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Flex Mami a pretty incredible amalgamation of the Instagram zeitgeist. She’s young, a multi-hyphenate (DJ, TV host, podcast host, author, card game entrepreneur), authentic, and therefore has a pretty strong following who love to double-tap on her whip-smart musings about the society we live in. Her whole game is being real and being optimistic, starting informed conversations about otherwise taboo topics like sex, relationships (both good and bad ones), self image, inclusivity, and social media. Her makeup skills are also A+, and she’ll often take on her creative pursuits decked out in purple shadow, neon liner, bright blush, or all of the above.
For Flex, the Instagram Explore feed is the perfect melange of beauty inspiration. It’s purely visual and offers up an endless stream of images she can save, screenshot, and reference – not to mention unearth underground products that are perfect for the job. It serves as both a start point for dipping into trends she wouldn’t have otherwise tried, and working through looks in real time. While the colour combinations are infinite, Flex favours an emboldened approach in the form of a 90s over-lined lip, and a sunset eye in vivid shades of orange and purple. Want to emulate a similar vibe? Follow Flex and makeup artist Max May as they take over GRAZIA’s Madeup By Explore series, using the grid to guide their beauty direction.
90s Nude (Just Like Naomi)
For look one, it’s all about deep nude tones that dip into the nostalgia of the supermodel era – think iconic makeup moments from Naomi, Cindy, and Linda. 90s makeup has had a huge resurgence thanks to Instagram’s love of a #throwback, and our obsession with shades of beige, taupe, mauve, and chocolate. Flex has zeroed in on 16-year-old makeup artist @Charlotteroberts to spark a little creativity in the form of liner that’s too dark, lips that are sheeny and a #contour that would make #kimkardashianwest weak at the knees. And then we have Em Rata, kitted out with an inflated matte pout and sculpted eyes. The work of make-up artist @hungvanngo, it’s all about making features larger than life. The trick with 90s makeup is to make it your own with complimentary shades and playing to your best features. Flex has made good use of her pout, working with Max to go heavy on the liner, and heavier on the gloss in the centre. Loose yourself in a makeup vortex by diving head-first into tags like #90smakeup, #90sfashion, #nudelip, #brownlips, and #90smodels.
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SHOP THE LOOK
Nude By Nature Defining Lip Liner in Rose, $17. SHOP NOW
Eve Lom Kiss Mix Lip Balm in cheeky, $35. SHOP NOW
Sunset Eyes
A kaleidoscope of deep purples, fuchsias, and vivid oranges come together to craft the rest of the look; a “sunset moment” on the eyes, to quote Flex. The rise of bright, bold makeup looks is conducive to the rise of the ‘gram, giving artists (professional and otherwise) a platform to go crazy with colour. In this case, @muabellaz is creating art with a full face sunset landscape (complete with palm trees). For real life, look to @rachelteetyler who blends fiery shades of orange and yellow to perfection. For Flex, Max used a Colorpop palette to set the bright orange base, and a Kat Von D purple liner pulled out along the lash line. Regardless of your colour palette, the trick is to blend so colours melt seamlessly into one another – just as nature intended. Cut to the chase and scroll though the #sunseteyeshadow tag, or expand your colour wheel with a deep dive into #makeupobsessed, #colorfulmakeup, and #wingedliner.
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SHOP THE LOOK
Colorpop Cosmetics Palette in Orange You Glad, $22. SHOP NOW
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, $40. SHOP NOW
Kat Von D Everlasting Lip LIner, $29. SHOP NOW
