Summer may be fading, but don’t think for a second that Brat season will be fleeting along with it. While pop culture has always oozed into top fashion and beauty trends, Charli XCX’s “Brat” aesthetic is one for the books. The album, which was first teased in the early months of winter, perfectly captures the ultimate summertime vibe—hazy nights out followed by sweaty commutes on the train home—you get the picture.
But it’s more than just a musical mood. The Brat aesthetic celebrates imperfection, fearlessness and an overall carefree attitude. More impressively, it does so with a single and slightly unnerving hue: neon green. The shade has taken over and completely spilled into any and every lane of the beauty industry, including Brat nails and makeup. Slime colors don’t exactly fit the standard color palette when it comes to creating a glam look. However, that is precisely the point. Ahead, we break down the Brat makeup trend with experts and show you how to embrace the pop singer’s wave with a Brat-inspired look.
Featured experts
- Jeanine Lobell is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist
What is Brat Makeup?
It’s hard to ignore the upbeat and dancey tracks “Brat” serves up. The sound feels eerily reminiscent of the early 2000s but has more edge thanks to electric beats and lyrics laced with staccato inflections. Coincidentally, the makeup looks embody that same energy. “The Brat makeup trend is a total throwback to the early 2000s, channeling that glam, cool-girl vibe—think dramatic eyes, super-defined brows, plumped lips and a splash of playful color,” says celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen, Jeanine Lobell.
Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray mentions that the Brat trend circulating on TikTok and Instagram features two distinct looks. “One is emulating Charli XCX’s makeup style, which is a lifted, smudgy winged liner, or a makeup look that includes the iconic lime green color in some way, either on the eyes, lips or another accent,” she says.
How to Get the Look
The first step is narrowing down exactly which Brat mood you want to convey. “If you’re going for a look similar to Charli’s, you need a good brown eyeliner that’s easy to blend,” says Gray. She recommends Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner ($32) in the shade cocoa for lining the eyes and smudging along the rims. Grunge looks are all about the smokey eye, but for a modern approach, she says that rich chocolates like those found in Catrice’s Safari Fever Eyeshadow Palette ($10) are a better option than traditional grays and blacks.
To sport the trend’s signature lime green shade, the experts advise picking one area to add a bold pop of color. “You don’t want to go too wild. Instead, pick one thing, like a bright green shadow or a plumped-up glossy lip,” says Lobell. Gray adds that you can even try a liquid eyeliner in the exact color to give your look an extra edge. Ready to step into your Brat era? Shop the expert’s top product picks below.
The Top Brat Makeup Products
