How-To: 90’s Grunge Inspired Bronze Smokey Eye

90’s Beauty is back like it never ever left; from that nearly indescribable mauve-y reddish-brown lip that we can’t stop obsessing about to grunge makeup and fashion, we’re predicting grittier looks will dominate our feeds all of 2023. Grunge not really your aesthetic? We’ve taken inspo from NY-based makeup artist Dara Levitan for a bronzed take on the trend (without going all Taylor Momsen in her Gossip Girl era).

Step 1: Buff a warm and toasty brown shade all over the lid and along the lower lash line.

Dara takes the About Face Cloned Matte Fluid Eye Paint and blends each eye individually until there’s a soft and even layer over the full eyelid; adding a bit along the lower lash line one eye at a time. 

Step 2: Highlight the center of the eyelid and lower lash line with a metallic bronze.

We love the incredible shine of the Ulta Rose Gold Lustrous Foil Shadow, but for a toned down option, the Bobbi Brown Golden Amber Cream Eyeshadow Stick works beautifully. Even better if you have a warm bronze shimmer and matte eyeshadow palette to use for the full look! Concentrate the shimmer just in the center to create a bigger appearance to the eyes.

Step 3: Deepen along the outer and inner parts of the upper and lower lash lines with a rich brown and blend out.

Adding depth and richness with a dark brown along the lash line gives that rocker-esque grit that 90’s grunge shadow is known for. Concentrate the color on the lash lines and then use a clean brush to buff the color out for a seamless blend and subtle transition.

Step 4: Load up the mascara.

We know this look is supposed to be about grunge, or at the very least, about bronze, but to fully send this look we need lots and lots of mascara. Even if you don’t have the longest or fullest lashes, layering on rich black mascara leans into the grunge inspiration of this look, and creates just the right contrast with the soft brown palette we’ve used so far. 

Go with your favorite tried and true brand here, but we love the mega length and fluttery volume of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex.

Final Step: Finish the face with soft blush or bronzer and a sheer, glossy lip for a perfectly executed wearable but edgy day-to-night 90’s grunge bronze makeup.