Subtle Queer-Coded Makeup Looks To Take Back-To-School

Our favorite queer-inspired back-to-school beauty looks.

back to school makeup
Photo Artwork: Joy Adaeze

For all the queer folks heading back to school this upcoming month, we wanted to share some makeup styles you can wear to embrace your sexuality or just look cute. 

[SEE ALSO: The Best Head-To-Toe Looks To Get You Back-To-School Ready]

We’re all about emphasizing your glam with subtle innuendos—and sometimes not so subtle—so that you’ll look and feel your best in class. Keep reading and take your pick on a fun style that suits you best.

Dopamine Glam

One of the internet’s more recent makeup trends, this style is the complete opposite of the “clean girl” aesthetic. Dopamine makeup is anything that’s colorful and bright that makes you happy, hence the dopamine name. 

Think makeup nostalgia from years past, electric liner, and glitter, lots and lots of glitter. Dopamine can pretty much be anything you want it to be. If you want to bring some excitement to your long lectures and busy school days, try this style out! 

Colorful Lashes

Colorful lashes will surely make you a few friends in class as they’re so effortless and beautiful. Whether you go with a nice purple or a pastel pink, this is a subtle way to jazz up your face makeup in the new year. 

Metallic Accents

@bexcxmpbell

What’s your favourite? I love sliverrrr #waterliner #makeuptip

♬ Rules x Do You – Hunny Bee 😈

This year is your time to shine thanks to metallic accents. This style can get as simple or complex as you want it to be. From a little color of pop in the corner of the eye to metallic shades on your waterline, you can style this in various ways, making it perfect for going from a night class to dinner right after. 

The Everyday Masc 

@diyadabash

Feeling very dysphoric so I’d thought I’d share this 🙂 happy New Years #foryou #lgbtq #trans

♬ DlCK by starboi x doja cat – Ben Chatonda 🍉

For those interested in playing around with their gender expression, the everyday masc makeup look is for you. Enhance your cheekbones to experiment with your androgynous side, or add a soft wing to add fluidity to your look. We promise this one will get your crush’s attention. 

Soft Goth 

@aryaaink

Luv a black liner 🖤 gothicmakeup makeup grwm altmakeup gothmakeup alttiktok makeupartist goth fyp foryoupage

♬ MX – Deftones

Soft Goth is a fun, edgy look juxtaposing dark and mysterious elements with soft and ethereal touches. Embracing dark lip shades, smoky eyes, and pretty skin, people in the hallways will be turning heads when you come walking.

We can’t get enough of the looks above! What’s your fave?