The Grunge Makeup Revival: Enter the Messy Girl Era

동훈 Jason 임
Jun 16
3 min read

For the past few years, the clean girl aesthetic has been everywhere—but now, grunge makeup is making a bold return.

As the beauty world shifts, grunge makeup becomes a symbol of rebellion, attitude, and raw individuality. At the same time, the messy girl is rising as the new beauty archetype.

The messy girl doesn’t strive for perfection—she owns her imperfections with confidence.

What Is Grunge Makeup?

- A Beauty Movement of Grunge Makeup Born from Rebellion -

Originally rooted in the 1990s, grunge makeup celebrates smudged lines, muted tones, and undone glam. Today’s grunge makeup look isn’t about flawlessness—it’s about character and emotion. Loved by every messy girl, the look embraces tired eyes, blurred lips, and raw energy.

A true messy girl doesn’t clean up her edges—she wears the chaos like a crown.

The Fall of the Clean Girl Aesthetic with Grunge Makeup

– Why the Messy Girl Is Taking Over with Grunge Makeup trend-

As beauty trends evolve, grunge makeup is replacing the polished, minimal style that defined the clean girl era. The imperfections of grunge makeup speak to a generation seeking authenticity.

In contrast to curated perfection, the messy girl is real, emotional, and expressive. The messy girl thrives in the in-between—where beauty isn’t flawless, but fearless.

Why Grunge Makeup Is Trending in 2025

– A Generation Craving Realness with Grunge Makeup -

In a digital world filled with filters, grunge makeup brings back a sense of realism. The textured, lived-in vibe of grunge makeup resonates with people tired of overproduction.

For the messy girl, this trend is a match made in heaven—she doesn’t want perfection; she wants personality.

Every messy girl finds power in her vulnerability, and her makeup reflects that.

How to Master the Grunge Makeup Look

– Embrace Imperfection, Highlight Attitude in Grunge Makeup -

To nail the grunge makeup look, skip the rules and trust your instincts. Use smudged eyeliner, deep shadows, and lips that look worn-in—grunge makeup should feel expressive, not precise.

The messy girl goes for texture, skips the touch-ups, and lets her look evolve naturally.

For a true messy girl, beauty is about emotion—not polish.

What you need for Grunge Makeup :

Tinted moisturizer or light foundation

Matte or smudgy black/brown eyeliner

Neutral or dark eyeshadows (browns, greys, deep purples)

Mascara (lots of it or slightly clumpy)

Brow pencil or gel (optional, keep it natural)

Deep lipstick (plum, brick red, or even black)

Step-by-Step Grunge Makeup

1. Skin for Grunge Makeup: Keep it Natural & Slightly Worn

Use a light foundation or BB cream. The grunge aesthetic isn’t about flawless skin.
If you have blemishes or imperfections, you can leave some visible. It adds to the “I don’t care” vibe.
You can skip powder or use a bit only where needed (like the T-zone).

2. Eyes for Grunge Makeup: Smudgy and Smoky

Start with a matte brown or taupe eye-shadow on your lid.
Blend it slightly above your crease.
Add a darker shade (like dark brown, grey, or black) closer to your lash line and outer corners.
Line your upper and lower lash line with a black or dark brown pencil eyeliner.
Smudge it with your finger or a brush for a messy, undone look.
Apply mascara — don’t be afraid to make it clumpy. You want that raw, heavy-lash vibe.

3. Brows for Grunge Makeup: Unpolished is Fine

Keep your brows natural or slightly messy. If you use anything, go for a brow pencil or gel in your natural shade and brush them upwards.

4. Lips for Grunge Makeup: Bold or Blurred

Choose a deep red, plum, brick, or black lipstick.
Apply it full or smudge it around the edges for a worn-in look. You can even pat it on with your finger for a blurred effect.

*Optional: Line your lips with a dark liner and slightly blend inward.

5. Finishing Touch for Grunge Makeup: Optional Grunge Extras

Lightly smudge some eyeliner under your eyes for that tired, late-night look.
If you want a lived-in glow, skip the highlighter — matte or slightly oily is okay.

Want it super authentic?

Rub a little eyeshadow or liner on your fingers and smudge slightly around your eyes or lips for a more chaotic feel.

– Final Thoughts of Grunge Makeup: A Messy Girl Manifesto -

Grunge makeup isn’t just a beauty trend—it’s a statement of identity. In 2025, grunge makeup reflects a cultural craving for truth, texture, and individuality. As the messy girl rises, she dismantles outdated beauty norms and replaces them with freedom. The messy girl doesn’t hide the mess—she turns it into art.