Welcome to the world of Alternative Makeup Looks, where creativity knows no bounds and self-expression reigns supreme.
If you’re tired of conforming to conventional beauty standards and seeking a unique way to showcase your individuality, this article is the perfect avenue.
I have tried out some of these makeup trends, and what I love about them is that they help you break free from traditional norms and explore uncharted territories of self-expression.
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From bold and vibrant colors to unconventional techniques and artistic designs, these looks offer a refreshing departure from the mainstream.
So, whether you’re an artist seeking a new form of creative expression, a rebel challenging societal norms, or simply someone who craves a touch of uniqueness in their daily routine, these alternative makeup looks are here to enchant you.
Here are our top 21 alternative makeup looks that will help you unleash your creativity and transform your face into a canvas where you can paint your wildest fantasies.
Unique Alternative Makeup Looks To Try
1. Killed By Death Rock Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Killed by Death” rock Alternative Makeup Look is a fierce and edgy style that draws inspiration from punk and rock subcultures.
It features bold, smokey eyes with heavy black eyeliner, dark lips, and a pale complexion.
This look is perfect for those who want to make a bold statement and embrace their rebellious side.
To pull off this look, focus on creating dramatic eye makeup with smudged eyeliner and dark, intense shades. Pair it with a matte black or deep red lipstick for added impact.
Image by @marilynmugbeat via Instagram
2. Gesso Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Gesso” Alternative Makeup Look is a unique and avant-garde style that takes inspiration from art and surrealism.
It involves creating a blank canvas effect on the face, with a white base and abstract designs.
This look allows for artistic expression and experimentation, appealing to those who want to push the boundaries of traditional makeup.
To achieve the Gesso look, start with a white foundation or face paint, then use black eyeliner or face paint to create abstract lines, shapes, or patterns on the face.
Remember, you can always customize this depending on your style and creativity.
Image by @joanna_mazikeen via Instagram
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3. Colour Palette Wings Alternative Makeup Looks
This alternative makeup look is vibrant, eye-catching, and resembles colorful wings extending from the eyes (you must have seen it worn by makeup enthusiasts who embrace creativity and self-expression.
It allows for the use of various shades and hues to create a unique and artistic effect. The look is perfect if you are looking to experiment with bold and unconventional makeup.
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4. Pinkish Purple Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Pinkish Purple” Alternative Makeup Look combines shades of pink and purple to create a unique and edgy style.
This look is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color and a touch of mystery to their makeup.
To achieve the Pinkish Purple look, apply a vibrant pink eyeshadow on the lids and blend it with a deep purple shade in the crease. Finish off with bold winged eyeliner and mascara.
The result is a captivating and daring look that exudes confidence.
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5. Flower Inspired Blend Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Flower Inspired Blend” Alternative Makeup Look draws inspiration from the vibrant colors and delicate petals of flowers.
This look incorporates soft pastel shades and intricate blending techniques to create a whimsical and ethereal appearance.
To achieve this look, blend different shades of pink, purple, and green on the eyelids, resembling a blooming flower. Finish off with a touch of shimmer and fluttery lashes.
The Flower Inspired Blend is perfect if you’re looking for a look that will embrace your creativity and showcase you as a unique and nature-inspired person.
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6. Red Fetish Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Red Fetish” Alternative Makeup Look is bold, daring, and exudes confidence. It showcases a captivating combination of deep red tones and edgy elements.
This look is ideal if you want to make a statement and connect with your rebellious side.
To achieve the Red Fetish look, pair intense red eyeshadow with a dramatic winged liner, and add a touch of metallic or glitter for an extra wow factor.
The key is to balance the intense red shades with neutral tones on the rest of the face to keep the focus on the eyes.
Image by @_emilia_s_l_ via Instagram
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7. Mustard Yellow Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Mustard Yellow” Alternative Makeup Look is a unique and unconventional choice that brings a vibrant and unexpected twist to traditional makeup.
This look embraces the boldness of mustard yellow eyeshadow, creating a striking and eye-catching effect.
To pull off this look, apply the mustard yellow shade to the eyelids, blending it seamlessly with earthy tones for a balanced appearance.
