Soft Grunge makeup is trending - here’s how to make this 90s makeup revival work for you now.
The 90s are back in - and we were there the first time around! Remember pencil thin brows? They are are making a come back in 2025, which is great news for those whose brows never recovered, for the rest of us that is one trend we shall NOT be doing again. But 90's grunge makeup (as originally worn by Drew Barrymore, Gwen Stefani and Wynona Ryder) is having a big revival, and that's a trend we over 50's can embrace in 2025 - with a few tweaks.
The Soft Grunge Look welcomes imperfect-ness. Slightly "undone", a little lived in, it's a more relaxed, less polished vibe which is why I love this trend for you ... because it brings a little modern edge with cool-toned neutrals. And pairs perfectly with our current obsession with "Quiet Luxury" dressing. Think boxy oversized blazers, pantsuits, vests, pleats and pinstripes, worn with ties, cashmere and pussy bow shirting.
How to do the Soft Grunge Makeup Look
Follow the steps below to created your modern take on the 90's Soft Grunge Makeup Look, tweaked for over 40s, over 50s, over 60s .. to keep you current in 2025!
Step 1
Prep and hydrate your complexion with Edible Beauty No 3 Exotic Goddess Serum to quench thirsty skin followed by Runway Room First Base Primer. to nourish for that lit from within glow and makeup longevity.
Step 2
Even out your skin tone with the weightless Kylie's Professional Mineral Goddess Foundation that delivers a satin, air-brushed finish and a swipe of Rageism Concealer where required or desired (like your delicate under eye area!).
Step 3
Sweep a wash of mushroom-y pink colour all over your eye lid mii Cosmetics Forever Eye crayon in Dusty Rose , blending with the Makeup Weapons Pointed Blending Brush.
Step 4
Line your upper and lower lash lines using Ere Perez Jojoba Pencil in Stone . It's a glorious slightly shimmering slate grey that's soft yet brings a little edge to your look. Let go of perfection here, push the liner right into the lash line, and use your ring finger or a pencil shaped brush to smudge and buff the liner. And for those of you keen on going "full grunge" or just like more punch and drama for evening full grunge try using a black Eye of Horus Goddess in Black.
Step 5
Line your lips using the Kylie's Professional lip liner in Enchant. It's a gorgeous rosey-nude that is slightly darker than the lipstick shade (but not so nude you look dead!)
Step 6
Slick on Runway Room Satin Lipstick in Librarian - a beautiful warm brown that's moisturising and not too matte. PRO TIP: I really don't love matte lip shades for us over 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond. Matte products tend to really "shrink" the appearance of more mature lips and accentuate lines and loss of volume - so steer clear of matte lipsticks.
Want to recreate the Soft Grunge Makeup Look? You can shop all the products, by clicking the button below.
Wear Soft Grunge with "Corp-core"
And that's it - your ready to party like it's 1995, but we're making it fresh and modern for 2025!
Shine bright beautiful.
Amanda Ramsay is a multi-award winning, over 40s makeup artist. You can find out more about her here
Need some expert help?
Love this article, but still feel like you need some help choosing the right make for you and your life? Book a Personal Beauty Consult for a one-on-one, personalised, online session with me, your over 40s makeup and beauty expert, and together we will sift through your current makeup items, review your routine, make tweaks and adjustments that will make a big difference to your makeup game.
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