Goth makeup is an expression of individuality, creativity, and alternative beauty. Often associated with the goth subculture, it’s a style that embraces dark, bold, and dramatic elements. From pale skin and dark eyeliner to bold lip colors and creative eyeshadow, goth makeup allows you to showcase your inner dark aesthetic and embrace an edgier side of beauty.
Whether you’re new to the goth scene or looking to refine your look, this guide will provide you with all the tools and tips needed to master the art of goth makeup. From the essentials to advanced techniques, we’ll walk you through the process of creating stunning goth makeup that’ll make you feel confident and fierce.
What Defines Goth Makeup?
Goth makeup is defined by its moody, dark, and sometimes dramatic aesthetic. It typically involves:
- Pale, porcelain-like skin: Achieved by using foundation or powder to lighten the complexion.
- Dark eye makeup: This can include heavy eyeliner, bold eyeshadow, and even dark false lashes.
- Bold lip colors: Black, deep purples, blood reds, or even dark browns are classic goth lip shades.
- Sharp features: Contouring is often used to create a more sculpted and dramatic face.
The overall goal of goth makeup is to create a striking and sometimes mysterious look, using contrasting elements like light skin and dark eyes. The style is often inspired by a variety of sources, such as Victorian fashion, horror, fantasy, and post-punk music scenes.
Essential Products for Goth Makeup
To achieve the perfect goth makeup, it’s important to use the right products. Here are some essentials to get you started:
1. Foundation and Concealer
For the pale, flawless complexion associated with goth makeup, a full-coverage foundation that’s lighter than your natural skin tone is essential. Many people use a white or very light foundation to achieve that ghostly, porcelain look. Pair it with a good concealer to cover any imperfections and ensure an even base for the rest of your makeup.
2. Powder
After applying foundation, set your makeup with a translucent setting powder. This step ensures that your goth makeup stays in place throughout the day, preventing shine and helping to maintain that matte, flawless finish.
3. Dark Eyeliner
One of the most recognizable features of goth makeup is dark, bold eyeliner. Whether you choose to go for a sharp cat-eye, smudged, or a dramatic smokey look, eyeliner is key to defining your eyes. You can opt for liquid, gel, or pencil eyeliner, depending on your preference. A rich black eyeliner works best to create depth and intensity.
4. Eyeshadow
Goth makeup often features dark, moody eyeshadow. Shades like black, deep purple, burgundy, dark green, or even metallic silver or gold are commonly used. You can blend multiple shades to create depth and drama. Smokey eyes are a staple of goth makeup, giving the eyes a mysterious and intense look.
5. Mascara and False Lashes
Long, voluminous lashes are often an integral part of goth makeup. Mascara adds volume and definition to your natural lashes, while false lashes can be applied for added drama. Choose lashes that are long, full, and thick to create a bold, edgy look.
6. Blush and Contour
While goth makeup tends to favor a more neutral or pale look, a bit of contour can help define your features. Dark contour shades can help sculpt the cheekbones and jawline, creating sharp angles that complement the dramatic look of goth makeup. For blush, go for a cool-toned pink or purple for a more natural yet still striking effect.
7. Lipstick
Bold lips are a must in goth makeup. Classic shades like deep red, dark plum, black, and even deep green or blue can create a fierce, unique look. Liquid lipsticks are often a good choice because they provide long-lasting wear and a matte finish, which aligns well with the gothic aesthetic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Perfect Goth Makeup Look
Now that you know what products to use, let’s break down how to create a stunning goth makeup look from start to finish.
Step 1: Start with a Flawless Base
To get that iconic pale complexion, begin by applying a light foundation that’s a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Use a beauty sponge or foundation brush to blend the product evenly into your face, neck, and ears. Don’t forget to blend well around the jawline to avoid any harsh lines.
Next, apply concealer to cover any blemishes or imperfections. You can also use a white concealer to brighten the under-eye area for an even more dramatic effect. Set your base with a translucent setting powder to ensure that it stays in place throughout the day.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Eyes
One of the most important elements of goth makeup is the eyes. To create an intense, captivating look, begin by applying a dark eyeliner along your upper lash line. For a more dramatic look, create a cat-eye shape by extending the liner outward. You can also smudge the eyeliner along the lower lash line for a more smokey effect.
For eyeshadow, apply a deep, dark shade, such as black or dark purple, to the eyelids. Blend it into the crease to add dimension. You can layer different shades to create depth or add metallic accents in the inner corners for a pop of shimmer. If you prefer, add eyeliner to the waterline for even more intensity.
Finally, apply a coat or two of mascara to your lashes, focusing on creating volume and length. If you want to take it to the next level, apply dramatic false lashes to complete the look.
Step 3: Sculpt Your Face with Contour
Although goth makeup often favors a paler complexion, contouring can help define your features. Use a contour powder or cream to create shadows along your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. The goal is to sculpt your face and create sharp angles, which adds to the dramatic and intense vibe of goth makeup.
You can also use a cool-toned blush in a deep rose or purple shade to add some color to your cheeks without straying too far from the gothic aesthetic. A light sweep of highlighter can add a soft glow to your face, though avoid anything too shimmery. A matte finish is often more aligned with goth makeup.
Step 4: Bold Lips
For the lips, choose a bold color like black, deep plum, or dark red. Matte liquid lipsticks are a great option for a long-lasting finish that doesn’t fade or smudge. Apply the lipstick carefully using a lip liner to define the edges of your lips. If you want a more avant-garde look, you can experiment with unconventional lip colors like dark blue, green, or even black.
Step 5: Set and Final Touches
Once your goth makeup is complete, be sure to set everything with a setting spray to lock in your look for the day. This will keep your makeup in place and ensure it lasts longer.
To finish the look, you can add any final touches like piercings, dark nail polish, or even temporary tattoos. These accessories can help elevate your goth makeup and add to the overall aesthetic.
Tips for Mastering Goth Makeup
- Experiment with bold colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional eyeshadow or lipstick shades. The goth makeup world is all about individuality and self-expression.
- Blend, blend, blend: Blending is crucial when applying eyeshadow. Take your time to make sure everything blends seamlessly for a smooth, dramatic look.
- Choose the right foundation: To get that pale, porcelain-like complexion, use a foundation that is specifically designed for lighter skin tones. Be sure to match your foundation to your neck to avoid any noticeable lines.
- Try different eyeliner techniques: Eyeliner is a key part of goth makeup, so play around with different techniques such as winged eyeliner or smudged eyeliner to find the style that suits you best.
Conclusion
Goth makeup is a powerful and expressive style that allows you to embrace boldness, creativity, and individuality. Whether you’re looking to achieve a soft and ethereal goth look or go for something more dramatic and bold, the key to goth makeup is confidence. With the right products, techniques, and a little bit of practice, you can create a stunning goth makeup look that showcases your unique personality and alternative style.
So go ahead—grab your dark eyeliner, your bold lipstick, and start experimenting with different shades and looks. Embrace the world of goth makeup and express yourself in a way that feels true to you.
