Grunge Makeup Tutorial: How to Get the Smudged Eyeliner Look That Celebrities Are Obsessed With in 2026
Remember when grunge makeup was strictly associated with the 90s? Yeah, that era is officially back. And honestly? It's better than it was in the '90s because we actually know how to make it work now.
If you've been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, you've probably seen it everywhere: smudged eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, undone waves, and that whole "I just threw this on and it's somehow perfect" vibe. Searches for "grunge makeup" are up 21% compared to last year, and trust me, this isn't some random micro-trend. Major fashion runways like Simkhai, Coach, and Isabel Marant showcased smudged eyeliner, dark eyeshadow and undone waves in their early 2026 collections.
But here's the thing: grunge makeup in 2026 isn't sloppy. It's intentionally imperfect. There's a difference, and I'm going to show you exactly how to nail it.
What Actually IS Grunge Makeup? (It's Not What You Think)
Grunge makeup isn't just throwing on black eyeliner and calling it a day. That's lazy makeup. Grunge makeup is calculated laziness. It's the art of looking like you didn't try, when you actually did.
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| Jenna Ortega Eye Makeup |
The key element:
Smudged Eyeliner - Dark, smoky, and intentionally blended. Not harsh lines. Soft edges.
Dark Eyeshadow -
Think blacks, deep purples, dark grays, and charcoal tones. We're not doing pastels here.
Undone Waves - Your hair should look like you just woke up and had amazing hair. Not perfectly curled. Not stick-straight. That "I-didn't-do- anything-but-I'm-still-gorgeous" texture.
Minimal Lips - Either nude/natural, super matte dark lip, or literally nothing. No glossy pink. That's the opposite of grunge.
Bare or Natural Skin - This is important. You're not doing a full beat face with this look. Your skin should look like skin. Maybe some concealer under the eyes if you need it. But that's it. The focus is entirely on the eyes.
Optional: Undereye Smudging - This is the 2026 twist on classic grunge. A tiny smudge of dark eyeshadow under your lower lash line adds that "I've been up all night being cool" effect.
It's basically the opposite of the clean girl aesthetic that dominated 2025. And people are tired of clean girl. They want rebellion. They want messy. They want grunge.
The Celebrities Bringing Grunge Back (And Why It Matters)
Jenna Ortega
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| Jenna Ortega Eye Makeup |
Jenna Ortega has basically made grunge makeup her signature at this point. Every appearance, every interview, dark eyeshadow and that signature smudged eyeliner. She's not doing light, fresh makeup—she's embracing that gothic, moody aesthetic. And it works perfectly with her whole vibe.
If you want to see what modern grunge makeup actually looks like, look at Jenna's makeup. It's dark, it's intentional, and it's cool.
Billie Eilish
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| Billie Eilish Makeup |
Billie's been doing grunge/dark makeup since 2018, but 2026 is where it fully entered mainstream. Her dark eyeshadow, often paired with minimal lip color, is basically the blueprint for what everyone's trying to recreate right now.
The thing about Billie's makeup? It's theatrical, but it works in real life too. You don't need to be a pop star for this look to work.
Zendaya (Recent Grunge Moments)
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| Zendaya smokey eye makeup |
Zendaya's been experimenting with darker makeup lately—smoky eyes, darker lips—and every time she does, it trends. Because Zendaya has that ability to make anything cool instantly.
Sofia Richie (The Unexpected Grunge Convert)
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| Sofia Richie |
Sofia Richie basically invented the clean girl aesthetic. So when she started incorporating darker eyeshadow and more dramatic makeup? That was the signal. Even the clean girl herself is moving toward grunge. That's how you know it's real.
Why Is Grunge Making Such a Big Comeback Right Now?
There's actually a really interesting reason for this.
For the last few years, beauty culture was all about minimalism. Clean skin. Dewy skin. "I'm so naturally beautiful I barely need makeup" energy. And honestly? That gets exhausting. It's boring. It makes everyone look the same.
Grunge is the rebellion against that. It's saying, "I like makeup. I like drama. I like looking like I'm in a music video." And that's refreshing.
Plus, there's something about grunge makeup that feels more authentic. It doesn't look like you're trying to be perfect. It looks like you're being yourself—just a cooler, edgier version of yourself.
