17 Gothic Makeup Ideas
Gothic makeup is more than just dark lipstick and smoky eyes; it’s an art form, a statement, and a vibrant expression of individuality rooted in a rich subculture. From the romantic elegance of Victorian-inspired looks to the sharp, futuristic edge of Cyber Goth, there’s a vast spectrum of dark beauty waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to the ethereal, the dramatic, or the subtly mysterious, mastering gothic makeup allows you to craft a persona that truly resonates with your inner aesthetic. Dive into this comprehensive guide to discover 17 distinct gothic makeup ideas, complete with essential tips to help you achieve these captivating transformations.
1. Classic Victorian Goth
This look embodies the melancholic elegance of the 19th century, reimagined with a dark twist. The focus is on a porcelain-like complexion, often achieved with a very light foundation and powder. Eyes are softly defined with muted browns, grays, or deep plums, creating a subtle, elongated shape rather than a harsh line. A touch of kohl eyeliner can be applied close to the lash line. Lips are central, typically in shades of deep berry, oxblood, or a rich, dark red, applied with precision for a defined cupid’s bow. The overall effect is refined, sorrowful beauty, perfect for a lace gown or velvet ensemble.
2. Romantic Goth
Romantic Goth makeup draws inspiration from tragic romance and the beauty of decay. It’s softer and more ethereal than traditional goth. The complexion remains pale but can have a delicate, almost pearlescent glow. Eyes are often the focal point, with lush, smoky shadows in rich jewel tones like deep burgundy, amethyst, or sapphire, often blended with black. Long, dramatic lashes are key. Lips lean towards deep reds, plums, or even muted mauves, sometimes with a slightly blurred edge for a softer appearance. Hair is often long, flowing, and styled with natural waves or soft curls, adorned with flowers or lace.
3. Vampire Goth
Channeling the allure of the undead, vampire goth makeup is about dramatic contrasts and a predatory elegance. An almost deathly pale complexion is essential, often achieved with a very light, matte foundation. Eyes are intensely smoky, typically in black or deep charcoal, extending into a sharp wing or smudged for a more ancient look. Sometimes, a touch of deep red eyeshadow can be blended in. Brows are sharply defined and can be slightly arched. Lips are paramount: either a stark, glossy black or a rich, dripping blood-red. Contour is used to create sharp cheekbones, enhancing the angular, mysterious aesthetic. Hair is usually sleek, dark, and often pulled back to emphasize facial features.
4. Nu Goth (Modern Goth)
Nu Goth embraces contemporary trends while maintaining a dark aesthetic. This style is often cleaner, more minimalist, and experimental. Complexion can still be pale but doesn’t have to be stark; a natural matte finish works well. The eyes are the canvas for creativity, featuring graphic eyeliner, negative space designs, or sharply defined cut creases using black or dark grays. Lips can be a bold black, deep purple, or even an unusual shade like grey, often in a matte finish. Eyebrows are typically well-groomed and defined. Nu Goth often incorporates elements like septum rings, chokers, and contemporary dark fashion pieces, blending subculture with mainstream edge.
5. Cyber Goth
Cyber Goth makeup is a vibrant fusion of industrial, rave, and gothic elements. It’s characterized by bold, often neon colors contrasted with stark black. Complexion can be pale, sometimes with a slightly synthetic or plastic-like finish. Eyes are the most dynamic feature: think electric blue, lime green, or hot pink eyeshadows, often used in graphic shapes or stripes, paired with heavy black eyeliner. Geometric patterns, dots, or even small circuit board designs can be incorporated around the eyes. Lips might be black, a contrasting neon color, or even a metallic shade. This look often accompanies elaborate hairstyles with dreadfalls and UV-reactive clothing.
6. Traditional Goth (Batcave)
Rooted in the original 80s Batcave scene, Traditional Goth makeup is raw, dramatic, and unapologetically dark. The complexion is extremely pale, often with a theatrical whiteness. Eyes are heavily rimmed with black kohl liner, smudged and dramatic, often extending to create a sunken, shadowed effect. Eyeshadow is usually black or dark gray, applied liberally. Lips are typically black, deep plum, or dark red, sometimes with a slightly smudged, unkempt edge. The overall impression is one of artifice and theatricality, complementing teased, voluminous hair (often a ‘Deathhawk’ or back-combed style) and ripped fishnets.