Image by @spookysfx via Instagram
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8. Hexagonal Liner Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Hexagonal Liner” Alternative Makeup Look is a geometric and edgy take on eyeliner that adds a unique flair to any makeup style.
This look showcases creativity and precision by creating hexagonal shapes along the lash line.
It’s a great choice for those who want to experiment with bold and unconventional designs.
Use a fine-tipped eyeliner brush to carefully outline and connect the hexagonal shapes to achieve this look.
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9. Wavy Sea Curls Alternative Makeup Looks
This alternative makeup look is inspired by the mesmerizing waves of the sea, with soft, flowing lines and vibrant colours.
It’s a captivating choice for those who want to embrace a whimsical and ethereal aesthetic.
Blend shades of blue and green eyeshadows along the eyelids and lower lash lines to achieve this look, creating gentle waves.
This makeup style is perfect for parties, festivals, or creative photoshoots.
Image by @ kittileecreates via Instagram
10. Shimmering Olive Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Shimmering Olive” Alternative Makeup Look features a stunning combination of earthy green shades with a touch of shimmer. It adds a unique and captivating twist to traditional makeup looks.
Add olive green eyeshadow on the eyelids to pull off this look, blending it with a shimmering gold or bronze shade.
The result is a mesmerizing and sultry appearance that complements various skin tones.
Image by @ kimurajunichiro via Instagram
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11. Copper Pink Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Copper Pink” Alternative Makeup Look features a captivating blend of copper and pink shades, creating a warm and enchanting appearance.
This unique combination adds a touch of edginess to traditional makeup looks.
Apply a copper eyeshadow on the eyelids, blending it with a soft pink shade for a harmonious effect. The result is a stunning and versatile look suitable for various occasions.
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12. Gothic Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Gothic” Alternative Makeup Look exudes dark allure and mystique, drawing inspiration from the goth subculture.
This dramatic style features bold, dark shades like black, deep purples, and rich reds.
Emphasize the eyes with smokey eyeshadow and winged eyeliner paired with a deep, vampy lip color. This will allow you to express your individuality, creativity, and love for unconventional beauty.
Image by @taytailx via Instagram
13. Maquillage Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Maquillage” Alternative Makeup Look is a fusion of avant-garde artistry and unconventional beauty. It embraces vibrant colors, abstract designs, and experimental techniques.
If you’re looking for something that will allow you to push your boundaries and showcase your artistic flair, this is the makeup for you.
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14. Breezy Glitter Eyeshadow Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Breezy Glitter Eyeshadow” Alternative Makeup Look adds a touch of enchantment and sparkle to the eyes.
It features a combination of vibrant colours and shimmering glitters, creating a whimsical and ethereal effect.
To pull off the Breezy Glitter Eyeshadow look, start by applying a neutral base eyeshadow, then carefully dab the glitter onto the lids using a flat brush or your fingertips.
Blend the edges for a seamless finish and pair it with neutral or complementary lip and cheek colours to let the eyes take center stage.
The look is ideal for special occasions, parties, or festivals, as it adds a playful and glamorous touch to any look.
Image by @bowtieluna via Instagram
15. Smokey Winged Alternative Makeup Looks
This alternative makeup look is a sultry and edgy style that combines the classic smokey eye with bold winged eyeliner. It exudes confidence and adds a touch of drama to any look.
Begin by applying a dark eyeshadow to the lids and blending it outward.
Create a winged eyeliner using a gel or liquid liner, extending it beyond the outer corner of the eye. Finish with mascara and optional false lashes for added drama.
Pair it with nude or bold lips to balance the overall look. Spoiler alert…achieving the perfect winged eyeliner can be challenging for beginners.
This makeup look is perfect for evening events or when you want to make a statement.
Image by @afro_gaybe via Instagram
16. Grunge Glam Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Grunge Glam” Alternative Makeup Look combines the edgy elements of grunge with a touch of glamor, resulting in a unique and captivating style.
It embraces smudged eyeliner, dark eyeshadows, and bold lips for a rebellious yet alluring vibe.
To pull off the Grunge Glam look, start by smudging a dark eyeshadow along the upper and lower lash line.
Apply a winged eyeliner and coat your lashes with mascara. Go for a dark, matte lip color to complete the look.
