Minimalism Is on Its Way Out, But Revenge Makeup Is Here to Stay
I'll fully admit that I've never been able to easily execute a full glam makeup look. As simple as makeup artists (and random everyday people, for that matter) on TikTok make it seem, I always find that my own version of a look comes out, well, not so *glam.* I usually stick to a more minimal, toned-down look that complements my features, but there's a new trend sweeping TikTok that made me sit up and pay attention.
Revenge makeup is all about making a statement without doing a full beat. This I can get on board with because it errs on the side of natural but still adds a bold touch or two to the look that doesn't require next-level skill or too much extra time. It also aims to make you feel confident, and if you just happen to run into an ex, you'll be fully prepared. I tapped celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney to give me some tips on how to create a look like this. Take a look below at what her idea of revenge makeup is plus a few products she loves for executing the look.
Henney says, "Revenge is all about looking hot and playing up your best features! By using small makeup techniques, e.g., [a] small smoked-out flick of liner on the eyes, the look can be a statement without being too much." It's those little touches like a small cat eye that really take it to the next level. Take a peek at Henney's recommended products for a vampy (borderline villainous) revenge makeup look.
"I love MAC Cosmetics Carbon eye shadow to smoke out a black liner. This product is super pigmented and easy to blend and will create the sexiest eye look."
"[I also love using] Tom Ford's Shade and Illuminate [Duo] to accentuate the cheek bones. I love how easily this applies and blends, using the Trademark Beauty Contour Brush for flawless contouring application."
"[Use the] Dior Lip Maximizer for juicy, kissable lips. This formula is a winner for a revenge makeup look."
More of the Best Products for Revenge Makeup
I follow TikTok user Nicole Elliott's tutorial whenever I want to wear this out and use my Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Palette ($68) along with Patrick Ta's new Major Headlines Blush Duo ($36). The Ethereal Eyes palette contains the perfect neutral shades to shape and elongate the eye, preparing the lids for a slick and downright vengeful cat eye. Elliott also recommends a few other key products for this look that help create a flawless, glass skin look.
Using the neutral shades in this palette, you can lift the eye and create more of a subtle halo around it with the darker shades. It'll exaggerate your features without being too over the top.
This new Patrick Ta blush is so good. You can use Ta's own method of starting with the powder formula and topping with the cream in this duo to really add extra warmth. Elliott dabs her blush around the temple and cheek bone area, which I love doing too.
For a base, Elliott opts for Ilia's cult-loved serum foundation to create a flawless skin look.
Her concealer of choice is another fan favorite from Kosas. This concealer is creamy and blends so well. It's perfect for concealing any blemishes or brightening the under-eye area.
She even uses the Merit Minimalist Stick to touch up a few areas and create a seamless finish.
To contour, try Westman Atelier's stick for a silky finish. You can also use this as a bronzer on the cheekbones for an exaggerated lift.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.