In an era dominated by “clean girl” minimalism, XG’s makeup looks serve as a perfect antithesis. Since their debut, the global group has turned the beauty world on its head with their fearless fusion of Japanese subculture influences, colorful Y2K flair, and metallic rave finishes.
If your daily routine is feeling a little too safe, here are the biggest, boldest beauty lessons we learned from looking at XG’s most iconic beauty looks
1. Maximalist Embellishments & Textures
The thing about XG’s makeup is that it’s not just two-dimensional. The easiest trick to recreate most of their looks is by incorporating experimental textures, whether its crystals, glitters, or feathers. XG scatters crystals along the brow bone, cheekbone, and inner corner instead of clustering them in one spot. The spacing keeps the maximalist beauty look intentional instead of busy.
To recreate the look: Start with three or four gems near the outer eye and trail it toward the temple. Using lash glue helps the gems hold up through hours.
2. Punk & “Visual Kei” Influences
XG takes a lot of visual cues from various Japanese subcultures. One that they constantly go back to is the “Visual Kei,” a subculture that emerged in the 80s inspired by Western glam rock, punk, and goth acts. The look is characterized by a ghostly white foundation, heavy liner, and spider eyelashes.
To recreate the look: Start with a porcelain base, a shade or two lighter than your skin tone, then build from there. Focus on a sharp black eyeliner and heavily clumpy mascara. If you wish to add color, go for red, hot pink, or icy blue.
3. Subversive Gyaru Glamour
Another subculture that inspired the XG look is Gyaru, derived from the English word “gal”, characterized by bold makeup, dyed hair, and a rebellious attitude against traditional beauty standards. There are many types of the style that can serve as inspiration, from the feminine Agejo and Hime Gyaru to the more experimental Ganguro and Manba Gyaru.
To recreate the look: Go big on eye drama with thick wing liner, defined lower-lash detail, and ultra-fluttery false lashes to achieve that signature wide-eyed “droopy gal” shape. The XG incorporates more color through shadows and lip colors.
4. Neon Raver Colors
People who are afraid of color have no place in the XG makeup world. Matte sits this one out. XG’s glam leans on glossy lids, metallic cream shadows, rainbow palettes, and wet-look highlighter across the cheekbones. Heavily influenced by raver culture, don’t be afraid to mix clash-worthy colors and draw freestyle motifs like stars, hearts, or futuristic graphic lines.
To recreate the look: Use liquid liners in vibrant neons or pastel shades to dot star motifs near your outer corners. Finish with a high-shine glossy tint or metallic cream shadow across your lids, cheekbones, and lips for that glassy, wet effect.
5. Artistic Under-Eye Blush
If all of these styles might be too much for you, the simplest trick to still get that stylish creative look is by playing around with blush. Creative blush placements are all over XG’s recent glam, with the under-eye blush being the most commonly seen. Instead of the usual apples-of-cheeks spot, blush sweeps below the eyes and blends up toward the temples for a doll-like flush.
To recreate the look: Use a cream blush so it melts into skin instead of sitting on top. Tap it on with your ring finger for the softest gradient. The look draws focus on the eyes, so the look is best paired with a colorful eyeshadow or a playful lash.
Ultimately, XG’s maximalist beauty manifesto isn’t about following a strict set of rules. It’s about using your face as a canvas for pure self-expression. By reviving nostalgia, breaking traditional norms, and leaning into high-voltage drama, they’ve proven that the most iconic look comes from complete aesthetic fearlessness.
So, which look will you steal?
