A dramatic makeup look always turns heads, and few styles are as bold and daring as goth makeup. While this edgy aesthetic might seem difficult to pull off, it’s actually more versatile than many assume. In fact, several viral makeup trends—like siren eyes and grunge makeup—draw heavy inspiration from goth culture. Modern goth makeup has evolved to be more wearable, even during the day. The trend, once defined by stark-white skin and harsh black eyeliner, has softened: natural skin tones are in, paired with bold smoky shadows instead of heavy, blocky lines.
If you’re intrigued by the darker side of makeup and ready to dive into the world of gothic glam, keep reading. We’ll guide you through what goth makeup is and provide a step-by-step tutorial to achieve a classic goth look with ease.
What is Goth Makeup?
Goth makeup is a dramatic, expressive style associated with the goth subculture, which gained popularity in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s all about embracing darkness, mystery, and a touch of the macabre.
Traditional goth makeup features a striking combination of pale matte skin, bold black eyeliner, dark eyeshadows, and deep, vampy lip colors. Iconic shades include black, burgundy, and oxblood, with occasional pops of unconventional colors like deep green or blue. Eyebrows can range from natural to sharply defined, framing the face and emphasizing the intensity of the look. While goth makeup has signature elements, it also encourages individuality and creativity, allowing for endless personalization.
Today, goth makeup has taken on a more subtle approach. Although darkness remains at the core, modern soft goth makeup is more versatile and can be adapted for a variety of occasions. Whether you want a toned-down version for everyday wear or a dramatic look for a special event, goth makeup offers something for everyone.
Goth vs. Emo Makeup: What’s the Difference?
Though goth and emo makeup share some similarities, they are distinct styles. Goth makeup focuses on an overall dark, dramatic look, often featuring smoky eyes, bold lips, and strong contours. Emo makeup, by contrast, typically highlights dramatic cat eyes paired with lighter lips and softer blush. Emo looks are more about emotional expression, while goth makeup leans into a darker, more mysterious aesthetic.
How To Achieve a Goth Makeup Look: Step by Step
Ready to embrace a darker palette? Here’s how you can create a classic goth makeup look in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Start With a Matte Base
A flawless, matte complexion is key to goth makeup. Begin by applying a matte primer to reduce shine and create a smooth canvas. Next, choose a foundation that matches your skin tone or go a shade lighter for a more traditional goth vibe. Blend well to avoid any harsh lines and set the base for the rest of your look.
Step 2: Sculpt and Define With Bronzer and Highlight
Goth makeup often emphasizes sharp cheekbones and a defined face. Use a soft matte bronzer to contour the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and temples. For a balanced look, apply a subtle highlighter to the high points of your face—just a hint of glow will do, as the focus is on matte textures.
Step 3: Create a Smoky Eye
The signature goth eye is dark, bold, and smoky. Begin by applying a matte gray or black eyeshadow across your eyelid. Blend into your crease and smoke out the edges for a seamless transition. Add a metallic silver or charcoal shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes for extra dimension. The key here is blending—ensure the colors transition smoothly for that classic smoky effect.
Step 4: Add Eyeliner and Mascara
No goth look is complete without sharp eyeliner. Use a felt-tip liner to create a precise wing on your upper lash line, and then apply a black gel liner to your lower lash line. Smudge the liner slightly to add depth. Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara to make your lashes bold and dramatic.
Step 5: Define Your Brows
Eyebrows help frame the face and complete your gothic look. Fill in your brows with a brow pencil or brow mascara, ensuring they are sharply defined but not overdone. Clean up any stray edges with concealer for a polished finish.
Step 6: Choose a Dark Lipstick
Dark lips are a goth makeup staple. Choose a deep shade like black, burgundy, or dark purple to complete the look. You can go matte or add a touch of gloss for a modern twist.
Step 7: Set Everything in Place
To make sure your goth look stays intact all day or night, use a setting spray to lock in your makeup. A smudge-proof, oil-free formula will keep your makeup fresh and flawless.
5 Goth Makeup Looks To Try
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are five goth makeup variations to explore:
1. Trad Goth: Stick to the roots of goth makeup with ultra-pale skin, dramatic eyeliner, and dark, defined features.
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2. Romantic Goth: A softer take with lighter eyeshadows and buffed-out wings, emphasizing a more delicate, romantic vibe.
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3. Pastel Goth: Mix playful pastel shades with dark eyeliner and bold mascara for a unique contrast.
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4. Soft Goth: Opt for a more subtle version with brown smoky eyes, a dark lip liner, and gloss for a wearable, everyday goth look.
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Goth makeup is all about expressing your unique style. Whether you go for a classic dramatic look or a softer, more modern twist, there’s no wrong way to do goth makeup—as long as it’s authentically you.