Pastel Goth

Creepy but cute. Black lipstick and eyeliner contrasted with soft pastel eyeshadows (lavender, mint, baby pink).

Pastel Goth is a 2010s-era alternative makeup aesthetic that perfectly balances creepy and cute elements by juxtaposing soft, dreamy colors with stark, dark features. The look is characterized by a doll-like matte base, bright pastel eyeshadows like lavender or mint, and dramatically sharp black eyeliner paired with an opaque black lip. It is ideal for those who want to express an edgy, rebellious vibe while still incorporating playful, colorful softness into their makeup routine.

To create Pastel Goth, start by perfecting a flawless, shine-free matte base to act as a doll-like canvas. Prime your eyelids with white to make soft pastel shadows pop, then contrast this with a thick, exaggerated black winged eyeliner and spiky false lashes. Finally, outline and fill your lips with an opaque matte black liquid lipstick.

Full Look Eyes Lips Alternative Edgy Soft Colorful Party Costume/Theme Daily

~15 min 5 steps 13 products

The Kit

Full-Coverage Matte Foundation
Concealer
Translucent Setting Powder
Large Powder Brush
White Eyeshadow Base
Pastel Eyeshadow
Fluffy Blending Brush
Black Liquid Eyeliner
Black Volumizing Mascara
Spiky False Eyelashes
Eyelash Glue
Black Lip Liner
Matte Black Liquid Lipstick

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How to Create Pastel Goth

Perfect the Base

Apply a full-coverage matte foundation and conceal any blemishes for a flawless canvas. Set the entire face with a translucent setting powder using a large powder brush to maintain a shine-free, doll-like finish.
Pack Pastel Eyeshadow

Tap a white eyeshadow base over the lids to ensure the colors pop. Using a fluffy blending brush, sweep a pastel lavender, mint, or baby pink eyeshadow across the eyelid and blend it softly up toward the brow bone.
Draw Sharp Wings

Use a black liquid eyeliner to draw a thick, exaggerated wing along the upper lash line. Extend the tail sharply outward and upward to create a striking contrast against the soft pastel shadows.
Apply Spiky Lashes

Coat your upper and lower lashes with a black volumizing mascara. Apply a pair of spiky false eyelashes using eyelash glue to enhance the dramatic, alternative aesthetic.
Paint Black Lips

Outline the perimeter of your mouth with a sharp black lip liner to define the shape and prevent bleeding. Fill in the lips completely with a long-wearing matte black liquid lipstick for a stark, edgy pout.

Pro Tips

Black lipstick is notoriously unforgiving on texture, so exfoliate your lips thoroughly and apply a hydrating lip balm before starting your makeup to ensure a smooth, crack-free finish.
If your pastel shadows look chalky or washed out, try stamping the color onto your white base with a dense packing brush rather than swiping, which can sheer out the pigment.
To make your black winged liner look exceptionally sharp against the pastel background, dip a small angled brush or a pointed cotton swab into micellar water to clean up the bottom edge.

Common Questions

What does Pastel Goth makeup look like?

Pastel Goth makeup contrasts soft, whimsical pastel colors with heavy, dark gothic elements. It typically features a flawless matte complexion, bright lavender or mint eyeshadow, thick winged eyeliner, and a bold black lip.

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

You will need a full-coverage matte foundation, a white eyeshadow primer to make colors pop, pastel eyeshadows, an intensely black liquid eyeliner, spiky false eyelashes, and a matte black liquid lipstick.

Is Pastel Goth makeup good for beginners?

This style sits at a medium difficulty level, as mastering sharp winged eyeliner and cleanly applying black lipstick takes a steady hand. Beginners can easily adapt the look by utilizing eyeliner stencils or starting with a softer dark berry lip instead of true black.

What is the difference between Pastel Goth and traditional Goth makeup?

While traditional Goth makeup relies almost entirely on dark, moody tones like black, crimson, and gray, Pastel Goth incorporates bright, sugary shades like baby pink and lavender on the eyes to create a playful juxtaposition.

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