Grunge glam makeup is trending, and we can't get enough! Rebellious and mysterious, yet approachable and chic, ôh la la. This nostalgic look puts a twist on classic grunge makeup. Grunge glam or soft grunge is about achieving that 1990s-inspired lived-in, smoky intensity, met with precision and high-quality finishes. It's a look that says "effortlessly cool" with intentional artistry underneath; full of attitude yet still polished and perfectly wearable.
With step-by-step guidance from National Makeup Artist, Robert Cook, this beginner-friendly guide will teach you how to create this sophisticated, soft grunge aesthetic:
Step 1: Refined Smoky Eye – The Heart of Grunge Glam
Start with the eyes—this is where “grunge” truly comes to life.
Prime
Use concealer as an eyeshadow primer by blending a small amount all over the eyelids. This will give shadows a bit of grip and vibrancy.
Kohl Base
Using a soft, intense black or deep brown kohl eyeliner or high-pigment eyeshadow, generously apply it all over the eyelids without precision. Don't worry about perfection at first!
Blend & Shape
With your ring finger or a dense smudge brush, blend the kohl or shadow upwards from the lash line to the entire eyelid, creating a soft, diffused base. “The key here is to use controlled smudging, so your base is soft but still has a defined shape.” says Robert Cook.
Tightline & Smudge
Using a waterproof yet blendable eyeliner, like Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, tightline your top and bottom waterlines in a black or brown shade.
Next, swatch some eyeliner formula onto the back of your hand to warm it up. Then, use the smudger to apply it. Gently swipe the smudger back and forth just under the bottom lash line to create a smoky effect.
Deepen with Shadow
For your eyeshadow shade, MUA Robert Cook mixes concealer with brown lipstick to create a rich chocolate brown shade.
“Apply that mixture all over the kohl base, blending outside of the crease without precision.” Layer to build intensity. You can also use any matte eyeshadow in a deep charcoal grey, rich brown, or a dark plum shade to achieve this look, many shades of which are available in Lancôme’s café-inspired nude palette.
Define the Eyes
Take a brown eyeliner pencil and define the lower lash line by layering on and smudging to your desired intensity. Next, apply black eyeliner with precision to intensify the upper and lower lash lines.
Lastly, draw black eyeliner up from the upper lash line (trust the process!) and blend it seamlessly into your eyeshadow.
Finish with a Luxurious Lid
For that glam feel, press a shimmery or metallic eyeshadow shade (e.g., deep silver, gunmetal, bronze, or a rich jewel tone) onto the center of your eyelids with your fingertip. You can also use a clear lip gloss to top off the lids, creating a wet, fashion-forward look.
Le Crayon Khôl Eyeliner Pencil
Intense & Smooth Color
Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil
Long-Lasting & Blendable
Idôle Café Crush Eyeshadow Palette
Versatile & Rich Neutrals
Step 2: Defined Lashes & Brows
Even with a smoky eye, well-groomed brows and bold lashes can help frame the face and add polish to your grunge aesthetic.
Fill & Shape
Use an eyebrow pomade or pencil to fill in any sparse areas and define your natural brow shape. Keep them looking full but not overly sculpted.
Set Brows
Brush a clear or tinted brow gel through to set them in place. Don’t have brow gel on hand? Hack your Cils Booster XL Mascara Primer by using it as a clear brow gel. The white to clear formula coats and conditions while providing hold. MUA Robert Cook hacks Lash Idôle Brown Mascara by using it as a tinted brow gel, brushing it through brows to add fullness.
Finish with Intense Lashes
Curl straight lashes and apply a few coats of your favorite volumizing mascara, building to your desired intensity.
Brow Shaping Powdery Pencil
Defined & Natural
Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer
Priming & Conditioning
Lash Idôle Mascara
Lash-Lifting & Volumizing
Step 3: The Lived-In Base
The foundation of grunge glam makeup is skin that looks dewy and natural. Your skin, but better, not fully covered or perfected.
Prep
Cleanse skin of any eye makeup fallout or residue. Then, apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas, control shine, and extend makeup wear.
Dewy Skin
Mix a buildable coverage foundation with your choice of serum to achieve radiant, dewy-looking skin. Choose a foundation with a radiant or natural matte finish and a serum that helps address your skin concerns, like an uneven skin texture or fine lines. Consider mixing 1 pump of Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation with 1 pump of Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, to help address an uneven skin tone, or Génifique Ultimate Recovery Serum, to help smooth fine lines.
“Once mixed, use your ring finger to apply onto skin using a bouncy motion” Robert Cook explains. “Blend meticulously for a natural, second-skin effect. The goal is to conceal imperfections while letting your natural skin peek through.”
Brighten
Use a creamy concealer, like Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer precisely on blemishes and under the eyes. Apply in thin layers and gently blend to brighten and perfect, building coverage as needed.
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
Breathable, Natural Matte Finish
La Base Pro Face & Makeup Primer
Perfecting Makeup Primer
Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer
Full Coverage & Natural Matte Finish
Step 4: Natural Nude Lips
For the soft, grunge glam look, choose a balmy nude lip color that matches your skin. Natural-looking nude lips will offer contrast to your refined smoky eye, allowing the eyes to be the focus. The perfect juxtaposition of the raw against the refined.
Sheer Color
Swipe on a few layers of Lip Idôle ButterglowTM in your preferred nude shade. Layer to build color intensity and shine.
Lip Topper
Top lips with clear lip gloss for added glossy shine.
Lip Idôle Squalane-12 Butterglow™ Hydrating Lip Balm
Instant Shine & Lasting Hydration
Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss
Ultra-Shiny & Hydrating
Grunge Galm: The Final Look
Our stunning Model & Robert Cook (@robertlancomeusa) Lancôme National Makeup Artist
By following our expert tips, you can master the art of combining raw intensity with refined artistry, creating a truly captivating and modern grunge glam look. So, go ahead and channel your inner rebel with grunge glam, a look that embraces your edge but with your signature sophisticated touch.
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