Remember to keep the rest of your face relatively neutral to let the eyes and lips take center stage.
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17. Violent Flames Alternative Makeup Looks
The “Violent Flames” Alternative Makeup Look is a bold and fiery style that captures attention with its intense colors and dramatic flair.
Inspired by flames, this look features vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues blended together to create a mesmerizing effect.
It’s perfect for those who want to make a powerful statement and showcase their artistic side.
Image by @bowtieluna via Instagram
18. Blue And Pink Paired Alternative Makeup Looks
The Blue and Pink Paired Alternative Makeup Look is a striking combination that brings together contrasting colors to create a visually stunning effect.
To achieve the perfect Blue and Pink Paired look, apply a blue eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eyes and a pink shade on the inner corner. Blend the colors for a smooth transition.
Add winged eyeliner and mascara to define the eyes. Complete the look with a neutral complexion and a nude or soft pink lip color to let the eyes take center stage.
Image by @ catarina.amarelinho.makeup via Instagram
19 Crazy Lines Alternative Makeup Looks
The Crazy Lines Alternative Makeup Look is a bold and unconventional style that incorporates artistic and abstract designs around the eyes.
It offers a unique way to express creativity and individuality through makeup.
Start using a fine eyeliner brush and vibrant eyeshadow shades to create bold lines and geometric shapes around the eyes.
Balance the rest of your makeup with a neutral or subdued palette to make the lines stand out. Be creative and experiment with different colours and let your imagination run wild.
Image by @blush_babka via Instagram
20. Rainbow Alternative Makeup Looks
The Rainbow Alternative Makeup Look is a vibrant and playful style that features a spectrum of colours applied to the eyes, resembling a rainbow.
It’s a fun, attention-grabbing look that allows creative expression and experimentation with different shades.
To achieve the rainbow look, choose a variety of bright eyeshadow shades and apply them in an arched shape across the eyelids, blending them for a seamless transition.
Start with lighter colours at the inner corner and gradually intensify the shades towards the outer corner. Pair it with neutral lips and minimal face makeup to let the eyes take center stage.
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21. Lovey Dovey Alternative Makeup Looks
The Lovey Dovey Alternative Makeup Look is a romantic and dreamy style focusing on soft, pastel hues and a subtle glow.
It exudes a feminine and ethereal vibe, making it perfect for special occasions or a whimsical everyday look.
Start with a flawless base using a light coverage foundation and add a subtle blush to the cheeks for a natural flush.
Go for soft, pastel eyeshadows in shades like pink, lavender, or peach, and apply them to the eyelids, blending softly for a delicate look.
Finish with a touch of shimmer on the inner corners of the eyes and glossy lip color.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative makeup looks?
Alternative makeup looks refer to unconventional or non-traditional styles of makeup that deviate from the typical beauty standards.
These looks often incorporate unique colour combinations, bold techniques, and creative expression.
Who can wear alternative makeup looks?
Alternative makeup looks are for anyone who wants to step outside the boundaries of traditional makeup and explore their creativity.
They are inclusive and can be adapted to suit various skin tones, genders, and personal styles.
Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast, artist, or simply looking to express yourself differently, alternative makeup looks offer a platform for self-expression.
How can I achieve alternative makeup looks?
To achieve alternative makeup looks, it’s important to experiment with unconventional colors, textures, and techniques.
Start by exploring different makeup tutorials, experimenting with unique color palettes, and embracing unconventional application methods.
Be open to trying new things, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Remember, alternative makeup is about embracing individuality and expressing yourself authentically.
What are some popular alternative makeup looks?
Some popular alternative makeup looks include grunge glam, gothic, punk-inspired, neon brights, and graphic liners.
These looks often incorporate bold, vibrant colours, unique eyeliner shapes, and experimental techniques.
However, the beauty of alternative makeup is that it allows for limitless creativity, so feel free to create your unique style.
Are there any tips when doing alternative makeup looks?
To pull off alternative makeup looks, confidence is key. Embrace your individuality, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone.
Experiment with different products, colors, and techniques to find what works best for you.
Also, remember to have fun and enjoy the process of creating your unique look. Practice and experimentation will help refine your skills and find your style within the alternative makeup realm.
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