Post-Covid beauty trends were anchored in neutrality. Clean skin, slick buns, and barely-there makeup dominated our feeds—which, looking back, felt a lot like much-needed self-preservation. 

Lately, though, we’ve noticed a shift. Creators are rejecting restraint and bringing bold eyeliner, rhinestones, glitter, and animal prints (and, dare we say, a whole lot of personality) back into their beauty routines. Here are four of our favorite creators doing just that.

Mei Pang

From flowers to cardboard boxes, Mei Pang proves that inspiration for makeup can come from literally anywhere. Known online as Meicrosoft, Mei shows how applying liners, layers, and lipstick are her favorite outlet for creativity, no rules required.

 What we love most? Her content is all about how girlhood fosters our love for beauty. We see this in her open, engaging relationship with her followers, regularly inviting them to weigh in on ideas, recommendations, and even constructive criticism. An honest and unbothered queen? We got no notes. 

Sophia Sinot

“Pop star glam” is having a moment, at least according to Zara Larsson’s makeup artist, Sophia Sinot. Think gloss, glitter, and perfectly placed jewels that don’t take themselves too seriously.
In a recent Bustle interview, Sinot shared that the main goal for the tour was to keep everything playful. And honestly, that’s exactly why people, including us, are connecting with her looks right now. At the end of the day, it’s just makeup, but when it’s fun, it shows.

Michelle Abundiz

Makeup artist and content creator @thirrrsst leaves little to be desired with her bold color combos and unexpected eyeshadow placements. In a recent collaboration with On The Edge Organization, she shared how symmetry, color stories, and slowing down to appreciate nature influence her approach to makeup. She even has a TikTok playlist of looks inspired by bugs and flowers. (We know, we’re obsessed too.) Consider this our official sign to go touch grass.

Dee

Last but certainly not least, Dee has created some unforgettable looks on Doechii, Chappell Roan, Rico Nasty, and more. Scrolling through her work feels like permission to color outside the lines.

In a recent interview with Submission Beauty, Dee talks about finding inspiration in the most unexpected places (a theme with this group), even in something as simple as a pile of fabric. Like the artists above, she reminds us that creativity is a muscle, and makeup is one of the most fun ways to keep it moving.