Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean it hasn't left behind some remnants — and no, it's not the PSL. Bratz Doll makeup is the latest trend makeup artists are embracing all across social media, and while it's definitely a little on the creepy side — OK, a lot on the creepy side — the talent it takes to create these looks is worth noting.
When did Bratz become popular again? That's hard to say unless you caught the time Kendall Jenner called little sister Kylie one. Maybe it's something about millennial love of anything inducing nostalgia. But no matter what, the look seems to have taken off and doesn't seem to be slowing down no matter how unwearable the looks may be. Two well-known YouTubers have joined in on the Bratz fun, and while their looks are different, they're also both next level brilliant, even if their doll-like eyes and pencil thin brows might give you nightmares for the next few weeks.
At the beginning of October, YouTuber beauty guru Alissa Ashley took to her channel to post a wearable Bratz Doll look perfect for Halloween. While Ashley didn't go super over the top and paint on fake eyes, her look still had her followers shook, and they immediately started praising her on social media.
The look was so spot on, and fans definitely noticed.
Slow claps for Alissa Ashley's Bratz look.
The look is serious fire.
Alissa Ashley sure slayed the Halloween game, but she's not alone in recreating the amazing look of Bratz.
OG Youtuber and transformation afficionado Promise Tamang also crafted a Bratz Doll look. The differences between the two are clear, but they're equally as impressive.
While Alissa Ashley's look is more wearable for Halloween, Tamang's look is more of a transformation with her painting on eyes to make hers look more like a real Bratz doll. Honestly, with just a glance at Tamang's image, it'd be hard to tell her from one of the plastic dolls.
Some fans couldn't even clock Tamang's real eyes.
But, as it turns out, Alissa Ashley and Promise Tamang aren't actually the true source of the Bratz Doll looks. A drag queen named Matte is the sourced credit for Tamang's look, and she is being reported by Allure as the progenitor of the trend. A glance at the queen's Instagram shows she's been crafting this looks long before the Bratz trend took off on social media.
That doesn't mean Matte doesn't love the new surge of interest in her drag style. In fact, the queen was credited by Tamang as her original inspo, and Matter has been vocal about her love for the inspired look.
But, as the trend takes off, it's important to give Matte credit as an artist and queer creator. As Twitter user Jenny pointed out, it's harmful to credit cisgender, straight women for the creations of a queer artist, as appropriates queer art and culture.
Ultimately, however, Matte appears to be open to her looks being recreated, especially given that Tamang created her as inspiration in her YouTube video. Plus, others have hopped on the Bratz Doll train, which will, hopefully, bring more much-deserved attention to Matte's work.
The recreation of Bratz's features take serious talent no matter the interpretation.
Giving adequate credit for artistic creations is integral to forming a more inclusive, diverse beauty community. Love of beauty binds all makeup lovers together, and celebrating artists of all genders, races, sexualities, and experiences is crucial to growth.
While the Bratz trend is, superficially, just a fun internet sensation, it also represents a moment to honor queer artistry. Take notice.
