Punk Makeup Is Making a Major Comeback, Here Are 6 Looks to Try

If you have an affinity for black eyeliner and you scoff at the idea (and effort) behind no makeup-makeup looks, punk makeup is probably more of your speed. As Y2K styling and goth makeup looks continue to grace our social media feeds and dictate new trends, it’s only right that punk makeup gets a seat at the table. 

While black eyeliner is still the heart of any punk makeup look, there’s also a noticeable shift happening. Punk makeup in trends and on the runway are now incorporating bleached eyebrows, the ‘90s skinny brows, intricate chrome manicures, neon eyeshadow and vampy lipstick. We’re still getting that radical style and attitude of non-conformity that characterizes punk makeup but this time around, it feels more vivid and nostalgic. With that, we’re squashing the notion that punk makeup has to be black with one colorful look at a time. Keep reading as we share six punk makeup looks that test the waters and make a strong case for more color and smudged lash lines.

1. Graphic Black Eyeliner With Shimmer

Graphic eyeliner looks speak to punk makeup’s influence in all aspects of beauty trends. To maintain their punk aura and feel less trendy, always opt for a heavy hand and classic dark tones. No surprise here, a cornerstone in any punk makeup look is a jet-black eyeliner with a precise tip, like the L’Oréal Paris Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black. It’s perfect for creating the sharpest of wings and the smudge-proof formula helps to keep your makeup in place all day long.

Once you’ve crafted the shape of your liner, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Aluminum Foil to add some light-reflecting shimmer to the lid. Cap the look by lining the lower lash line with a generous dose of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Charcoal Shimmer.

Editor’s tip: Skip contour and bronzing in favor of rosy cheeks to help your stark black liner stand out in the best way. Get the look with the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint in Rosy Bliss.

2. White Eyeshadow and Black Lipstick

White seems like the last color you would want to include in a punk makeup look but when paired with black liner, the contrast is just right. Start by blending a white eyeshadow onto your crease and carefully build up the color to get an allover wash of white eyeshadow. Then, enhance the shape of your eye with a wing by using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Black.

To complete the look, use your eyeliner to create black star freckles and coat your lips with a shade of jet black lipstick. Alternatively, go bold with a shade of red lipstick like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color in Successful Red.

3. Colored Brows With Neon Eyeshadow and Sharp Winged Liner 

This look with two-tone hair, colorful brows and neon eyeshadow makes a strong case for adding color to every punk makeup look moving forward. To get the look, you’ll first need to fake the appearance of bleached brows with concealer or take the plunge and actually bleach your eyebrows. To add the color, dip a clean spoolie into a shade of colorful eyeshadow and work it onto your brows.

Coat your lids with neon eyeshadow and craft a sharp winged eyeliner with the Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Gray, Black or Blue. The finishing touch is the wispy lashes so complete the look with the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara.

Editor’s tip: Punk makeup can extend beyond your face. Try micro bangs or use the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray to rock a two-tone ‘do. 

4. Vampy Lips and Skinny Brows

If you’re like us and can’t get enough of the sweet ‘90s style that’s influencing every aspect of our beauty routines, then you may be eyeing skinny brows. Luckily, this time around there’s a less permanent way to get the look without a single pluck needed. 

Start by blocking your brows with a glue stick and foundation to create a bare canvas for your new, skinny brow shape. The L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil has an ultra-fine, waterproof tip and it’s perfect for creating a skinny brow shape. (The bonus: you can also use it to create faux freckles.) Once your brows are skinny and you look like a new person, finish off the look with a vampy lipstick like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Stain Lipstick in Spice and some smudged black eyeliner.

5. Metallic Blue Eyeshadow and Matching Blue Lips 

Blue eyeshadow always feels risqué but it is entirely a hit when you can pull it off. Opt for the most vibrant shade of blue you can find and don’t even think about using a light hand. The goal is a pigmented, opaque burst of color and the best way to achieve that is with a classic pencil eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Cobalt Blue. 

Use it to paint your entire lid blue and finish the look with a graphic wing and a vibrant blue lipstick. To get the metallic shine, lightly coat your lids and lips with the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String of Pearls.

6. Glitter, Crystals and a Pop Of Color

Make your punk makeup extra pretty with a helping of glitter and crystals. Start by creating your winged liner — the bigger and more graphic, the better. Then, add glitter to the lid and to the inner corner of your eye to brighten up the area. Take a colored eyeshadow palette like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Avant Garde Azure and add a pop of color to the lower lash line. To finish off the look, use lash glue and tweezers to frame your eye look with crystals.

Next: 17 Lipstick Colors to Add to Your Makeup Bag This Fall

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Isabelle @/ isastrawberry, Design by: Crystal Simone