We called it (seriously, check the receipts)… glam grunge is going to be fall’s hottest trend. If you’re feeling skeptical, just take a look at this year’s VMAs red carpet full of glam grunge, gothcore, grunge fairies – whatever you want to call it! The badass trend dominated the awards show with its IDGAF, rebellious attitude, and honestly, we’re so here for it. Everyone from Lizzo to Ashley Graham experimented with the look. Even classic beauty look lovers like Taylor Swift dipped their toes in the trend. So without further ado, here’s everything you need to know and, of course, the ultimate mood board.
The Glam Grunge Trend
In case you missed our most recent trend report, let’s chat about the vibe and energy of glam grunge. After being locked inside for two years, we’re ready to let loose, party, and have fun, and we want to look and feel so damn good while doing it. We also don’t want to feel the pressure to be too polished or perfect. We want to feel free – free of responsibilities and (covid) restrictions. It’s giving feral but serving glamour. Think Kourtney and Travis, and Megan Fox and MGK.
In makeup terms? The liner is lived-in, smudged, and sexy. Your lips are blotted red with last night’s lipstick. And your hair? It’s either scraped back so you can dance the night away, or it’s flowing, wild, and free. However you want to play it, just ensure it radiates an IDGAF attitude, then marinate that in glitter… And diamonds.
We like to work with this basic equation: something hella grungey + a glam moment = glam grunge.
Glam Grunge at the VMAs 2022
TBH, if there’s one event that emulates glam grunge energy, it’s the VMAs. The award show is known for bringing tons of sex appeal and rock-star energy. Plus, something always seems to go down… Yes, we’re referring to THE kiss.
Well, this year the iconic guestlist understood the assignment and served glam grunge beauty looks all night long. Seriously, Lizzo slayed three looks in one night, and every single one nodded to the trend.
One thing’s for sure: a smokey eye is a key component of this look. The easiest way to create a smokey eye is by using a black pencil liner. Our Huda Beauty Life Liner Double-Ended Liner, $25, is perfect as it has a pencil and liquid liner, which you can layer and smudge together for a super intense, grungey look.
Start by tracing along your upper lash line with a pencil, extending the wing towards the tail end of your brow. Then, take a small dense brush, and smudge the liner to create the sexy, lived-in look. Depending on the intensity you’re looking for, line your lower lash and waterline with pencil, then smudge it out. To brighten the eye a little, add a cool-toned highlighter to the inner corner, like Ashley Graham.
When it comes to our go-to lip for this look, we like to keep it nude to let the eyes do the talking. Or, if you’re feeling like a full glam moment, opt for a red lip but blur out the edges to add a cool-girl finish.
