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Maximalism makeup: the art of daring

The antagonist of the clean girl aesthetic its here

Maximalism makeup: the art of daring The antagonist of the clean girl aesthetic its here

Recently, the world of makeup has been experiencing a real revolution: after years of minimalist and natural looks, maximalism makeup has made a strong comeback. But what exactly is "maximalism" in makeup? It’s a concept that invites you to experiment, dare, and mix bold colors and different styles, with the goal of creating a look that fully expresses your personality. In practice, more is better!

What is maximalism makeup?

Maximalism make-up is the opposite of minimalism. While clean girl make-up focuses on radiant skin and neutral tones, maximalism celebrates excess. Every element of the make-up can be accentuated: eyes, lips, skin. The idea is to combine vibrant colors, different textures, and creative details to create an effect that grabs attention and is truly unique. It’s the make-up for those who enjoy having fun with cosmetics and aren’t afraid to be noticed. One of the key features of maximalism makeup is the use of bold and contrasting colors. Bright shades are at the heart of this style: metallic eyeshadows, colored eyeliners, and highlighters that make the face glow. Besides the colors, experimentation is key in maximalism makeup. You can have fun with glitter, sequins, rhinestones, or add quirky details, like eyeliner drawings. Anything that makes the make-up stand out and adds an original touch is welcome!

The strong influence of the 80s beauty trends

The inspirations behind maximalism makeup have deep roots in past eras and cultural movements that celebrated excess, creative freedom, and individual expression. A key example of this trend is the 1980s, a decade that saw an explosion of color and boldness in make-up, where the "more is better" concept gained strong momentum. In those years, makeup ceased to be just an aesthetic tool and became a form of artistic expression, perfectly in tune with the cultural and social changes of the time. One of the most significant features of 1980s maximalist makeup was the intention to challenge conventions and embrace an exaggerated aesthetic that reflected the era of great change. Pop music icons like Madonna and David Bowie played a fundamental role in the evolution of makeup. Madonna, in particular, used makeup as one of her main tools to define her style and identity. Similarly, David Bowie used makeup not only as a form of beautification but as a means to transform and reinvent himself. Bowie pushed the boundaries of traditional beauty, blending punk and glam rock influences, using metallic eyeshadows, bold lips, and a more theatrical, surreal approach to makeup. His style contributed to making makeup a form of fluid identity and non-conformity, in line with his philosophy of blending genres and styles.

Influencers to follow: Ali Sharf

Today, there are many makeup artists and beauty influencers who embrace the concept of maximalism. At the forefront is Ali Sharf, makeup artist for Chappell Roan, who became known for her innovative approach to makeup. Her experience and passion for the art of make-up allow her to create unique looks that enhance the personal aesthetics of each client.

Linsmakeuplooks

@linsmakeuplooks i hope i didnt bring too much shame to ur name @Crocs

Linsmakeuplooks is a makeup artist and influencer who has taken social media by storm with her extraordinary and creative looks. With a unique ability to play with bold colors and intricate graphics, Lins has become a reference point for those who love artistic and experimental makeup, creating looks inspired by the most bizarre things, such as her yellow crocs-shaped earrings.

Aoife Cullen

Aoife Cullen is a makeup artist we’ve mentioned before, but she deserves to be mentioned again for the looks she creates today. Aoife draws inspiration from everything around her: nature, vintage aesthetics, and retro furniture.

Rowi Singh

@rowisingh

Man repellent makeup Part 3 ‍ the spiky brow ‍

Denise Moreno for Theatre Lab Company -

Rowi Singh is a Sydney-based content creator who uses makeup and style as means of self-expression. She describes her work as a "visual portfolio" that reflects her life experiences as an Australian woman of Indian heritage, blending color, culture, and innovative concepts. With a unique and creative approach, Rowi explores makeup as an art form, celebrating her identity and cultural roots in every look she creates.

Garance Murru

@garancemurru

original sound - Kathleen

Garancemurru is a makeup artist from Marseille, known for recreating Ohaguro on TikTok. She uses make-up "as if it were painting and her face as a canvas." She creates bold looks with few steps, making maximalist make-up surprisingly simple.

Philosofay

@philosofay blue jewellery details: @Vivienne Westwood orb earrings chainmail necklace by @/swanspider earrings, necklaces, and rings by @Lesser Of 2 Evils other rings by @Gthic.jewelry makeup details: brushes by @modabrush — ‘bmx-418 (micro blender)’ ‘bmd160-1/8 (angular)’ ‘bmd155-4 (short shader)’ code “philosofay” to receive 10% off @realtechniques — miracle complexion sponge @nyxcosmetics_uk — ‘plump right back’ primer ‘can’t stop won’t stop’ foundation shade 1.3 ‘can’t stop won’t stop’ concealer shade fair ‘epic wear’ black eyeliner pencil (for beauty marks) ‘fat oil’ in ‘my main’ @Kaleidos Makeup — ‘the escape pod’ eyeshadow palette symphony contour trio shade ‘fair’ mono blush ‘dream walk’ @rudecosmetics — ‘disco dance floor’ pro fx palette code PHILOSOFAY for 15% off @MaybellineUK — ‘sky high’ mascara in ‘blue mist’ @bareMinerals — illuminating mineral veil hair details: @Lunar Tides — 3/4 ‘cranbaby’ 1/4 ‘ blood moon’ (code “philosofay15” for 15% off link in bio) @Umberto Giannini — curl jelly (my holy grail!!) curl foam + curl refresh spray . . . . . . #avantgardemakeup #editorialmakeup #bluemascara #greeneyes #makeuptok #beautytok #makeuptutorial #hoodedeyes Blue - MARINA

Philosofay is a beauty creator who has captured social media attention with her unique approach to makeup, blending the concept of maximalism with a distinctive, gothic and dark style. Her passion for makeup is expressed through visually powerful creations, where the use of intense colors, dark tones, and strong contrasts dominate each look.