Charli XCX on Club Makeup and the Art of Looking Undone

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-05-20

Have you ever spent an hour on your makeup, only to step outside and feel like it's way too much? Charli XCX gets it. In a recent chat, she opened up about her love for club makeup, the effortless beauty of Monica Bellucci, and why looking a little undone is actually the whole point. ### The Pull of Club Makeup Club makeup isn't about perfection. It's about freedom. Charli describes it as bold, messy, and alive. Think glitter that catches the strobe light, eyeliner that's a little smudged, and a lip that's been kissed off by midnight. It's makeup that moves with you, not makeup that holds you still. - **Glitter and shimmer** are non-negotiable for that dance-floor glow. - **Bold lips** that can handle a drink and a laugh. - **Skin that looks lived-in**, not airbrushed. You're not trying to hide. You're trying to express. And that's a totally different energy.  ### Monica Bellucci's Undone Glamour Then there's Monica Bellucci. Charli name-drops her as a major inspiration, and it's easy to see why. Bellucci's beauty is never stiff. It's relaxed, confident, and completely natural. She doesn't need a full face of makeup to command a room. Her power comes from owning her skin, her features, and her presence. > "The most beautiful women are the ones who look like they just rolled out of bed and decided to conquer the world." That's the undone art Charli is talking about. It's not about looking sloppy. It's about looking like you're not trying too hard. You know the feeling: when your hair is a little messy, your foundation is barely there, and you still feel unstoppable.  ### How to Get the Look Yourself So how do you bring this vibe into your own routine? It's simpler than you think. Start with skin prep. Hydrated, glowy skin is your canvas. Then, pick one feature to emphasize. Maybe it's your eyes with a smudged liner, or your lips with a stain that fades naturally. - Use your fingers, not brushes. It keeps things imperfect. - Set with a mist, not a powder. You want that dew to last. - Let your makeup fade throughout the night. That's part of the look. The goal isn't to look like you just stepped out of a magazine. It's to look like you just stepped off the dance floor, happy and a little wild. ### Why This Matters for Your Beauty Routine For professionals in the beauty world, this is a reminder that trends are shifting. People want authenticity. They want looks that feel personal, not factory-made. Club makeup and undone glamour are about embracing imperfection. That's a powerful message to share with your clients. When you help someone feel beautiful in their own skin, even with a smudged eyeliner, you're doing more than makeup. You're building confidence. And that's the real art. So next time you're getting ready, remember Charli's advice. Don't be afraid to let go a little. The undone look isn't lazy. It's liberating.