We’ve all been screwed over at one point or another. Maybe it was your best friend or a partner you thought you would spend the rest of your life with – it’s a part of life.
And while you can take the Beyonce way and dance to the baseball bat-bearing beats of a Lemonade album, travel through the petty lane like Lana Del Ray and place a billboard advertising your album in your ex’s hometown or throw a nuance to the wind like Shakira with her ex Gerard Pique, sometimes all you need is to rock a killer makeup look and send your ex-partner wincing with regret.
That’s what the revenge makeup trend is all about. It’s about taking back your power and looking sexy while doing it.
The Trend
@kamgregory showing up to their door fully beat>>? what do we think? #makeuptutorial #grwm #revengemakeup #darkfeminine ♬ kill bill by sza – lyrics e traduções.
@reallyvivian what’s it giving? I don’t even like this but it took me forever to make so I’m posting it #fyp #revengemakeup ♬ Escapism. – Super Sped Up – RAYE
@cristalthea.kenneth Continuing this challenge that I just abandoned last year in November? #abcmakeupchallange #makeuptutorial #revengemakeup ♬ Side to Side (Remix) – Leasis
When Sophie Anne Smith, a popular TikTok content creator and digital marketing consultant, got dumped by her ex, she didn’t get mad – she got even. Even in the form of fierce, femme fatale glam or what most TikTokers have termed the #RevengeMakeup primp.
And while it’s a terrific way for millennials and Gen-Zs to make their exes do a double take while scrolling, the move isn’t entirely new. It’s inspired by that deep desire to look your best when you know your ex is always watching, a la Princess Diana in her infamous revenge dress moment.
As a refresher: In the summer of 1994, Princess Diana stepped out in a short, curves-enhancing, off-the-shoulder LBD by Christina Stambolian to get even with her estranged husband Prince Charles (now King). He had just admitted to cheating on her with Camilla Parker Bowles on National TV. The dress became iconic and symbolized the ultimate clap back, the coolest yet subtle way to swipe at an ex.
So, if you’ve been searching for a cool way to cope with heartache or show your exes what they’ve been missing, get your camera ready, grab these makeup essentials, and create one of the most jaw-dropping looks of the century!
Revenge Makeup Essentials
Revenge makeup is all about getting heartbreak therapy by having fun with your makeup. And if you really want to make your ex stumped, here’s every product you need in your revenge beauty arsenal:
NYX Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation, $10
We don’t know what type of sorcery when into this product, but we can say that it lives up to its “just coz it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s less effective” mantra. It has buildable medium coverage that offers you a 24-hour-long radiance, an easy-to-blend formula that creates an even-toned finish, and skin-loving elements that work hard to boost hydration.
It’s everything girlies with a revenge mission need in their ex-obliteration bag.
Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer, $31
If you haven’t seen this gem floating on IG reels, then where have you been? The ultra-lightweight formula soaks into your skin like a dream, its medium coverage base minimizes the appearance of dark circles and hyperpigmentation, and the mango butter moisturizes and conditions the skin for an all-natural finish.
Think sultry, glazed-donut look.
Ulta Beauty Collection Too Cheeky Lip & Cheek Color Stick, $12
Want a multi-tasking beauty steal? Try this Ulta Beauty Too Cheeky Lip & Cheek Color Stick. Its buildable, creamy formula gives you that lit-from-within, sultry, monochromatic finish.
And don’t you worry about it wreaking havoc on your oily skin. Too Cheeky Lip & Cheek Color Stick uses a high-standard cream – you glow but without the extra shimmer or glitter.
Mac Cosmetics Matte Eyeshadow in Carbon, $21
Looking to achieve a Doja Cat-like rock and roll eye look? Get yourself this Mac Matte Eyeshadow in Carbon. It comes in a rich, saturated color without shine in an even, easy-to-blend, and 24-hour-lasting formula.
Add some dark crystals like Joy and make your ex-fiancé and his new beau green with envy.
Petite n Pretty Fully Feathered Volumizing Mascara, $16
If fluttery lashes are on your revenge-to-the-ex list, give this volumizing mascara a go. The formula uses melitane-peptides to offer long-lasting, blackest-black pigment and a custom petite-sized jellifyer that lays it on thick and separates lashes for a fabulous, sexy full-feathered fringe.
It also features a waterproof finish – so if you’re looking for more staying power during summer, this mascara is your best bet.
Eylure ProMagnetic 10 Magnet Luxe Silk Marquise Lash Kit, No. 10, $16
Crazy about winged-eye looks? Amp up yours with these promagnetic lashes. They not only add a little oomph on the outer corners of your peepers without the feel of heavy lashes but also don’t irritate your eyes after 12 hours of wear.
Rock them to the Renaissance concert or any Lizzo concert. You won’t regret it!
Mac Cosmetics Matte Lipstick Antique Velvet, $20
We’ll never understand how a lippie that feels like butter on your lips can still offer you such a sexy matte finish. And this Antique Velvet shade, as worn by Ms. Joy, makes your enemies squirm with fear and ruin your exes’ lives.
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray, $16
Trying to get your glow on? Spritz on this setting spray. It keeps your foundation from sliding down your face and acts as a quick pick-me-up for your skin.
And just like that, you’re ready to make your ex regret his move with the snap of a sexy but vengeful selfie. ?