7. Deathrock Goth
Deathrock makeup is a grittier, punk-infused branch of gothic style, focusing on a more macabre and distressed aesthetic. Complexion is gaunt and pale, often with heavy contouring to emphasize cheekbones and eye sockets. Eyes are intensely dark and smudged, looking almost bruised or exhausted, with black eyeshadow and liner applied messily for a raw, ‘undone’ feel. Sometimes, drawn stitches or skeletal elements are incorporated. Lips are typically black, deep purple, or a faded, bruised red, often applied unevenly for a more visceral look. Hair is usually wild, teased, and often dyed unnatural colors like green or blue.
8. Pastel Goth
Pastel Goth is a whimsical subgenre that merges the soft aesthetics of pastel colors with traditional gothic elements. The complexion is typically pale, creating a canvas for the pastel tones. Eyes are adorned with soft, dreamy pastel eyeshadows—think lavender, mint green, baby pink, or sky blue—often outlined with crisp black eyeliner for contrast. Graphic liner elements can also be used. Lips can be in a complementary pastel shade, a contrasting black, or a simple nude. This style often includes cute, spooky accessories like bat bows or skull jewelry, and hair dyed in vibrant pastel hues.
9. Tribal Goth
Tribal Goth incorporates elements from indigenous cultures and ancient aesthetics, often with a focus on natural textures and earthy tones, but with a gothic edge. Complexion can range from pale to a more natural, slightly tanned look. The key feature is face paint, using black, deep reds, or earthy browns to create intricate dots, lines, swirls, or symbolic patterns on the face, reminiscent of ancient markings. Eyes are often smoky with earthy shades or defined with simple black liner. Lips are usually muted, in dark browns, deep reds, or even a dark nude, to let the face paint stand out. Adornments like bones, feathers, and natural materials are common.
10. Witchy Goth
Witchy Goth makeup embodies mystical allure, drawing inspiration from folklore, nature, and the occult. The complexion is often natural but with an ethereal glow, sometimes enhanced with a subtle highlight. Eyes are smoky and mysterious, using shades like deep forest green, amethyst purple, smoky gray, or rich copper, often blended with black. A touch of iridescent shimmer can add to the magical effect. Lips are typically deep and moody, ranging from rich plums and dark berries to deep browns or even black. This style often involves long, flowing hair and natural elements like crystals or twigs in accessories, creating an enchanted, ancient forest vibe.
11. Elegant Goth
Elegant Goth is about refined darkness, sophistication, and timeless beauty. It’s less about shock value and more about polished allure. The complexion is flawless and typically pale, but perfectly blended and matte. Eyebrows are meticulously groomed and defined. Eyes are subtly smoky with deep charcoal, dark brown, or black, applied with precision and often featuring a sharp, clean eyeliner wing. The overall eye look is strong but not overly dramatic or smudged. Lips are a focal point, perfectly defined in deep reds, burgundies, or dark plums, often with a satin or matte finish. This look complements tailored gothic attire and classic silhouettes.
12. Grunge Goth
Grunge Goth combines the raw, rebellious aesthetic of grunge with traditional gothic darkness. It’s a less polished, more ‘lived-in’ look. Complexion is often natural or slightly pale, perhaps with a deliberate ‘undone’ quality, like smudged foundation or visible blemishes. Eyes are heavily smudged with black kohl liner and dark eyeshadow, giving a ‘slept-in’ or ‘I don’t care’ vibe. The liner isn’t neat; it’s messy and almost artfully imperfect. Lips can be in deep reds, burgundies, or black, sometimes applied imperfectly or slightly smudged for a more worn appearance. Hair is often messy, unkempt, or dyed in dark, faded colors.
13. Fetish Goth
Fetish Goth makeup emphasizes sharpness, precision, and an almost artificial perfection, often drawing inspiration from BDSM aesthetics and materials like latex and PVC. Complexion is typically extremely pale and flawless, sometimes with a high-gloss finish or an almost plastic-like sheen. Eyes are the arena for sharp, graphic eyeliner – think dramatic wings, intricate geometric patterns, or stark, defined shapes in black, sometimes with a glossy topcoat. Eyeshadow is usually minimal or a very stark black. Lips are precise and bold, often in glossy black, deep red, or a unique shade like purple, applied with absolute perfection to create a striking, almost manufactured look. Sculpted brows and sharp contouring are also common.
14. Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita makeup is a fusion of Victorian doll aesthetics with gothic darkness, emphasizing innocence and refinement. The complexion is porcelain-like and flawless. Eyes are made to appear large and doll-like, using heavy eyeliner (often winged), dark shadow in the outer V, and significant lower lash line definition (sometimes with white liner on the waterline to open the eye). False eyelashes, both top and bottom, are crucial for this look. Brows are natural yet neatly groomed. Lips are often painted to appear smaller and more ‘rosebud’ like, using shades of deep pink, berry, or muted red. A touch of blush on the apples of the cheeks adds to the doll-like innocence. Hair is often styled with elegant curls or braids, adorned with bows and headpieces.
