11 Grunge Makeup Looks for an Updated '90s-Inspired Style

It’s the mid-2020s, and grunge is back, but not exactly as we remember it. Today’s grunge makeup reimagines the gritty, rebellious energy of the '90s through a modern lens. While classic ‘90s grunge makeup leaned into matte skin, dark eyeliner, and smudged lips, the modern take on the trend brings in shimmery shadows, dewy finishes, and unexpected color contrasts. Whether you're after a subtle nod or a bold statement, there's a grunge makeup look here to match your mood—and your comfort level. Keep reading for 11 grunge makeup looks perfect for your next night out.

What Is Grunge Makeup?

Grunge makeup is a raw, lived-in look that first rose to popularity in the 1990s. Characterized by smudged eyeliner, messy eyeshadow, and lipstick that looks perfectly imperfect, the rock-and-roll look embraces attitude over polish. It’s a deliberate departure from glam, with an edgier, more expressive, and slightly undone vibe. This aesthetic is a celebration of self-expression, and you can make it your own by layering textures, finishes, and color combinations that reflect your personal style.

11 Grunge Makeup Looks to Try

Feel like experimenting with a new look? Here are 11 grunge makeup looks that blend classic and contemporary elements to help you channel your inner rock star.

1. Gray eyeshadow and brown lipstick

This timeless duo delivers instant edge. Sweep a gray shimmer shadow like L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Moonlit Metal across your lids, then soften the crease with a matte taupe or soft black shadow for added depth. Then, swipe on a warm, chocolatey matte lipstick, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Assertive, to complete the look. This simple look is ideal for anyone looking to ease into aesthetic grunge makeup in a way that still feels modern.

2. Skinny eyebrows with metallic eyeshadow

Skinny eyebrows were a mainstay in the ‘90s, and this look makes them the star of the show. To start, shape your brows as desired, then fill in any sparse areas with the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil. Next, swipe a shimmering metallic eyeshadow, like the L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Ice Sparkle or Magnetic Mauve, across your lids. The metallic finish adds dimension and grit to this expressive style.

3. Two-toned lips

Split lip looks are all over the runways, and they fit right into the aesthetic grunge makeup playbook. First, line your lips with a dark brown pencil, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Worth It Intense. Then, fill in the center with a nude lipstick, like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Resilient. Finally, layer on a clear or slightly shimmery lip gloss for a dose of shine and hydration. 

4. Smudged eyeliner, faux freckles, and popsicle-stained lips

Try this look for a softer take on grunge makeup. Use a black eyeliner to define your eyes, then smudge it out for a slightly slept-in effect. For an easy application, use the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Mechanical Gel Eyeliner—it comes with a smudger built in. Then, dot on freckles with a brown eye pencil and press a sheer pink or berry lipstick into the lips for that bitten, stained look. Finish with L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara to lengthen, separate, and define your lashes.

5. Bleached eyebrows with a black smokey eye

Intense contrast is what makes this look pop. If you’re not ready to actually bleach your brows (fair), try toning them down with a light blonde brow gel or a full-coverage concealer like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24H Full Coverage. Then, create a bold, layered grunge eye makeup look using the L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in All Night Black and Twilight Emerald. Because this look is so heavily focused on the eyes, we recommend keeping the rest of your look simple—a light swipe of clear lip gloss is more than enough to tie your grungy look together.

6. Ombré glossy lips

Layered lip tones are a great way to take your grunge makeup look in a slightly more glam direction. Start by applying a deep plum or oxblood lipstick to the outer edges of your lips, then blend a lighter pink or red shade into the center. The L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick line offers a range of shades perfect for creating a high-contrast look. After perfecting your ombré; swipe on a clear lip gloss (we love the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Lip Oil in Cristal Clear) to blur everything together while adding a juicy, reflective sheen.

7. Bleached brows with cool-toned contour

For a more sculptural take on grunge makeup, pair muted brows with cool-toned contour and a rusty lip. Use a cream contour to define your cheekbones and accentuate your natural bone structure (if you need pointers on where to put your contour, our article How To Contour Your Face Like a Pro can help). Once you’ve perfected your contour, swipe on a rust-toned lipstick, like L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Nude Defiant, to tie your grunge makeup look together.

8. Cool-toned eyes and lips

Layer cool-toned shadows like L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze and Cloudy Rose for a multidimensional eye. Pair it with a mauve or gray-toned lip color to match the vibe. This muted, wearable option is great for easing into grunge makeup looks without going too heavy.

9. Gunmetal grunge eyes

Metallic gunmetal eyeshadow delivers instant rock-and-roll edge. To get the look, apply the L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Starry Bordeaux as a base, then layer Moonlit Metal on top for that wet-metallic finish. Smudge it all out (the messier the better!) and finish with the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara to make your eyes pop.

10. Smoldering brown eyes with warm velvet lips

Brown eyeshadow is a staple for soft grunge makeup looks. Blend a mid-toned brown eyeshadow like the L'Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss all over the lid for a moody, lived-in eye look. Line your waterline, if desired, then swipe on a terracotta lipstick like the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Wood Nonchalant to tie your look together. This combo gives your grunge makeup a warm-toned twist while keeping the overall vibe moody and grounded.

11. Dark red lipstick

A matte black lip is undeniably grungy, but it can feel intimidating to those new to super-dark lipstick. For a more wearable take on the look, try swiping on a deep oxblood lipstick, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Lazy Sunday. To ensure your lips remain the focus, keep the rest of the face minimal with brushed-up brows, bare skin, and just a swipe of L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara. It’s bold, expressive, and totally on-theme for a '90s grunge makeup revival.

Next Up: Goth Makeup Looks That Go Beyond Black Lipstick

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris