As we've seen from , it-girlies are moving away from beauty, and are instead embracing , sensuality, and “dark feminine energy." Dark feminine energy (DFE) is, of course, more of a mindset. But according to users on Pinterest, whose found that “dark feminine core” queries are rising ahead of spring and summer, the aesthetic consists of garments like elegant corset dresses and leather pants while corresponding glam features and smokey brown eyeshadow. Translation? It's essentially an elevated take on grunge, and vibes with a sexy, sensual, and elegant edge, and it's Pinterest. “Dark feminine makeup focuses on creating a sultry, sexy, confident, and mysterious look” , professional makeup artist and Pro team member, tells , pointing to supermodel Gabbriette as a prime example. "It includes black and cool neutral tones, , contoured features, and bold lips to achieve this look." There's also the original dark feminine energy pioneer, adds founder and CEO of Makeup By Flynn: . This certainly lends credence to the countless comparisons constantly made between Gabbriette and her DFE predecessor. Gabbriette, 2023
Angelina Jolie, 1998 However Elyse Reneau, executive director of global beauty at believes is largely to thank for the trend. “What I love about it is that it really embraces the ‘the girls who get it, get it’ mindset,” Reneau says. “Makeup is about self-expression and when I look at the dark feminine trend, it’s serving: ‘I don’t care about the male gaze.’ This makeup look is about feeling powerful and redefining societal perceptions of femininity.” That's a key component as to why it's trending now, adds MAC Cosmetics senior makeup artist . “We have seen a rise over the last year in , strawberry, sugar plum fairy and , which all include shades of pink, glowy skin and an element of girlie and
Uber feminine softness,” she explains. ”It seems now that there is a need to showcase the duality of feminine—that there is a light and a darkness to everything." Julia Fox Alexa Demie It also serves as a new and creative way to embrace creativity and discover one's own individuality through makeup, says Pyykkonen. “Dark feminine beauty says, ‘I am powerful, I am who I am, and I am confident,'" she says. “It has become popular on and I think more people are willing to try the new look because it’s something different and stands out, and more people want to stand out.” It also doesn't hurt that so many so many celebrities have started embracing the style. Clark points to Gabbriette, Alexa Demie, Rihanna, Megan Fox, Zoë Kravitz, and as “dark feminine energy icons,” while Pyykkonen similarly cites Halsey and
Beyoncé. As for how to get the look yourself? According to Clark, it requires eyeliner, lots of lash, and a deep lip, which can be matte or glossy. “It can be '90s-esque because it’s sculpted everything, but less grunge more glam,” she says. Megan Fox
Rihanna For a sensual smokey eye, Wulff suggests . “Start by applying a matte eyeshadow in a dark, smoky shade like charcoal, deep brown, or greys to the eyelids. Blend the eyeshadow well for a grungy, lived-in look,” he says, while Reneau is a fan of Too Faced's . You can also opt for , says Clark, who suggests using a neutral eye palette like to sculpt the eye first. “Use cozy grey all over the lid to tint it and add depth using a fluffy brush,” she says. Then, line your inner and upper lid with MAC's , and use brown shadow to smudge out the lash line and give it more intensity. “Apply ample amount of really build up the lash. Let it dry then add another stack.” Halsey Zoë Kravitz As for the complexion? Pyykkonen recommends a contour and sculpting palette like Jason Wu's to contour the face then sculpting your brows with brow gel. For lips, Reneau recommends finding a deep shade that's low-maintenance. “My favorite is ,” she says. "It’s a delicious rich berry that you can tap on your lips for a bold pop of color instead of going the traditional full swipe method. Clark agrees, recommending in the shades and as her go-to dark shades. For a glossy finish, she suggests topping them off with an ample amount of Lana Del Rey Another option—and favorite for plenty DFE icons—is the ‘90s-inspired ombré lip. Recently re-popularized by Del Rey and her makeup artist Etienne Ortega, it's actually easier to DIY than you'd think. First, over-line your lips with lip liner to define the edges. (FWIW, Ortega uses his eponymous brand's ” liner for Del Rey). From there, apply Ortega's neutral-cool to the rest of the lip, defining the edge after lipstick application. Top it off with super shiny and you're ready to go (to the annual coven meeting). Feeling inspired? Start your dark feminine energy now and shop the essentials below. Born This Way Natural Nudes Mini Palette in Cold Smoulder Nudes Nordstrom M·A·C Line & Lash Kit Nordstrom Jason Wu Beauty Sunlight Bronzer Target IT Brushes For ULTA Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set Ulta MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Sin Ulta Etienne Ortega Soft Contour Lip Liner in 'Cinnamon Girl' Ortega Etienna Ortega Agave Glow Color Stick Ortega Etienna Ortega Liquid Icon Hyper Gloss Ortega