15. Steampunk Goth Elements
While Steampunk has its own distinct aesthetic, it can be fused with gothic elements for a darker, more elaborate look. The makeup blends Victorian refinement with industrial, brassy accents. Complexion can be pale or a slightly weathered, natural tone. Eyes might feature smoky brown or bronze eyeshadows, often with metallic shimmers. Eyeliner can be used to create intricate patterns around the eyes, perhaps resembling clockwork gears or mechanical designs, in black or dark brown. Lips are usually in muted, earthy tones like deep browns, rusted reds, or dark nudes, often with a matte or satin finish. This style pairs well with goggles, cogs, and elaborate hairpieces.
16. Forest/Nature Goth
Forest or Nature Goth makeup draws inspiration from ancient forests, paganism, and the mystical side of nature. The complexion is usually natural, perhaps with a subtle, luminous glow, as if touched by moonlight. Eyes are adorned with earthy and deep natural tones: moss green, deep browns, muted grays, or even a touch of deep forest blue, often blended with black for depth. Sometimes, subtle artistic elements like tiny drawn leaves, vines, or dewdrops can be incorporated. Lips are typically muted, in deep berries, natural browns, or dark nudes, with a soft, organic finish. Hair is often long, flowing, and adorned with natural elements like leaves, twigs, or small flowers.
17. Everyday Subtle Goth
For those who wish to incorporate gothic elements into their daily look without going full theatrical, Everyday Subtle Goth offers a sophisticated balance. The complexion is typically pale and matte but looks natural and refined. Eyes are defined with a soft, smoky effect using deep grays, dark browns, or a muted black, often with a clean, precise eyeliner wing. The look is less smudged and more controlled than traditional or grunge goth. Lips are the primary gothic indicator, chosen in a deep berry, plum, oxblood, or even a muted, dark mauve, applied precisely. Black lipstick can be worn, but often in a satin rather than glossy finish for a more understated impact. Brows are well-groomed, tying the look together with a subtle, dark elegance.
Key Takeaways for Gothic Makeup
- Complexion is Key:Â Whether stark white or naturally pale, a smooth, often matte, canvas is fundamental.
- Eyes as a Canvas:Â From subtle smudges to graphic wings, eyes are a focal point for expressing different gothic subgenres.
- Bold Lips:Â Dark lipsticks (black, deep red, plum) are a hallmark of gothic beauty, offering a strong statement.
- Precision vs. Rawness:Â Some styles demand meticulous application, while others thrive on an undone, visceral aesthetic.
- Subgenre Specifics:Â Each gothic subgenre has its own unique makeup language, influencing color, intensity, and technique.
Dos and Don’ts of Gothic Makeup
Dos:
- Do experiment with textures:Â Matte, satin, metallic, and glossy finishes can dramatically alter a look.
- Do invest in good quality dark pigments:Â Especially for eyeshadows and lipsticks, true black and deep jewel tones make a difference.
- Do use primer:Â To ensure your dramatic looks last all day (or night).
- Do explore contouring:Â To sculpt features and enhance the desired aesthetic, whether sharp or ethereal.
- Do match your makeup to your overall aesthetic:Â Ensure your makeup complements your hair, outfit, and accessories for a cohesive look.
Don’ts:
- Don’t be afraid to be dramatic:Â Gothic makeup is about making a statement; embrace the boldness.
- Don’t forget proper blending:Â Unless the smudged look is intentional, blend your eyeshadows for a seamless finish.
- Don’t neglect skincare:Â Dramatic makeup looks best on a healthy, well-prepped canvas.
- Don’t limit yourself to black:Â While black is iconic, incorporate deep reds, purples, greens, and even pastels.
- Don’t follow trends blindly:Â Gothic style is about individuality; adapt looks to suit your unique features and personality.
Accessorizing Tips for Gothic Makeup
Gothic makeup doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s part of a larger, immersive aesthetic. Consider how your makeup interacts with your accessories. For Romantic Goth, delicate silver jewelry, intricate chokers, and velvet ribbons in the hair can enhance the ethereal quality. For Cyber Goth, neon hair falls, industrial piercings, and chunky, reflective jewelry amplify the futuristic vibe. Traditional Goth often pairs with studded chokers, fishnets, and large, ornate rings. Even subtle looks can be elevated with a carefully chosen piece, like a dark gemstone pendant or a lace hair clip. The goal is harmony, ensuring every element of your presentation speaks the same dark, beautiful language.
