Grunge makeup is back, bb, thanks to Hannah Murray, Bobbi Brown’s Global Artistic Director.
She’s just launched the Polished Grunge Collection with the beloved beauty brand. From edgy eye shadows giving way to effortlessly rebellious beauty, Hannah shares with Cosmo ME her tips and tricks to master this look.
For Hannah, the Polished Grunge Collection has been a passion project. “There’s something eternally cool and modern about seeing a celebrity on the red carpet in a couture gown with a bit of kohl smudged around their eyes. It’s edgy and disruptive but with Bobbi Brown’s skin-first approach—it’s rebellious but polished.”
Focus on the eyes
At the heart of the collection is the eyes. “I created brushed, dirty metallic shades that are flattering but still have that grunge edge.” The Long-Wear Cream Shadow & Kohl Liner (Dhs185, sephora.ae) is a dual-ended kohl liner and eye shadow stick. “One end is a creamy, pigmented kohl that finishes matte and stays put all day.”
“On the other end, there’s a long-wear cream shadow stick in new, versatile shades that add texture and shimmer. The kohl is very pigmented and feels silky and creamy. It finishes matte and doesn’t budge.”
“Start by first using the kohl end to line your upper and lower lash lines. Don’t worry about perfection. Grunge is all about that lived-in, slightly messy vibe. Smudge it out with your fingertip or a brush for a softer, smokier effect.”
“On the other end of the stick, you’ve got the long-wear cream shadow. For that signature grunge look, keep the intensity focused on your lash line and create a soft, smoked-out almond shape. You don’t need to take it too high into the crease—just enough to give that sultry, rebellious finish.”
“Opt for shades like Pewter & Black Velvet or Amethyst & Midnight Orchid to add dimension and that ‘dirty metallic’ edge. You can build it up for more drama or keep it light for a subtle shimmer. The creamy texture of the shadow makes this super easy, and once it sets, it stays all day—no touch-ups needed.”
Finish the look
To complement the smudged eyes, Hannah’s added some skin-illuminating essentials to the collection. “Our Cream Glow Highlighter (Dhs180, sephora.ae) works on every skin tone. It’s a transparent pearl that freshens the skin instantly. Just swipe it on your cheekbones or shoulders for a gorgeous, polished glow that’s not sticky.”
Lastly, no grunge look is complete without a natural flush. “We’ve also created the Lip & Cheek Oil (Dhs145, sephora.ae) in three shades that suit all skin tones. The colours mimic the natural flush of blood to the surface of the skin, so they’re perfect for that effortless, just-pinched look. After applying the oil to your lips, press your lips together and blot them with your finger. Tap the excess onto your cheeks, and you’re good to go.”
For our GCC girlies, Hannah recommends that for “the focus to go straight to the eye, skip the foundation, cover up with only concealer, go softer on the brows. The rawness is what makes the grunge look so powerful and beautiful. It’s a feeling and a toughness to the makeup. It’s an attitude more than anything.”
With Hannah’s tips and Bobbi Brown’s Polished Grunge collection, the grunge aesthetic is back and better than ever. Shop the collection here.