Makeup is highly visible self-expression. Makeup is democratizing, makeup is a method of community-building, and makeup is so much fun. In the 2010s, we've seen a resurgence of brightly-colored makeup, and the beauty world is taking note. The neon makeup, colored eyeliner, and makeup looks on HBO's Euphoria have taken beauty trends to a beautiful new level, and makeup enthusiasts all over Instagram are pushing boundaries. These under-the-radar beauty Instagrammers play with makeup in creative, unconventional ways. We've rounded up some of our favorite trendsetters, who use makeup like the Impressionists used paint — with freedom in abstraction. Smash that follow button for experimental beauty in your feed.
Makeup artist Linda Hallberg, @lindahallberg.
Linda Hallberg is a Swedish makeup artist and owns her eponymous makeup, Linda Hallberg Cosmetics. On her Instagram, she manages to combine intense, deliberate lines with dreamy colors and seriously on-point contouring. We challenge you not to buy all of her makeup after scrolling through her feed!
Brittny @brittnymakeup.
This German Instagrammer is so talented, it's impossible not to get excited every time she pops up in your feed. Brittny's use of dimensional makeup accessories, like giant white eyelashes, fake pearls, and yarn (!) will have you inspired. Plus, she helpfully provides tutorials on Instagram on her YouTube account, and lists each product she uses in an easy-to-read format.
Salwa Rahman, @urgalsal_.
Salwa Rahman, who is based in the UK, creates stunning, Impressionist-style makeup looks. The way she blends bright colors is impeccable, and she told Into the Gloss that her secret to getting that painterly eye shadow look is to use watercolor brushes. Excuse us while we make a trip to Michael's, stat.
Sophie, @oatmilkmakeup.
Sophie, who is also from the UK, has perfected grungy glamour. It's the Instagram account we all wish we would have found during our goth high school days. Sophie's red eye makeup gives us serious My Chemical Romance vibes.
Fashion designer Gogo Graham.
Brooklyn-based Gogo Graham will turn your timeline into a ~cool girl~ hotspot. Graham doesn't just share her experimental clothing line, she shares her makeup looks on herself and her models. She brilliantly uses makeup to change her appearances from glam, casual "sexy", and full-on visionary, with her signature straight eyebrows.
Natasha, njlooks.
Natasha, who lives in Wales, uses bright, neon colors with a lighter hand, but it's no less beautiful. Something about her work feels approachable, especially with her nude lipsticks. It's the kind of makeup that we could take practical inspiration from, if we wanted a little Jules Vaughn in our day.
Ruthie Barone, @ruthiebarone.
Ruthie Barone's Instagram account makes me feel like I never got rejected from art school (chip on my shoulder? NAH). Her makeup artistry looks easy, but we all remember that quote about contemporary art: If you can do it, you would have done it. Barone's eye makeup is especially fascinating, and will have you thinking about beauty in a completely different way.
Monica Joo, @monicahjoo.
Do you get friend crushes on people? Like, you think to yourself, "I want to be their bestie so bad, I want to go to brunch and drink mimosas and talk about our love lives and have a Broad City moment together"? That is exactly how I feel about Monica Joo. Her love of orange liner and coral makeup is just icing on the cake.
Naezrah Amethyst Nicole, naezrahlooks.
Have you wanted to glow like neon street lights? Naezrah Amethyst Nicole uses highlighter and contouring like no one's business. She lives in NYC, and stands out in the sea of no-makeup makeup. I particularly love her full-face fantasy transformations.
Makeup artist Grace Maria Ellington, @gracemariaellington.
Grace Maria Ellington is a London-based makeup artist whose editorial looks are beyond. She's worked with publications like Vogue Italia, Dazed, Elle South Africa, and Tank Magazine. Her makeup work is refined, while taking inspiration from youth culture and 80s colors.
Eva, @deathlessvogue.
In addition to having one of the best usernames on Instagram, Spain-based Eva's style is as sparkly as a disco ball. She uses lightly blurred images to make her photos feel like a night at Studio 54, or a dreamland of glitter — which are basically the same thing.
Tahmina May, @maytahmi.
Tahmina May lives in the UK, and her bold, graphic style will have you expanding your collection of colored eyeliner. The work she does with detailing brushes and eyeliner tips is incredible, as is her use of primary colors on her cheeks.
