Table of Contents
- Key Highlights:
- Introduction
- The Evolution of Makeup Trends
- The Distinct Characteristics of the Tired Girl Look
- Cultural Context: Why Now?
- Influencers and Celebrities Leading the Charge
- Social Media’s Role in Tired Girl Expression
- The Psychological Implications of the Tired Girl Aesthetic
- Embracing Imperfection: The Future of Beauty Trends
Key Highlights:
- The "tired girl" trend on social media features makeup techniques that intentionally create the appearance of dark circles and fatigue.
- Influencers and celebrities, including Lily-Rose Depp and Jenna Ortega, have popularized this aesthetic, which challenges traditional beauty standards.
- Data indicates a rising trend of burnout among young women, particularly in the UK, suggesting a cultural shift toward normalizing the exhausted look.
Introduction
In the ever-changing world of beauty and social media trends, the latest phenomenon that has captured the attention of many is the "tired girl" trend. This intriguing movement has led individuals to purposely cultivate a look that embodies exhaustion, defying conventional beauty norms. As various makeup styles vie for attention—from the pristine "clean girl" aesthetic to the playful "strawberry girl" vibe—this new approach stands out for its rawness and relatability. With an estimated 56% of young women in the UK reporting burnout, the "tired girl" trend appears to be more than a fleeting fad; it echoes the collective sentiment of a generation grappling with fatigue and societal pressures.
The Evolution of Makeup Trends
Makeup has long served as a form of self-expression, with each era reflecting the cultural and social climates of the time. From the flapper styles of the 1920s to the glamorous Hollywood looks of the 1950s, beauty has continuously adapted to societal shifts. The rise of digital platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, has accelerated the exposure and popularity of various makeup trends, allowing new styles to go viral within days, if not hours.
Trends previously celebrated for their polish and precision, such as the "clean girl" look, which advocates for minimalism and enhanced natural beauty, stand in stark contrast to the "tired girl" aesthetic. In this context, "tired girl" embraces imperfections, focusing on dark circles under the eyes and a slightly unkempt appearance as elements of chic charm.
The Distinct Characteristics of the Tired Girl Look
The "tired girl" trend is characterized by several key makeup elements that lend themselves to achieving that coveted "just rolled out of bed" appearance:
- Faux Dark Circles: This is achieved using pigmented concealer or eye shadow to create shadows and depth under the eyes, mimicking the look of lack of sleep.
- Smudged Eyeliner: Unlike the precise eyeliner strokes emphasized in traditional makeup, the tired girl aesthetic encourages a softer, messy look.
- Dewy Skin: Instead of matte finishes, there is an emphasis on glowy skin, giving a hint of recovered vitality amidst the fatigue.
- Mascara and Foundation: Mascara is applied freely to enhance lashes while foundation helps mask uneven skin tones, preserving the look of fatigue.
- Lip Choices: Soft, muted lip colors often complement the tired aesthetic, favoring shades that do not draw too much attention away from the eyes.
These elements combine to create a unique, paradoxical interpretation of beauty—one that invites wearers to express their tiredness and vulnerability as part of their identity.
Cultural Context: Why Now?
A surge of burnout has been reported among younger generations, especially through the lens of social media scrutiny and rising social pressures. A study highlighted in the STADA Health Report 2025 revealed that a staggering 56% of women aged 18 to 24 in the UK have experienced burnout, far exceeding rates in other demographics. This widespread sense of fatigue amid unrealistic societal expectations has inadvertently laid fertile ground for the "tired girl" trend.
As influencers adopt this look, they inadvertently promote a normalized acceptance of fatigue as part of everyday life. Rather than concealing blemishes and imperfections, participants in the "tired girl" movement proudly showcase them. Influencer Lara Violetta aptly summarized this sentiment when she stated, “Eye bags are so chic because you actually have to work for them.” This perspective represents an essential shift in how beauty is understood, steering away from the polished ideal to a more forthright embrace of authenticity.
