If we’ve learnt anything from beauty trends, it’s that they tend to repeat themselves. The latest beauty trend to fall into the mix? Grunge makeup. Yep, the era of red brick lipstick and dark-smokey eyes has been spotted all over catwalks and red carpets (shout out to Julia Fox). Although we’re totally here for grunges grand return, we know that it’s not always the easiest look to pull off. So, we’ve rounded up the hottest makeup trends and the best beauty products to achieve these looks. From Tom Ford Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury to Patrick Ta and YSL – it’s time to get your rockstar on.
SMUDGED-OUT KOHL EYELINER
The first thing that springs to mind when you think of grunge makeup? Black, smudgy eyeliner. And that’s exactly what’s making its comeback for 2022. The easiest way to basic grunge makeup? Apply a soft, kohl eyeliner, like Sisley’s Photo Kohl Perfect or Clinique’s Quickliner For Eyes, then blend in outwards motions with a smudging brush or your fingers (whatever you choose, remember to be gentle). If you want to neaten up the look, go over the eyeliner with a cotton bud to soften things up. For a striking finish add a bit of black eyeshadow for maximum effect. To stay true to the original grunge makeup aesthetic, don’t forget to apply eyeliner to the waterline and finish off with multiple layers of mascara.
DEEP BRICK RED LIPS
When we hear ‘red lipstick,’ we automatically imagine a perfectly lined ‘50s lip look – not with this shade. With more of us wanting an easy to apply, casual makeup routine, brick-red lipstick is the best way to look on-trend without having to spend hours in front of the mirror. It’s all about blurred lines and an imperfect, messy finish - so skip the lip brush and go straight for the fingers. Apply a little bit of the product to the centre of the lips (straight from the bullet) and then evenly blend the shade across the rest of your lips. The 2022 way to do it? Pair with fresh skin and almost bare eyes.
DARK EYESHADOW
Neutral, earthly tones? Grunge makeup has never heard of them. Instead, it’s time to get reacquainted with the smokey eye – feared by so many but not as scary (or as difficult to achieve) as you might think. If you’re really looking to go all out, Natasha Denona’s Blackest Black is your best friend (as is blending). Want to achieve the look, but pure black is just a bit too intimidating? Go for a dark, shaded palette like Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Palette in shade The Rock Chick or Tom Ford Beauty Mink Mirage. Ft. four highly pigmented shades, these palettes allow you to create a variety of grunge inspired eye looks - perfect for a customisable finish. If you want to put your own spin on the classic, grungy smokey eye, Lime Crime’s Venus Immortals Eyeshadow Palette is a must-have. Complete with eight cold, dark shades, it’s easy to create a variety of eye looks. Top tip? Remember precision isn’t key, if you want to hide any traces of fallout, tap in a bit of concealer.