Gothic makeup looks aren’t just for Halloween—they’re a way to show off your mood, style, and creativity. 

Gothic makeup looks are all about contrast—light skin, dark shadows, bold lips, and expressive eyeliner. In this article, we’ll explain what goth makeup is, how it compares to emo styles, and exactly how to create different goth makeup looks step by step. From smokey eye makeup looks to matte finishes, we’ll cover everything you need to get started.

Key Points:

• Understand what defines gothic makeup and how it’s changed over time
• Learn the difference between gothic and emo makeup styles
• Follow a simple guide to create a complete goth makeup look
• Discover variations like romantic, cyber, pastel, and trad goth makeup
• Find product tips and application tricks for long-lasting results

What Is Goth Makeup?

Gothic makeup looks are known for their striking contrast and moody appearance. Often tied to the goth subculture, which began rising in popularity during the late ’80s and early ’90s, this style blends drama with personal expression. Think pale skin, bold gothic eyeliner looks, deep lipstick shades, and intense gothic eye makeup.

Classic goth makeup looks often start with a matte base, followed by dark eyeshadow—usually black, grey, or plum—smudged around the eyes to create a smoky, shadowy effect. Black eyeliner is used heavily, sometimes with dramatic wings or exaggerated shapes. Lip colours are usually bold and dark—black, oxblood, deep red, or even navy. Brows may be softly filled or sharply defined, depending on the individual look.

With goth makeup, there are so many unique combinations to try. Some people go all-in with theatrical styles, while others prefer a simple goth makeup routine that’s more wearable day to day. The beauty of gothic makeup lies in its flexibility—it’s dramatic when you want it to be, but it can also be toned down for a softer, beautiful gothic makeup look. Check out these important goths in pop culture.

Gothic Makeup vs Emo Makeup

Although they both embrace darker tones, goth and emo makeup differ in tone and technique. Goth makeup looks rely more heavily on a full dark aesthetic—matte skin, gothic eye makeup, and deep lips. Emo makeup tends to focus on strong black eyeliner (especially around the upper lid), but it pairs this with lighter blush and lip shades.

Want to create bold, long-lasting gothic eye makeup that stands out? Explore Mehron eye products.

How To Do Goth Makeup

If you’re curious about how to do goth makeup that’s wearable yet dramatic, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the full process. Whether you’re leaning towards simple goth makeup for everyday wear or looking to create bold gothic makeup looks for an event, it all comes down to the right products and techniques. Here’s how to build a beautiful gothic makeup look from start to finish.

Step 1: Matte Base Start Up

A good goth makeup look starts with a smooth, shine-free base. Use a matte primer to prep your skin and help your foundation stay in place. The goal is to create an even, pale finish— a staple of gothic makeup looks.

Choose a foundation that either matches your natural skin tone or go one shade lighter for a more traditional ghostly effect. Blend it in evenly, making sure to cover any redness or blemishes. Set it lightly with translucent powder to keep everything matte and in place.

Step 2: Contour With a Light Hand

To define your features, add some soft contouring. Focus on the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and around your jawline. Bronzer should be subtle—not warm and glowing like in summer makeup. 

Use a cooler-toned contour powder or matte bronzer to sculpt without adding warmth.

If you’d like to highlight, keep it minimal. Gothic makeup is more about depth than sparkle, so stick to a light tap of highlighter on the tip of your nose, cheekbones, and cupid’s bow. Learn more about face contouring.

Step 3: Create a Smokey Gothic Eye Makeup Look

Gothic eye makeup is one of the most recognisable parts of the style. 

Begin by applying a black or charcoal base shadow across your lid. Blend it out into the crease with a fluffy brush, softening any harsh edges. This creates the smokey shape that defines most gothic makeup looks.

Layer darker shades in the outer corners and blend inwards to add depth. You can also add touches of plum, navy, or silver depending on the vibe you’re going for. For more wearable, simple goth makeup, use softer browns or greys instead of pitch black.

Finish by applying a lighter shimmer or metallic shadow in the inner corners of your eyes to open up the look. Check out more smokey eye makeup looks.

Step 4: Add Gothic Eyeliner Looks

Once your shadow is in place, move on to eyeliner. Gothic eyeliner looks can be soft and smudged or sharp and defined—it’s up to you.

For a classic wing, use a black liquid or felt-tip liner to trace your upper lash line and flick it outwards.

To add depth, use a pencil or gel liner along the waterline and smudge it slightly for that lived-in look.

Don’t forget to tightline your upper lash line to make lashes look fuller and complete the gothic eye makeup effect.

Step 5: Finish With Bold Mascara

Use a lengthening or volumising mascara in black to coat your lashes. For more dramatic goth makeup looks, apply multiple coats or add false lashes.

If you’re going for a twist on tradition, try a deep plum or burgundy mascara instead. These still keep the intensity but add a touch of colour that complements darker eyeshadows.

Step 6: Shape and Fill Your Brows

Defined brows help frame the eyes and complete your gothic makeup look. Brush your brows upward and outwards. Then, use a pencil or pomade to fill in sparse areas.

Classic goth styles sometimes feature sharp, angular brows—but you don’t have to go that extreme. Just aim for clean lines and even colour. Finish by setting with a tinted brow gel.

Step 7: Add a Dark Lipstick

Gothic lips are bold, dark, and dramatic. Popular shades include:

• Black
• Deep red
• Burgundy
• Plum
• Dark brown

For long term wear, line your lips first to keep the edges clean. Then fill in with a matte lipstick. If you prefer a more modern, soft goth finish, try a blurred-out lip by dabbing on lipstick and smudging the edges with your fingertip.

