| Beauty
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💡 TLDR
Spill the tea because the clean-girl aesthetic is officially dead, and messy makeup is here to stay. No more flawless brows, barely-there lashes, or “skinimal” vibes—this is the era of smudged edges, …
Spill the tea because the clean-girl aesthetic is officially dead, and messy makeup is here to stay. No more flawless brows, barely-there lashes, or “skinimal” vibes—this is the era of smudged edges, bold colors, and makeup that screams, “I’m living my truth.” Charli XCX’s winged liner smudged like she’d been out all night? That’s the vibe. Jenna Ortega’s bleached brows and burgundy lips? That’s the flex. The beauty world is trading minimalism for maximalism, and it’s wild.
The shift started with Brat summer, when Charli XCX’s chaotic makeup became a cultural anthem. Her “I didn’t wash my face” look wasn’t just a trend—it was a rebellion. Now, it’s everywhere: Jenna Ortega’s goth eye shadow, Julia Fox’s nude lip with visible liner, and Gabbriette’s ’90s Angelina Jolie vibes. These looks aren’t about hiding imperfections; they’re about owning them. “Messy makeup is a fuck-you to the basic vibe,” says Hanna Khymych, a Brooklyn-based influencer who’s seen the clean-girl era fade. “People want makeup that feels real, not sterile.”
It’s not just about looking good—it’s about being something. Isamaya Ffrench, the artist behind viral products like the penis-shaped lipstick, calls it “character-building.” “You’re not trying to look effortless; you’re trying to become a version of yourself,” she says. Her work blends subversion and self-expression, like hand-painted masks that look like Frankenstein’s monster. And let’s be real: when you see Jenna Ortega’s goth look or Charli’s party-girl smudge, the makeup is part of the persona. It’s not a trend—it’s a language.
The products? Think vibrant plums, neon greens, and lips that blur the line between pigment and skin. Fara Homidi’s lip compact is a must for that hazy, perfect dark-nude look. Hourglass’s lash instrument lets you paint lashes like a pro, and Byredo’s eyeshadow palette is basically a mood ring for your lids. This isn’t about chaos—it’s about freedom. As Ffrench says, “A smudged eye isn’t about carelessness. It’s about identity.”
💫 Drop it below—let’s make this vibe official.
So what’s your go-to messy makeup look? Drop it below—let’s make this vibe official.
❓ People Also Ask
What causes messy makeup looks?
Messy makeup is caused by over-product use, lack of base prep, or improper application. It often looks natural and effortless, contrasting with polished, clean finishes.
Is messy makeup a trend or a style?
Messy makeup is a trend, not just a style. It reflects a shift toward authenticity and imperfection, popularized by influencers and celebrities embracing a more relaxed, real appearance.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