The Return of Grunge: A Nod to the 90s

Image Courtesy: Birdie

When looking at trends in 2023, it’s impossible to overlook the 90s comebacks we’ve seen. From the resurgence of the digital camera to the “Princess Diana biker short” look, elements of this monumental decade can be seen in almost every aspect of our lives. This 90s comeback, of course, includes makeup and beauty trends as well.

Let’s talk about what “grunge” is exactly. Grunge originated in Seattle in the 1980s and gained popularity throughout the following decade. The rise of grunge had many staple pieces, including leather jackets, flannels, ripped jeans and leggings, chunky boots and accessories, graphic T-shirts, and even an increase in tattoos. The key component of grunge was to look “effortlessly cool,” so it was often paired with smudgy makeup, messy hair, clothes hanging off the shoulders, mismatched patterns, and baggy clothes.

Elements of the grunge aesthetic are nothing new. The attempts at an effortless, morning-after, slept-in look walk a fine line alongside the “clean girl” aesthetic, but both coexist in mutual popularity. The glowy, slicked-back looks and naturally tanned freckles were fun while they lasted in the warmer months, but now that the seasons are growing bitter, makeup is taking a bolder, darker, and moodier turn. Smeared, imperfect eyeliner seems to fit this narrative well. The goal is not to look “un-kept;” it’s more of an effortlessly chic, or as makeup influencer, Nikki DeRoest, puts it, “a nod to the ’90s supermodel – being out at the club all night and then going to castings the next morning with a lived-in, grungy eye.”

Image Courtesy: Nikki Deroest via Instagram

In addition to dark, dreamy liners, we are seeing more bold, smoky eyeshadows as well. Some are calling it “latte makeup,” but the premise is simple. The look consists of layering various brows and tans to achieve a uniform, monochromatic vibe. If you’re going for more of a summer feel, gold accents will do you well.

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

Dark eyes were a staple of the grunge era, and we’re seeing a modern twist on it when paired with current makeup trends, such as faux freckles and laminated brows.

We can’t talk about the grunge revival without mentioning the return of the bold lip. Many describe the staple lip of the 90’s as “bright red, with plenty of gloss.” Icons such as Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow were often seen rocking the look.

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

The bright red displayed in the image below is just one example of how the classic dark lip of the 90s is being re-envisioned and elevated to apply to modern styles. Pairing the lip with soft or natural eyes creates a gloomy, dreamy feel.

Image Courtesy: Instagram

In addition to bold colors, bold neutrals have taken the makeup world by storm. The statement lip liner, with the dark edges and lighter hues in the middle, is a true nod to the 90’s grunge era brown lip-liner craze, as seen below on Fernanda Calfat on the Luar Runway.

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Despite the years piling onto themselves, we continue to see revivals from the last few decades come in and out of style and affect current makeup and fashion trends.  Don’t be afraid to let grunge take a seat in your day-to-day style, and embrace the bold darkness that autumn brings.

Strike Out,

Writer: Sarah Bourloukas

Editor: Blake N. Fiadino

Tallahassee