Indie Sleaze Is *Still* Going Strong—10 Foundational Makeup Products You'll Need
If there's one thing the past few years has brought to our attention, it's that maximalism is making a major comeback—especially when it comes to makeup. And, one of its most popular expressions comes in the form of indie sleaze, a revival of the early 2010s. Marked by smoky dark eye shadow and glitter, it's a bold and gritty aesthetic that's unpolished but still looks incredibly good despite not being as "put together." As we shy away from the norm and go more against the grain, us (and the experts) think that this trend is here to stay.
"It's about the person who lives to live and focuses on where they're going and not so much on how perfect they're looking," says Jo Baker, celebrity makeup artist. "Smudged, sooty, slightly messy but still cleanish. This person does not care about their brows being perfectly arched—their skin is simple clean and semi-matte, with little to no blush present and the focus is all on the eyes."
For celebrity makeup artist Grace Pae, recent movies like Saltburn have revived the trend, though it's existed in some form since the '70s and '80s. "This look is all about the smudge. Rather than using makeup brushes or sponges, using your hands and fingers will give you more of that 'lived in' look," she explains.
Even though "indie sleaze" in terms of makeup and fashion has had a recent resurgence in mainstream media, it's not novel or revolutionary by any means. "I remember being obsessed with it when I was growing up in the 2000’s going into the 2010’s," says professional makeup artist Carol Park who looks to icons like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung in the late 2000's for inspiration.
If you're looking to experiment with the indie sleaze aesthetic, we're here to help. Below, we've compiled the ultimate list of 10 foundational makeup products you'll need. Keep reading to learn more!
Grace Pae's best indie sleaze tip? Apply black eyeliner along your bottom waterline and then tightly squeeze your eyes shut, while gently rubbing your eyes with your fingers. "This will give you that undone 'I partied all night' look," she explains. For Park, Milani's Kajal Eyeliner in Black works because of its creamy, easy-to-manipulate formula.
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