Recent data from Google has suggested that searches for ‘90s Grunge Makeup Looks’ have increased by 100% over the past 7 days, and to provide some make-up inspiration, Illamasqua’s Head Makeup Artist, Melanie Barrese has put together the below step-by-step guide so you could live your 90s fantasy.
The best part about the 90s Grunge Look is that it was all about dark, almost messy-like, eyes and matte lips – precision and perfection are not needed to recreate this look.
The five-step guide from Melanie Barrese, Head Makeup Artist:
Step 1 – Prep The Complexion
Prep the skin with a lightweight mattifying primer such as the Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer to smooth away the appearance of unwanted texture and add a silky finish. Apply a small amount with fingers to cleansed and moisturised skin. Focus on the T-Zone and blend out. After a few seconds, your freshly primed skin is ready for foundation. With this look, there is no need to add concealer. As it was all about the ‘sleepless chic look’ in the 90s Grunge Makeup. Lastly, dust Loose Powder – 010 over the base to set the foundation in place and to further mattify any shine.
Step 2 – Sculpt
Apply the Colour Correcting Bronzer into the hollows of the cheeks using circular motions for a natural-looking contour.
Step 3 – Line The Eyes
Line the upper lid using the Colouring Eye Pencil in the shade S.O.P.H.I.E. Line as close to the lashes as possible so no skin shows through. Don’t worry about making it look perfect as it will be smoked out. The eyeliner can be as big or as small as you need it to be as it simply acts as a base and helps you map out the shape of an elongated cat-eye.
Gently blend the liner outwards at the edges and smudge out to create a smokey makeup effect. Do the same on the bottom lash line.
Step 4 – Smoke It Out
Mix the darkest shades from the Elemental Artistry Palette for a final smoke and dust all over the lid with a blender brush.
Step 5 – Mattify the Lips
You can choose the shade of your preference here, whether that’s a dark or nude lip. However, it needs to be matte for a true 90s grunge look. For a crisp finish, outline your lips with the Colouring Lip Pencil that matches the colour of the lipstick that you are using, follow with the Ultramatter Lipstick as the final piece of your 90s grunge lipstick look.
