in Barely Branded to the crease of my eyes using a fluffy blending brush.
This is a matte beige-brown color that adds depth without being too harsh.
6. Finish with some mascara .
I used the Maybelline Great Gals Big Fat Lashes mascara and smoked it out by going in with black eyeliner on my lower waterline and hooded my eyes.
This texture keeps my eyes from getting really watery or smudgy as I layer on more mascara or shadow. If you want thicker lashes, then apply Volum’ Express for a more dramatic look.
7. Color corrects your lips .
To add a little extra drama to the look, I added a lip balm with brownish red tones (All-Over Lip Color in Very Berry) to give myself some color correction that wasn’t too harsh on my lips.
I also used a wet brush to apply some more covergirl TruNaked Bronze and Blush from my cheek bones to the apples of my cheeks and down my nose.
This is a great bronzer for contouring your face without looking too harsh since it’s more matte than shimmery.
8. Add some glitter .
Finally, I added some glitter to the center of my eyes using the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Starlight that I applied with an angled liner brush by Coastal Scents.
If you are going to create a look like this, remember NOT TO OVER DO IT! You want just enough to get that grungy effect, not to look like you belong on stage at Woodstock.
This is a fun look that is best when worn not too seriously but with a little bit of attitude.
9. Add some red.
To add a little bit of extra drama, I topped off the look with a red lip using the Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink (located in Boots and Walmart). This gives you that sexy biker girl feel without being too dramatic!
10. Finish everything off .
Finally, I finished everything off with some more translucent powder on my whole face for staying power. I also added a little mascara to my lower lashes and threw on some red lipstick to complete the look.