How to Do Grunge Makeup: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Okay, let's get into the actual tutorial. I'm going to walk you through this like you've never done makeup before.
Step 1: Start With a Clean Base (Minimal Coverage)
Here's where grunge makeup starts to make sense. You're not doing a full face. You're barely doing anything to your face.
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin
- Apply a tiny bit of primer (optional—honestly, if your skin is hydrated, you don't need it)
- Use concealer ONLY under your eyes if you have dark circles or blemishes you want to hide
- Skip foundation. Seriously. Skip it.
- Use a light powder just in your T-zone if you get oily
Your skin should look like skin. Not like a painted canvas.
Product Recommendation: MAC Fix+ Setting Spray - Use this to keep your eyeshadow from creasing all day. This is the one product worth investing in for grunge makeup because your eyeshadow is going to be dark and you don't want it moving around.
Step 2: Prime Your Eyes (This is Important)
Because you're going to be smudging dark eyeshadow, you need an eyeshadow primer. Non-negotiable.
Apply a small amount of eyeshadow primer all over your eyelid, from lash line to brow bone.
Product Recommendation: Urban Decay Primer Potion - This is the classic. It works. Your dark eyeshadow will stay put all day.
Budget Alternative: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eye Primer - Honestly just as good. No shame in going budget here.
Step 3: Apply Dark Eyeshadow (The Main Event)
This is where grunge happens.
What you need: A dark eyeshadow palette with blacks, dark grays, and dark purples or browns.
How to apply:
Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a dark shade (black or dark gray) all over your eyelid. Don't worry about precision. Let it blend naturally into your skin.
Press the color in rather than sweeping it. You want payoff.
Take a slightly smaller brush and apply the same dark color to your upper lash line, blending as you go. You're creating a soft, smudged line. Not a sharp wing.
Optional: Take a tiny bit of that dark shade on a pencil brush and smudge it along your lower lash line. Not all the way across—just enough to create that "I've been crying" effect. (In a cool way, obviously.)
The key: Everything should look blended and soft. No harsh lines.
Product Recommendations:
Budget: Maybelline Nudes Palette - Has great dark shades and blends like a dream.
Mid-Range: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette - Amazing pigmentation, easy to blend. This is what a lot of makeup artists use for this look.
Splurge: Mac Eye Shadow Palette - If you want the professional-grade stuff.
Black Eyeliner (for smudging): Charlotte Tilbury Black Pencil Eyeliner - Creamy, easy to smudge, lasts all day.
Budget Alternative: Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil Eyeliner - Honestly, for the price, this is incredible. Easy to smudge, dark pigment, long-lasting.
Step 4: Smudge Your Eyeliner (The Signature Move)
This is what makes it "grunge" and not just "dark eyeshadow."
Using a pencil eyeliner (liquid eyeliner is too precise for this), apply a dark line along your upper lash line. Don't make it neat. You want it to be a bit messy.
Then—and this is the key—take a smudging brush (or even a cotton swab if you don't have a brush) and gently blur that line. You're not erasing it. You're softening it. Creating that hazy, smudged effect.
Do the same thing on your lower lash line if you want.
The goal is: You should look like you applied eyeliner and then did something active. Like you were out at a concert and your makeup got a little messed up in the best way possible.
Pro Tip: Use a pencil eyeliner, not a liquid liner. Pencil is way easier to smudge. Liquid will just sit there looking harsh.
you can read this too: HOW TO GET SEXY LIFTED EYES WITH THESE EYELINER TRICKS
Step 5: Mascara (But Make It Dramatic)
Grunge makeup needs drama. That means mascara. Real mascara. Not just a tiny coat.
Apply 2-3 coats of black mascara to your upper and lower lashes. Don't worry about separating each lash perfectly. A little clumping actually looks better with this aesthetic. It looks more intentional. More rock and roll.
for more knowledge on mascaras you can this THE BEST MASCARAS
Product Recommendations:
Best Overall: L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara - Volumizing, doesn't clump unless you want it to, lasts all day.
Splurge: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara - Super dramatic, long-lasting, makes you look like you have naturally thick lashes.
For Maximum Drama: Benefit They're Real Mascara - This is the one that makes your lashes look absolutely massive.
Step 6: Lips (Keep It Simple)
Here's where a lot of people mess up grunge makeup. They overdo the lips.
