2009-2010 was a very important period of time for me. It was the time I decided to embrace Scene Kid culture and do my part to bring some ~alternative~ quirkiness to my school. Incidentally, a lot of kids became scared of me, but they just couldn't handle my c00l p3rs0na. I wasn't the perfect example of a scene kid, but I definitely was...something. Since I stumbled onto a gold mine of old middle school pictures of myself a few days ago, I decided to honor my past self and give a tutorial on how to be the perfect scene kid. Or (at least) my version of a perfect one.
1. ONLY wear eyeliner
Nothing says I'm EdGy and just learning how to put on makeup like raccoon eyes and a washed out face, amirite ladies? Also, check out that crumb on the side of my face. Couture.
2. Offset the dark eyes with some Hot Topic glitter bows
You need to show everyone that you have a girly side too. Hot Topic is the PERFECT place to help you find that balance between cute Scene and crazy Goth. Never underestimate what a glitter bow or neon rubber bracelets can do for you!
3. Hide Your Braces With a Soft Smile
You don't want having a metal mouth to ruin your perfect ensemble. Hit 'em with that aloof and mysterious soft smile. Am I hiding a secret? Is that secret very conspicuous, not-cute braces? Probably.
4. Venture Out on Youtube for some Scene Eye Makeup tutorials
What also can you get at Hot Topic? Bright eyeshadow palettes! Move over Urban Decay, this ten dollar palette saved my LIFE. Also, if you can splurge, there is no better way to show the world how ~different~ you are than glitter eyeliner. Basically glitter is the best thing you can do for your alternative aesthetic, trust me. But by all means, still ignore your eyebrows.
5. Give Yourself a Pat on the Back With a Photo Shoot on Your Sister's Bedroom Floor
After spending an hour trying to figure out how to blend two neon colors together, it is very important to treat yourself to a photo shoot. Normally, your sibling's bedroom will have better lighting and cleaner carpet.
6. When In Doubt, Slap a Black and White Filter On
Pretty explanatory. Sometimes, you feel a little down, ya know? And the only way to cure it is posting a black and white selfie on Facebook with a very passive aggressive caption.
7. Wear Glasses With Plastic Lenses
Functionality has no place in achieving your Scene Kid aesthetic. Some days, you just have to hide your bad eyeliner-job and try to pass it off as quirky.
8. Have Your Bangs Cover Half Your Face
Want to be ~mysterious~? Want boys to wonder what it's like to actually see your eyes? Mess up your natural hair line and sweep that hair all over. You might not be able to see anything, but trust me, it's worth it.
9. Also Dye It Purple
Make a statement by bypassing the ceremonial blonde highlights and go straight to an unnatural color. Unintentionally start a feud with the only other scene girl in your grade who has yet to dye her boring brown hair. Bask in the glory of being the most *unique*.
10. Hell, Just Go All Out And Get That Haircut
I couldn't believe it when my mom let me do this. Years later, I still can't believe it. Chase your dreams people.
11. Gotta Dress Like A Champion
Most scene kids obsessed over bands and spent all their money on concerts and merch. Scene kid Terri chose a more different fandom route (typical): slightly obscure Youtube vloggers. This Charles Trippy hoodie cost me a month's worth of allowance and let me tell you, it was worth it.
And above all, try not to care about what the other classmates think. You're a super cool, super random rockstar who will eventually learn that style doesn't always mean you need 30 black bracelets on your wrists.
