Unconventional Makeup: The Beauty of the Stereotypically Ugly

Written & Shot By Alexis Loftis

Makeup By Alex Wiley, Nakaja Weaver, & Alexis Loftis

Modeled By Lilly Templeton, JD Downing, Nakaja Weaver, Claire Nemec, & Alexis Loftis

Get out of here clean girl aesthetic! It is time to make room for the unconventional. I am talking colored mascara, geometric eyeliner, asymmetric haircuts, and thin eyebrows. “Ugly” is starting to become the new pretty. Gen-Z is completely redefining the idea of beauty- we see makeup being used more freely instead of adhering to traditional styles. Makeup has traditionally been attached to the idea of femininity. The idea of being pretty and looking pretty for men is ingrained in the minds of many women. But it is also contradicted by the fear of wearing too much makeup and appearing “fake.” Now, we are further straying away from this concept and starting to embrace makeup for what it is—art. 

The goal of unconventional makeup is not to be “pretty,” it is to make a statement. Take Pat McGrath’s recent “glass skin” makeup, seen in the Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2024 show, for example. It featured a look reminiscent of a porcelain doll, with models donning a white base, fun, bright eyeshadow, thin eyebrows, and glossy skin. This show took the Internet by storm, with many people trying to imitate the look online. People are recognizing now that makeup is not all black and white—it can be something you can have fun with!

 Another fun element that makeup brings to the table is the endless path of experimenting without taking class, gender, race, or sexuality into consideration. For instance, numerous subcultures have been known to blur the lines of conventional makeup for decades- namely punk, drag, goth, and many more! Makeup is easily accessible and becoming more affordable. It is easier than ever to create interesting and amazing makeup looks without having to spend a ton of money. For those who want to test the waters in the world of unconventional makeup, try a bold, funky lipstick color or a cool graphic eyeliner look!

Whether it is unorthodox or out of the ordinary, anyone can achieve it and anyone can rock it!