You have three options:
Option 1: Nude/Natural Lip Use a lip balm or a nude lip color that's close to your natural lip tone. You want your lips to basically disappear so all the focus stays on your eyes.
Option 2: Dark Matte Lip If you're feeling extra, go with a dark lip. Burgundy, plum, or deep brown. Keep it matte. No gloss.
Option 3: No Lip Color Just leave your lips as they are. Natural. Bare. This is actually the most popular option with grunge makeup right now.
Product Recommendations:
For Dark Lips: MAC Matte Lipstick in Sin - Dark burgundy that looks good on everyone.
For Natural Lip: MAC Lip Conditioner - Keeps your lips hydrated, gives a subtle tint.
Budget: Maybelline Superstay Color Liquid Lipstick - Available in tons of dark shades, lasts forever.
Step 7: Set Everything (Make It Last)
You want this makeup to last all day. Especially the eyeshadow.
Use a setting spray on your entire face after you're done with everything. This is non-negotiable for grunge makeup because dark eyeshadow is more likely to transfer if it's not set properly.
Product Recommendations:
Best: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - The OG. If your makeup can survive a night out, it can survive anything.
Budget: e.l.f. Setting Spray - Surprisingly good. Does the job.
Real Talk: Common Grunge Makeup Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Making It Too Harsh
Your eyeliner should be smudged, not sharp. If it looks too clean and precise, you've defeated the purpose of grunge makeup.
Fix: Always soften your lines with a blending brush.
Mistake #2: Overdoing Your Brows
Grunge eyeshadow + perfectly sculpted brows = doesn't work. Keep your brows natural. Fill them in slightly if you want, but keep them soft and natural-looking.
Fix: Use a brow pencil instead of a brow powder. Keep everything soft.
Mistake #3: Too Much Concealer
If you cover up all your skin texture with concealer, you'll look cakey. Grunge is about that raw, real skin underneath the dramatic eye makeup.
Fix: Use concealer only where you absolutely need it (under eyes, over blemishes). Everywhere else? Let your skin be your skin.
Mistake #4: Glossy Lips
I get it. Glossy lips are pretty. But they clash with grunge makeup. Matte or natural. That's it.
Fix: If you want shine, use a lip balm. If you want color, use a matte lipstick.
Mistake #5: Not Setting Your Makeup
Dark eyeshadow transfers. It gets everywhere. If you don't set it, you'll look like a raccoon by noon.
Fix: Use a setting spray. Non-negotiable.
The Undone Waves (Completing the Look)
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| Grunge makeup with wavy hairs complete look |
Grunge makeup doesn't exist in a vacuum. Your hair matters too.
You want waves that look like you didn't try. Not perfectly crimped. Not pin-straight. Just effortlessly wavy.
How to get undone waves:
Easy Method 1: Braid your hair when it's damp before bed. Wake up and take the braid out. Instant waves.
Easy Method 2: Use a 1.25-inch curling iron and curl random sections of your hair. Don't curl it all. Just here and there. Then run your fingers through it to break up the curls.
Easy Method 3: Use a texturizing spray like Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse or Batiste Dry Shampoo. Spray it throughout your hair and scrunch it with your hands.
The goal: Your hair should look like you have naturally wavy, textured hair that you barely did anything to. Not like you spent an hour with a curling iron.
Products You Actually Need (The Cheat Sheet)
Here's a quick list of everything you need to recreate this look, organized by budget:
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| BUDGET GRUNGE KIT |
BUDGET GRUNGE KIT:
- Maybelline Nudes Eyeshadow Palette
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Pencil Liner
- L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara
- e.l.f. Setting Spray
- Maybelline Superstay Liquid Lipstick
- Wet n Wild Eye Primer
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| MID-RANGE GRUNGE KIT |
MID-RANGE GRUNGE KIT:
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette
- Charlotte Tilbury Black Pencil Eyeliner
- Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
- MAC Matte Lipstick
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| SPLURGE GRUNGE KIT |
SPLURGE GRUNGE KIT:
- MAC Eyeshadow Palette
- Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner
- Benefit They're Real Mascara
- Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
- MAC Matte Lipstick
Honestly? The budget kit works just fine. You don't need to spend a lot to look cool. The technique matters way more than the price tag.
