The punk aesthetic is subversive, bold and playful, breaking the rules and breaking away from convention. It’s more about expressing your attitude than looking perfect, but you can do both by trying some of these colorful and daring punk makeup looks.
Ahead, unexpected color combinations, thick eyeliner and a DIY vibe.
1. Thick Punk Eyeliner
In the late ’70s, thick, heavy black eyeliner was a punk makeup essential for both men and women. Often drawn in an exaggerated cat-eye shape, its distinctive flick still feels punk, even when updated for a modern style.
2. Punk Face Stamps
Punks started the trend of using graphics as part of their makeup, from slogans written in sharpie to edgy but cute symbols. This evolved into various looks, but tiny stars, hearts and other symbols are especially popular right now.
3. Mondrian-Inspired Makeup
The iconic image of punk legend Jordan, aka Pamela Rooke, wearing her Mondrian-inspired makeup, is unforgettable. As a model who worked with Vivienne Westwood, she was one of the people instrumental in shaping the famous London punk look.
4. Wing Liner And Black Lip
A sharp winged eyeliner paired with a black lip is a simple and wearable punk makeup look that’s easy to recreate. It’s perfect for when you want something edgy that won’t stand out too much.
5. Thick Punk Eyeliner
A softly smoked-out punk cat eyeliner looks modern when paired with a natural brow and a dark nude lip.
6. Modern Punk Makeup
The punk aesthetic is about refusing to be perfectly polished and obey the rules. Fashion and makeup were DIY projects, with permanent markers often used as eyeliner and nail polish. This look is pays homage to classic punk, but brings it into modern times.
7. Graphic Liner And Smudged Lip
Precise graphic liner and a contrasting smudged lip are both punk makeup staples. Keep the rest of the face simple for an authentic punk vibe.
8. Underliner Makeup Look
Underliner, where eyeliner is applied to the bottom outer corner of the eye to create an upside-down wing, is at the same time bold and minimalist. It captures the “I-don’t-care” punk attitude but looks sharp and daring.
9. Colorful Punk Makeup
This new wave punk makeup features drawn-on blue skinny brow, made possible by gluing down natural eyebrows. This method is also useful when you want to try out a different brow shape without plucking or shaving.
10. Neon Eyeshadow Look
Here’s a fun everyday punk makeup look: it’s understated and simple, but the sharp, sculpted brow and the colors of the eye makeup give it an edge.
11. Blue Graphic Eyeliner
You love the shapes of punk makeup styles, but not so keen on the messy application? This polished modern-day interpretation of the common punk makeup look, graphic liner and black lip, might be what you’re looking for.
12. Classic Punk Makeup
The classic punk makeup look: wing or smokey eye and red lip with pointed cupid’s bow. Foundation optional, and if you use it, go lighter than your skin tone—and don’t even think about contour and blush.
13. ’80s Punk Makeup
The club scene look of the post-punk 1980s was shaped by performance artists, trendsetters and inventive club-goers, and the make-up looks followed along: intense colors, fantastical shapes and endless creativity.
14. Punk Cat Eye
Soo Catwoman was the official face of punk and a style icon of the time. Famous primarily for her buzzed cat-like hairstyle, her iconic cat eyeliner influenced the style of many who imitated her look.
15. Reverse Red And Blue
Blue eyeshadow paired with a red lip is intense, but common, and what’s more punk than turning things upside down? Intense red eye and bright blue lip will get you noticed for sure.
16. Toned Down Punk Makeup
You have an office job but you’ll always be a punk? Here’s a toned-down punk look suitable for work that doesn’t hide who you are on the inside.
17. Punk Smokey Eye And Red Lip
Smokey eye and red lip is among the most classic makeup looks, but it can be punk, just take it up a notch—or five.
18. Goth Punk Makeup
Leaning more goth than punk, this look is dreary but not drab. Instead of the sharp, colorful lines of the typical punk look, it features more muted shades and blending.
19. Red Punk Makeup
Bold graphic eyeliner and matte lip in the same shade—you’ve seen this punk makeup look already, but in black. This red variant is innovative and striking, and the dot below the eye completes the look.
20. Glam Punk Makeup
Skinny brows, blue eyeshadow and frosted lip bring a bit of glam to this look, but the heavy-handed application ensures punk rock is still the primary aesthetic.