It’s no secret that the way you wear your makeup influences how people interact with you, and vice versa. Many of the trends we’ve seen so far this year fall straight into the “soft girl” aesthetic, like “tomato girl” and “sugar plum fairy” makeup, but the latest look taking over TikTok is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. While summer had us embracing natural, subdued looks, winter is all about something much more authoritative: “man-eater” makeup.
The hashtag #maneatermakeup has 1.7 million views on TikTok and counting, and thousands of users have been trying it out and putting their own spin on the trend. People often call the look “fierce” and “unapproachable,” but everyone agrees: it looks damn good. It’s become the go-to for badass b*tches who want to put their best face forward, while at the same time look intimidating AF.
If you’re interested in learning more about the trend, we chatted with two makeup experts who break down everything to know about man-eater makeup, including what it is and how you can achieve the look at home.
What Is “Man-Eater” Makeup?
@mmaddietaylorr I swear this makeup looks like how this song sounds #nightoutmakeup #cateye
“One of the latest trends to take over TikTok, man-eater makeup is all about embracing your inner femme fatale,” Sam Kyle, creative development, design, and makeup artist at
“Man-eater makeup is a simple but powerful look perfect for date nights or a night out,” Naseeha Khan, makeup artist and cofounder of
The good news is that this look works for everyone. “The overwhelming popularity of this makeup look is due largely to its intent to evoke self-confidence and empowerment,” Kyle says. “This look champions unique style and experimentation with makeup no matter your skin tone, eye color, or face shape.”
How to do Man-Eater Makeup
Ready to take the trend for a spin? Here’s how to get the look at home. First, start with your normal skin-care routine, taking extra care to moisturize and apply a primer that will help make your base makeup last. Our current favorite is the
This look does require some contouring, so grab your favorite palette; ours is the
The crux of this makeup look is the winged eyes, so you’ll want to pay special attention to getting them just right. Khan recommends starting with an eye primer to ensure the look lasts. Then, “take a fluffy brush and a medium brown shadow like the
Once you’ve got your buffed-out smoky eye, create a dramatic look using a black liquid liner pen. “Create a winged line on the top lash line, then extend the line into the inner corner of the eyes and create a smaller wing in the tear duct,” Kyle says. If you want to go for an extra wow factor, Kyle suggests using a creamy liner pencil (we love the
To finish up the eyes, use a volumizing mascara. “To bring all the drama, consider cutting a pair of false lashes in half and applying the longer piece of the lashes to the outer half of the eyes to create a sultry fox eye effect,” Kyle says. Then, use a clear brow gel to shape your brows before filling in any sparse areas with a brow pencil.
As for the lips, use a bold lip liner to define the lips, then fill them in with a lipstick to create the illusion of fuller, plump lips. Then, coat them in a glossy lip gloss like the