How Long Does Grunge Makeup Actually Last?
Real question: If you're doing this right, how long before it starts to look messy (in a bad way, not a cool way)?
With a good primer and setting spray: All day. 8-10 hours easy.
Without setting spray: 4-6 hours before the eyeshadow starts to shift.
On oily skin: Maybe 5-7 hours without touch-ups.
On dry skin: You're golden for 10+ hours.
The key is that eyeshadow primer and setting spray. They're not optional. They're the difference between "cool grunge" and "I've been crying" by 3 PM.
Can You Wear Grunge Makeup Every Day? (Honest Answer)
Short answer: Yes, but...
Grunge makeup looks amazing, but it's heavy. Dark eyeshadow, multiple coats of mascara, the whole deal. Your eyes need a break.
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| Grunge makeup looks |
My recommendation: Wear grunge makeup 3-4 days a week. Mix it with lighter makeup looks the other days. Your eyes (and your eyelash line) will thank you.
If you do wear it every day, invest in a good eye makeup remover. Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Remover or even just coconut oil works. Don't go to bed with dark eyeshadow on. Your eyelids need to breathe.
FAQ About Grunge Makeup
Q: Will grunge makeup make me look too dark/gothic?
A: Only if you want it to. Remember, you can control how much dark eyeshadow you apply. A subtle smudge is still grunge. You don't have to go full gothic if that's not your vibe.
Q: Can I wear grunge makeup with a light outfit?
A: Absolutely. That's actually a cool contrast. Dark makeup with a light dress = super chic.
Q: What if I have hooded eyes?
A: Grunge makeup actually works GREAT with hooded eyes because you're not trying to create sharp lines or cut creases. Everything is smudged and soft anyway. Just apply the eyeshadow where you can see it.
Q: Is grunge makeup good for small eyes?
A: Yes, but don't overdo it. Use dark eyeshadow on your lids but go light on the lower lash line. If you do dark on both, it can make eyes look smaller. One dark area is better.
Q: Can I do grunge makeup if I wear glasses?
A: Yes! Grunge makeup actually looks cool with glasses because you get that whole intellectual-meets-edgy vibe. Your glasses frame the makeup nicely.
Q: How do I make sure my eyeliner doesn't transfer all over my face?
A: Use a pencil eyeliner (not liquid), prime your eyelids well, and set with a setting spray. That's the holy trinity. Do all three and you're golden.
Q: Can I mix grunge makeup with other trends?
A: Honestly, grunge is kind of a statement look. I'd keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Grunge eyes + glowy skin + soft brows. Don't add a cut crease or a glossy lip on top of it. Let the grunge eyes be the star.
Q: What if I mess up my eyeliner?
A: That's actually the point of grunge makeup! It's supposed to look a little messy. If you mess up, just blend it more and call it intentional.
Before & After: What Grunge Makeup Actually Does
BEFORE AND AFTER Grunge MakeupThe reason grunge makeup is trending isn't just because it looks cool. It's because it works.
A minimal, bare face is pretty. But a bare face with dramatic grunge eyes? That's a whole different level of cool.
It instantly makes you look more:
- Confident - You're not hiding behind heavy makeup. You're just making a statement with your eyes.
- Edgy - Dark makeup = cool, automatically.
- Mature - Grunge makeup is sophisticated in a way that trendy makeup isn't.
- Intentional - You're not following trends mindlessly. You're choosing an aesthetic.
The transformation is real. And it's why so many people are trying it right now.
The Bottom Line
Grunge makeup is back, and it's not going anywhere in 2026. Fashion runways are showcasing it, celebrities are wearing it, and search trends prove people are actively looking for tutorials.
The best part? It's easy. Easier than trying to perfect a cut crease or nail a wing eyeliner. You're supposed to smudge it. You're supposed to make it look slightly imperfect.
That's the whole point.
So grab a dark eyeshadow palette, a pencil eyeliner, and some mascara. Stop worrying about making everything perfect. Make it messy. Make it cool. Make it yours.
Welcome back to the grunge era. This time, we're doing it right.
Ready to try grunge makeup? Start with the budget palette and see how you like it. If you love it, invest in the mid-range products. Either way, you've got this.
What's your grunge makeup story? Drop a comment below and let me know if you're trying this look. I want to see your grunge transformation! 💄🖤
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