Influencers and Celebrities Leading the Charge
The rise of the "tired girl" trend owes not only to the collective consciousness of a generation but also to the amplification provided by influencers and celebrities. Significant figures like Lily-Rose Depp, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Chamberlain have adopted the aesthetic, driving its popularity through social media platforms.
Jenna Ortega's portrayal in Netflix's "Wednesday" epitomizes the tired aesthetic with her intentionally smudged eye makeup, showcasing a look that blurs the line between beauty and fatigue. This styling has resonated with audiences, further popularizing the trend and demonstrating the growing influence of character-driven aesthetics in modern beauty culture.
Tutorials on platforms such as TikTok have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, with creators like @nerulera constructing elaborate routines to achieve the tired girl look. While some tutorials may consist of up to 12 steps, their underlying message remains consistent: embracing one’s tiredness does not negate beauty—it redefines it.
Social Media’s Role in Tired Girl Expression
Social media's pervasive role in shaping beauty trends cannot be overstated. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even Pinterest have enhanced the accessibility of beauty tutorials and the dissemination of makeup techniques. The "tired girl" trend has found a unique niche within the vast expanse of online beauty culture, establishing itself as not just another makeup style but a statement rooted in the struggles of contemporary life.
Users frequently take to TikTok to voice their opinions about the trend, where the comments section serves as a barometer of community sentiment. Responses range from admiration for the authenticity the look represents to jokes about makeup routines that require less effort for those who naturally embody the tired aesthetic. Comments like, "This is what my makeup always looks like because my dark circles can't be covered" echo the new trend's relatability and further signal the desire for representation.
The Psychological Implications of the Tired Girl Aesthetic
Beyond the surface-level fun of experimenting with makeup trends, the "tired girl" look brings to light several psychological implications related to identity, self-worth, and societal pressures. The normalization of the exhausted look could be viewed as a form of rebellion against the hyper-polished ideals that previously dominated beauty trends. For many, wearing dark circles and smudged eyeliner might serve as an acknowledgment of their realities—exhaustion from study, work, and social obligations that can often feel overwhelming.
Psychologists suggest that embracing authenticity through appearance can have positive effects on mental health. By allowing imperfections to be seen, individuals may find empowerment in vulnerability. Many young people might perceive the trend as a subtle pushback against the incessant pressure to maintain a flawless image, albeit through a beauty trend that glorifies the very fatigue they experience.
Embracing Imperfection: The Future of Beauty Trends
As beauty standards continue to evolve, the "tired girl" trend could signal a broader shift towards authenticity in beauty practices. Moving away from overly curated looks, consumers appear to be gravitating toward messier, more natural aesthetics, suggesting a culture that values emotional expressiveness alongside visual expression.
This changing dynamic calls brands and beauty influencers to reconsider how they market products and define beauty. Featuring campaigns that highlight natural looks and less-than-perfect appearances can resonate deeply with audiences who are weary of idealistic portrayals. Additionally, celebrating diversity in beauty—through range in skin tone, age, and the natural state of one's skin—will be imperative in the coming years.
FAQ
What is the "tired girl" trend?
The "tired girl" trend is a makeup style that intentionally mimics the appearance of fatigue, featuring dark circles, smudged eyeliner, and a generally unkempt aesthetic.
Who are some influencers associated with the trend?
Celebrities and influencers like Lily-Rose Depp and Jenna Ortega have popularized the look through their social media channels, demonstrating its appeal to a younger demographic.
Is this trend linked to societal pressures?
Yes, the trend reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of burnout and exhaustion, particularly among young women. It can be seen as a response to unrealistic beauty standards in a demanding modern landscape.
Can wearing the tired girl look be empowering?
Many find empowerment in embracing their natural appearance and imperfections, reclaiming their narrative from societal expectations of flawless beauty.
How should makeup brands respond to evolving beauty trends?
Beauty brands can connect with consumers by promoting authenticity and diversity in beauty campaigns, celebrating features typically seen as "imperfections" as part of the broader spectrum of beauty.