Gabbriette! Megan Fox! Charli! "Messy-Girl Makeup" Is My Roman Empire — Here’s Your Complete Guide to Getting Started...
Some trends emerge subtly and gradually, but there's nothing that has captured my attention as quickly as the return of messy-girl makeup. Perhaps it's my fondness for smudged eyeliner and three-day-old lipstick, but there's something about the perfectly imperfect aesthetics of women like Gabbriette, Megan Fox, and Charli XCX that exudes energy and individuality. It's not polished or symmetrical; rather, it’s intentionally imperfect, exuding a gritty, sexy vibe. Plus, there's a bit of chaos to it. The best part? Almost anyone can recreate this look. You don’t need to be an artist or have experience; you simply need the right products—those that smudge easily, blend quickly, and appear even better when slightly askew. So if you're drawn to the disheveled, messy-girl glam, I’ve put together a starter kit for you. Here are some essentials I use to achieve the look—no need for perfection or precision.
**Dior Beauty**
Backstage Glow Maximizer Face Palette in "002 Frosted Opal Glow"
The Frosted Opal Glow palette provides that cool, glassy highlight that complements messy-girl makeup perfectly. It’s not sparkly or loud; instead, it offers a soft, icy sheen that appears to emanate from your skin rather than sit on top of it.
**Prada Beauty**
Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
Initially, I was skeptical about this unique, slender mascara wand, but once I tried it, those doubts vanished. The formula clings to lashes, creating a spidery shape that looks effortlessly grungy.
**Huda Beauty**
Lip Contour Lip Stain in "Warm Brown"
The Huda Beauty Lip Contour in Warm Brown provides that blurred, lived-in lip effect without any extra effort. The stain settles into a subtle, warm shadow around the mouth, making it look like you've been wearing it for hours.
**Givenchy**
Le Rouge Interdit Satin Hydrating Lipstick in "Nude Blush"
Givenchy's Le Rouge Interdit lipstick collection offers a gentle, rosy warmth to the lips that pairs beautifully with a smoky eye. The satin finish strikes the ideal balance—smooth, slightly luminous, yet never sticky, blending seamlessly with a lived-in look.
**YSL Beauty**
Make Me Blush 24h Buildable Powder Blush in "Chili Crush"
Chili Crush instantly transforms a flat appearance into something edgy. The hue lies perfectly between spice and flush, giving it a natural feel with just a hint of attitude.
**Fenty Beauty**
Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Naturally, Rihanna had her grunge phase, so we can trust her to deliver an eyeliner that can withstand anything. Flyliner creates a sharp, inky line that stays put, doesn't flake, and won't vanish by noon, making it ideal for a messy wing.
**Makeup Forever**
Artist Color Pencil Long-Lasting Lip Liner
While messy-girl makeup is primarily about the eyes, a good lip liner ties the entire look together. This shade from Makeup Forever is the perfect cool tone, instantly adding that moody, lived-in aesthetic. Its dry texture grips well, allowing for perfect smudging without melting away.
**Rhode**
Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush in "Sleepy Girl"
Sleepy Girl offers a subtle whisper of color instead of a full-on blush, which is why it looks so great. I love to warm it on my hand before applying with a brush for a blended finish on the skin.
**Hourglass**
Unlocked Defining and Lengthening Tubing Mascara
After testing this mascara for a few months, I must say it has taken the place of my original favorite. It perfectly separates and thickens lashes, providing impressive length. Plus, its tubing formula makes it easy to remove.
**Armani Beauty**
Eye Tint Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeshadow in "Sandalwood"
Sandalwood is the shade you use when you want to soften the edges of black. That hint of brown beneath makes everything look more lived-in, which is the essence of a messy-girl eye. It blends easily, adding subtle depth and making the black less stark.
**Merit**
Solo Shadow Cream Eyeshadow in "Iris"
For the crease, this lovely light brown from Merit can add dimension to your eyes while keeping everything soft and slightly undone.
**Tom Ford**
Shade and Illuminate Cream Contour Duo
The Shade and Illuminate Duo provides the perfect tone to define your cheekbones without looking overly contoured. The cooler shade subtly lifts—just enough definition to replicate that naturally sculpted, model-off-duty vibe.
**Guerlain**
Rouge G Customizable Satin & Velvet Matte Lipstick in "Le Fauve"
Le
Other articles
Gabbriette! Megan Fox! Charli! "Messy-Girl Makeup" Is My Roman Empire — Here’s Your Complete Guide to Getting Started...
Gabbriette, Megan Fox, and Charli are all embracing the messy-girl makeup trend. Here's what you'll need to achieve a smudged, effortless appearance, including mascara, eyeshadow, and lipstick.
