Goth

White/pale base, heavy black eyeliner, black or dark red lipstick, sharp contour.

Goth makeup is a striking, alternative beauty style characterized by a stark contrast between a pale, ultra-matte complexion and intensely dark features. Originating from the post-punk subculture of the late 1970s and 1980s, it visually relies on sharp contouring, heavy black eyeliner, and vampy or pitch-black lips. This edgy look is perfect for those wanting to make a bold, dramatic statement with a distinctly anti-establishment vibe.

To create Goth makeup, begin by applying a matte foundation slightly lighter than your skin tone and setting it completely with translucent powder. Carve out dramatic, sunken cheekbones with a cool-toned contour powder. Smudge soft black pencil heavily around the eyes, set it with black eyeshadow, and finish with a crisp, dark red or black matte lip.

Full Look Face/Base Eyes Lips Alternative Edgy Bold Matte Daily Party Costume/Theme

~15 min 5 steps 12 products

The Kit

Matte Pale Foundation
Foundation Brush
Translucent Setting Powder
Cool-Toned Contour Powder
Angled Face Brush
Soft Black Pencil Eyeliner
Smudge Brush
Matte Black Eyeshadow
Flat Shader Brush
Black Lip Liner
Matte Dark Red Liquid Lipstick
Matte Black Liquid Lipstick

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How to Create Goth

Create Pale Base

Buff a matte foundation one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone across the face using a foundation brush. Set the entire face completely with a translucent setting powder to eliminate any shine.
Carve Sharp Contour

Use an angled face brush and a cool-toned grayish contour powder to carve out intense, dramatic cheekbones. Blend slightly upward to keep the hollows of the cheeks looking sharp and sunken.
Smudge Black Eyeliner

Apply a soft black pencil eyeliner heavily along both the upper and lower waterlines and lash lines. Use a small smudge brush to smoke the edges outward into a messy, elongated shape.
Set With Black Shadow

Press a matte black eyeshadow directly over the smudged eyeliner using a flat shader brush to intensify the pigment and lock it in place.
Paint Vampy Lips

Outline the lips crisply with a black lip liner to define the shape. Fill the center with a matte dark red or solid black liquid lipstick for a bold, alternative finish.

Pro Tips

Clean up any dark eyeshadow fallout under the eyes using a makeup wipe or a cotton swab dipped in micellar water before applying your pale foundation base.
If a significantly lighter foundation washes you out too much, achieve the vampy effect by maintaining your natural skin tone but leaning heavily into the cool-toned contour and high-contrast dark features.
To make the black eyeshadow truly opaque and intense, pat the pigment directly onto the lid with a flat shader brush instead of swiping, building the color up gradually over your pencil liner base.

Common Questions

What is Goth makeup?

Goth makeup is an edgy, subcultural beauty style defined by its high-contrast aesthetic. It typically features a very pale matte complexion paired with heavily smoked black eyes, sharp cool-toned contouring, and a dramatic black or dark red lip.

What products do I need for a classic Goth makeup look?

Essential products include a matte foundation one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone, a grayish contour powder, and a highly pigmented soft black pencil eyeliner. You will also need a matte black eyeshadow to set the liner, alongside a vampy dark red or solid black liquid lipstick.

Is Goth makeup good for beginners?

Goth makeup requires a medium skill level due to the intense pigmentation of black and dark red products, which can be unforgiving if applied messily. However, beginners can master the look by taking their time to carefully blend harsh lines and utilizing a lip liner for crisp edges.

How do I prevent black lipstick from smudging?

To ensure your dark Goth lip stays flawless, outline and fill your lips entirely with a black lip liner before applying a matte liquid lipstick. Setting the perimeter of your mouth lightly with a translucent setting powder can also prevent bleeding and feathering throughout the day.

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