Fashion and beauty often work in cycles, with trends from past decades making their way back into the mainstream in reimagined forms. One such comeback that has been gaining massive momentum is the revival of grunge makeup. Once considered rebellious, edgy, and even “anti-glamour,” grunge beauty is experiencing a modern renaissance—appearing on runways, in editorials, and across TikTok tutorials.
The grunge makeup aesthetic, deeply tied to the 1990s alternative rock scene, was originally all about effortless imperfection: smudged eyeliner, matte complexions, dark lips, and a deliberate rejection of polished beauty ideals. Today, however, the revival takes inspiration from its roots while blending in modern sensibilities—making it versatile, wearable, and more inclusive than ever.
So, what is fueling this resurgence, and how has the grunge look evolved for 2025? Let’s dive in.
The Origins of Grunge Makeup
Grunge makeup first became a cultural force in the early ’90s, paralleling the rise of the grunge music movement in Seattle. Inspired by artists like Kurt Cobain, Courtney Love, and bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Hole, the grunge aesthetic was anti-establishment, reflecting a disdain for the excess of the ’80s glam era.
Makeup in this era was raw and messy. Instead of flawless, airbrushed beauty, the grunge look embraced:
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Smudged eyeliner (as though slept in)
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Dark, moody lipsticks (deep reds, burgundy, brown, even black)
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Matte, pale skin
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Minimal contouring or highlighting
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A sense of “I don’t care” coolness
Celebrities like Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, and Drew Barrymore became poster girls of the grunge beauty wave, often pairing slip dresses with berry lips or oversized flannels with smeared eyeliner.
Why Grunge Makeup is Back in 2025
The revival of grunge makeup is not just nostalgia-driven. Several cultural, social, and fashion factors have contributed to its comeback:
1. Nostalgia for the ’90s
The cyclical nature of fashion means that the ’90s are once again in focus. Younger generations on TikTok and Instagram are discovering iconic ’90s trends and reinventing them. For millennials, who grew up idolizing grunge icons, it’s a return to comfort and self-expression.
2. Rebellion Against “Clean Girl Aesthetic”
In recent years, the “clean girl” makeup trend dominated social media—characterized by dewy skin, slicked-back hair, and minimalist no-makeup looks. While chic, it also set a high bar for perfection. The re-emergence of grunge makeup offers a rebellion against this polished ideal, embracing imperfection and authenticity.
3. Runway and Celebrity Influence
Fashion houses and celebrities have reintroduced grunge into the spotlight. Designers like Hedi Slimane at Celine and Marc Jacobs have brought grunge elements to the runway. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Gigi Hadid, and Bella Hadid have also been spotted wearing modernized grunge-inspired looks, sparking new interest.
4. TikTok & Social Media Revival
The viral nature of TikTok beauty tutorials has amplified the grunge trend. With hashtags like #GrungeMakeup and #90sMakeup garnering millions of views, young beauty enthusiasts are experimenting with smudgy eyeliner and moody lipsticks.
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Key Elements of Modern Grunge Makeup
While the core spirit of grunge remains intact, the 2025 version is more wearable and adaptable to different personal styles. Here are the defining features:
1. Smudged, Smokey Eyes
The hallmark of grunge makeup is the messy eyeliner look. Modern takes often combine kohl liner with eyeshadow to create a smoky, undone effect. Instead of perfection, it’s about embracing asymmetry and texture.
2. Dark and Bold Lips
Berry, plum, oxblood, and brown lipsticks are essential. Matte finishes were iconic in the ’90s, but today’s revival includes velvet, satin, and even glossy finishes, making the look versatile for day or night.
3. Matte or Lived-In Skin
Unlike the glass-skin trends of recent years, grunge makeup leans toward matte finishes or slightly undone skin. Foundation is minimal, allowing blemishes or freckles to show through—adding to the authenticity.
4. Minimal Sculpting
Forget heavy contouring or blinding highlighters. Grunge beauty skips the sculpted Kardashian-esque look in favor of natural shadows and raw textures.
5. Unkempt Brows
Overly manicured brows are replaced by brushed-up, natural brows that enhance the face without looking too styled.
How to Recreate the Grunge Makeup Look in 2025
Want to try the look for yourself? Here’s a step-by-step approach:
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Base: Use a lightweight matte foundation or tinted moisturizer. Don’t worry about covering every imperfection—let your natural skin shine through.
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Eyes: Smudge black or brown eyeliner along your upper and lower lash lines. Blend with your fingers or a brush for a messy effect. Layer with smoky eyeshadow for added depth.
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Lips: Apply a dark lipstick in plum, burgundy, or chocolate brown. Blur the edges slightly for a worn-in vibe.
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Brows: Brush them up with gel but avoid overly sharp lines. Keep them soft and natural.
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Finishing Touches: Add mascara for a clumpy, dramatic look—or skip it altogether for raw authenticity.
The Cultural Meaning Behind the Revival
Beyond aesthetics, the return of grunge makeup reflects a cultural mood shift. Beauty has long been a form of self-expression, and today’s grunge revival speaks to:
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Rejecting perfectionism: In an era of filters and FaceTune, grunge makeup celebrates realness.
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Embracing individuality: No two grunge looks are identical—it’s personal and experimental.
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Blurring gender lines: Just as grunge fashion blurred traditional gender norms, grunge makeup is embraced by all genders, adding to its contemporary appeal.
Grunge Makeup in High Fashion and Pop Culture
We’re seeing the grunge revival everywhere:
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Runways: Designers at Paris and New York Fashion Weeks have embraced moody eye makeup paired with slip dresses and leather.
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Celebrities: Stars like Zendaya, Olivia Rodrigo, and Doja Cat have sported modern grunge-inspired looks at events.
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Pop Culture: Shows and films set in the ’90s or inspired by alternative subcultures are reigniting interest among Gen Z.
How Brands Are Responding
Beauty brands are quick to catch onto trends, and many have launched collections inspired by the grunge revival. Brands like MAC, Urban Decay, and Fenty Beauty are highlighting deep lipstick shades, smudgy eyeliners, and shadow palettes that cater to the grunge aesthetic. Even drugstore brands are releasing “moody” makeup collections, making the look more accessible.
The Future of Grunge Makeup
The grunge revival isn’t just a fleeting TikTok moment—it’s part of a larger movement toward authenticity and self-expression in beauty. As consumers push back against hyper-polished beauty standards, trends like grunge provide freedom and creativity.
Looking ahead, we can expect grunge makeup to evolve even further—perhaps blending with futuristic aesthetics, soft goth, or cyber-inspired beauty. But its core message will remain the same: beauty doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Final Thoughts
The grunge makeup revival is more than just a ’90s throwback—it’s a statement. In 2025, it reflects a cultural desire for authenticity, rebellion, and individuality. From smudged eyeliner to dark, moody lips, grunge beauty empowers people to embrace imperfection and redefine glamour on their own terms.
Whether you’re trying it for nostalgia or experimentation, grunge makeup proves that sometimes, messy is more beautiful than perfect.
