What defines 90s grunge makeup?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Smudged kohl liner, matte brown or burgundy lip, full natural brows, and a lived-in, slightly undone vibe.

What lip color for 90s grunge?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Matte brown, taupe, or burgundy. Avoid glossy or bright red for an authentic grunge look.

How do I smudge eyeliner for grunge?

According to Viktoria @vioda.makeup, Use a pencil or kohl liner on the upper and lower lash line, then blend with a smudge brush or finger for a soft, smoky effect.

90s Grunge Makeup Tutorial

Intermediate20 min

90s Grunge Makeup Tutorial

By Viktoria @vioda.makeup · Updated June 11, 2026

90s grunge makeup is anti-perfection on purpose. Dark, smudged liner, matte skin, and a vampy lip create a look that's effortlessly cool and deliberately undone. The key is making it look like you rolled out of bed looking this good — not like you spent an hour perfecting messy eyeliner. This is the look for anyone who finds clean girl too polished and glam too performative.

Step-by-step

1
Matte base
Step 1 of 4
Apply a matte foundation and skip highlighter or dewy products to keep the skin flat and undone, true to the grunge aesthetic.
2
Smudged liner
Step 2 of 4
Line your upper and lower lash lines with a soft kohl or pencil liner, then smudge it out with a brush or your fingertip for a messy, lived-in look.
3
Brown lip
Step 3 of 4
Apply a matte brown or burgundy lipstick straight from the bullet, blotting once for a slightly worn-in finish that feels effortlessly 90s.
4
Brows
Step 4 of 4Almost done!
Keep brows full and natural by brushing them upward with a spoolie and filling only the sparsest areas with light, feathery strokes.

Video tutorial

Find it on your favourite channel:

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Pro tips

Smudge liner with your finger or a small brush within 30 seconds of applying it — before it sets. Once it dries, you'll get flaking instead of the soft, lived-in smudge you want.
Brown-black liner looks more authentically grunge than jet black. Pure black can look goth rather than grunge; a deep brown or espresso gives that effortless, worn-in vibe.
Apply dark lip color with your finger rather than from the bullet for a deliberately imprecise, blotted look. Tap it on rather than painting it.

Skin type notes

Oily skin: matte skin is the foundation of grunge makeup, so oily skin actually works in your favor — just set and go. Dry skin: avoid fully matte foundation, which will look chalky. Use a satin-finish base and mattify only the T-zone. The lips and eyes carry the grunge vibe; the skin doesn't need to be completely flat.

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