How to Apply Goth Makeup
Goth makeup is more than just a look; it’s a way to express the dramatic, artistic side of yourself that often lives in the shadows. Whether you’re just exploring goth style or have loved it for years, creating a goth makeup look allows you to experiment with dark shades, bold lines, and unique details that speak to your personality. With a few key techniques, you can capture that intense, mysterious vibe, making it completely your own. The beauty of goth makeup is that there’s no single “right” way to do it—every look is a fresh canvas to play with.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
1.Cleanse and Moisturize: Start with clean, well-moisturized skin. Goth makeup is often heavier, so hydration helps it last longer and look smooth.
2.Primer: Apply a primer to help your makeup adhere better, especially if you’re using heavier foundation or setting powder.
Step 2: Flawless, Pale Foundation
1.Choose a Light Foundation: Goth makeup often involves a pale complexion. Choose a shade one or two tones lighter than your natural skin tone (but avoid going too light, as it can appear too theatrical).
2.Apply Foundation: Use a sponge or brush to apply an even layer over your face, blending down to your neck.
3.Set with Powder: Use a translucent setting powder to lock in the foundation and reduce shine, giving your skin a matte finish.
Step 3: Contour and Define
1.Contour with Cool Tones: Use a contour shade that is a cool, grayish-brown to create a hollow, slightly sunken effect on the cheeks. Focus on your cheekbones, jawline, and temples.2.Highlight (Optional): For a ghostly glow, use a cool-toned highlighter on your cheekbones, nose bridge, and brow bones.
Step 4: Dark, Dramatic Eyes
1.Eyeshadow Base: Start with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.
2.Black or Dark Eyeshadow: Apply black or dark gray eyeshadow on your eyelids, blending it outward for a smoky look. You can also blend in shades like deep purple, burgundy, or dark green for variation.
3.Add Depth: Use a slightly lighter shade (like gray or deep plum) to blend the black eyeshadow into the crease, softening the edges for a gradient effect.
4.Intense Eyeliner: Line your upper and lower lash lines with black eyeliner, extending the wing outward for a cat-eye effect. For a more dramatic look, apply eyeliner on your waterline.
5.Smudge for Drama: Use a small brush to smudge the eyeliner on your lower lash line, giving it a smoky, intense look.
Step 5: Bold, Black Mascara or Lashes
1.Apply Mascara: Use a volumizing black mascara to enhance your lashes. Apply two or three coats to make them stand out.
2.False Lashes (Optional): For an even bolder look, add false lashes with a spiky or thick style.
Step 6: Define the Brows
1.Dark, Defined Brows: Use a brow pencil or pomade in a black or dark brown shade to fill in and shape your brows. Gothic makeup often includes dark, defined brows that create contrast and intensity.
Step 7: Dramatic Lips
1.Line Your Lips: Use a dark lip liner (black, dark red, or purple) to outline your lips. This helps define the shape and prevent the lipstick from bleeding.
2.Choose a Dark Lip Color: Apply a bold, dark lipstick. Classic goth shades include black, deep red, purple, and even dark green. Matte finishes are typical, but a glossy finish can add a unique twist.
3.Set with Powder (Optional): For long-lasting wear, lightly press a tissue over your lips and dust translucent powder on top.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
1.Blush (Optional): If you want a hint of color, use a very light dusting of cool-toned blush.
Final Thoughts
Creating a goth makeup look is a journey into self-expression, letting you explore the darker, more mysterious side of beauty. With guides from various online sources, you can experiment with everything from classic smokey eyes to bold lips and dramatic contours, using techniques that help bring your unique style to life. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional goth aesthetic, a more modern look, or something in between, these resources offer endless inspiration. With each attempt, you’ll develop your own take on goth makeup, blending influences and techniques that resonate with who you are. It’s a personal, artistic process that lets you wear your personality proudly on your face, telling your own story through each dark line and shadow.