Step 8: Set It All in Place

To help your gothic makeup last all day (or all night), apply a setting spray. Look for a matte, long-wear formula that prevents smudging and keeps everything locked in.

7 Goth Makeup Ideas

Once you know how to do goth makeup, it’s easy to start experimenting with different gothic makeup looks that suit your personality. 

Whether you prefer a softer take or something dramatic, there’s a style out there for everyone. Below are a range of goth makeup looks you can try—some are wearable for daily life, others are made for making a bold statement.

1. Romantic Gothic Makeup

If you want a look that’s both dark and soft, romantic gothic makeup is a great choice. This version plays with definition around the eyes without being too harsh.

• Use a silvery eyeshadow across the lids for a soft shimmer
• Add a smoked-out black eyeshadow wing to create shape without being too sharp
• Stick with pale skin and use a soft contour to define the face
• Finish the look with a dark berry or wine-coloured lipstick

Romantic gothic makeup is a nice middle ground—it still uses the classic gothic eye makeup and lips but in a gentler, more romantic way.

2. Victorian Gothic Makeup

Inspired by 19th-century fashion and beauty, Victorian goth makeup is elegant and dramatic. It’s ideal for those who love vintage fashion and theatrical styling.

• Use a pale foundation with a matte finish as your base
• Apply a smokey plum or grey eyeshadow to the eyes, blending softly
• Use a thin black eyeliner close to the lash line—think subtle, not graphic
• Choose a deep red or burgundy lipstick to complete the look

This style is perfect for themed events or as part of a historical gothic outfit.

3. Cyber Gothic Makeup

Cyber goth takes a bold, futuristic twist on traditional goth makeup. It’s bright, high-contrast, and made to stand out—often under UV lights.

• Start with a standard matte base, then add highlighter to cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow
• Choose neon or UV-reactive pigments for your eyes—bold green, blue, or pink work well
• Line both upper and lower lash lines with black eyeliner for contrast
• Finish with glitter gel around the eyes or cheeks for a space-age feel

If you like pushing the boundaries of style, this is one of the most unique gothic makeup looks to try.

4. Pastel Gothic Makeup

For a fun, slightly softer take on goth, pastel goth mixes light, colourful tones with gothic structure. This works well for anyone who prefers playful colours but still enjoys the darker aesthetic.

• Use pastel shadows like lilac, mint green, or baby blue on the lids
• Pair the look with black eyeliner wings or add falsies for extra drama
• Try coloured mascara in shades like purple or blue to keep it bold
• Go for a nude or soft lip so your eyes stay the focus

This is one of the more accessible styles for those looking to start with simple goth makeup that still makes a statement.

5. Pink Gothic Makeup

Pink gothic makeup is colourful yet still moody. It replaces the usual greys and blacks with a palette of rose, fuchsia, and plum.

• Start with a shimmer pink eyeshadow across the lids
• Blend a darker pink or reddish tone into the crease and lower lash line
• Use black mascara to contrast and define the lashes
• Pair the look with a plum-toned lip for a balance of colour and drama

This take on gothic eye makeup gives a bold yet feminine twist to traditional styles.

6. Trad Goth Makeup

Traditional goth makeup, or “trad goth,” sticks closely to the original look of the subculture. It’s dramatic, pale, and intentionally theatrical.

• Apply a foundation that’s one or two shades lighter than your natural tone
• Create strong contour lines, especially around the cheeks and jaw
• Use bold black eyeshadow and graphic gothic eyeliner looks
• Finish with black lipstick and sharply defined brows

This look is high impact and suits those who enjoy the darker side of fashion and beauty.

7. Soft Goth Makeup

If you’re just starting out or prefer something more wearable, soft goth is the easiest entry point into gothic makeup looks.

• Stick with a matte skin finish and very soft contour
• Use browns and greys to create a gentle smokey eye
• Keep your eyeliner more natural, with a small flick or subtle smudge
• Try a dark brown lip liner paired with gloss for a simple goth makeup touch

This beautiful gothic makeup style is subtle enough for daily wear but still nods to the overall aesthetic.

Beautiful Gothic Makeup Looks To Try

In conclusion, gothic makeup looks offer endless ways to express your style—whether you’re going for something bold, romantic, futuristic, or simple. From mastering the matte base to perfecting gothic eyeliner looks and trying out beautiful gothic makeup variations, the key is finding what suits you best. Whether you’re experimenting with pastel shades or embracing classic trad goth vibes, there’s no right or wrong way. Try different styles, have fun with colour, and make each goth makeup look your own.

Further reading:

Here’s some further articles to enhance your gothic makeup experience – 

• Best makeup brushes
• How to cover spots

FAQs

Is Gothic makeup only for Halloween or costumes?

No — while it’s popular for costumes, many people wear Gothic makeup daily as part of their personal style or within the goth subculture.

What are common mistakes to avoid with Gothic makeup?

Avoid heavy, unblended application (especially with black shadows), mismatched foundation shades, or overly dry matte lips without prepping them first.

Sources

Schwartz, D., Jacobsen, K., (2024) 22 of the most important goths in pop culture. Entertainment Weekly. [online] Available at: https://ew.com/news/22-of-the-most-important-goths-in-pop-culture/ [accessed 13/05/2025]