Your Easy 10-Step Goth Makeup Tutorial

A dramatic gothic makeup look always makes a statement. This iconic ‘90s makeup with its signature smoky eye and oxblood lip color still haunts the top beauty trends today. But from pastel goth makeup to alternative (alt) looks, the old vampy visage has had a modern-day revamp. This look combines the classic gothic dark shadows with a hint of shimmer to create a drop-dead gorgeous face that’s edgy but elegant. Ready to embrace the darker side of the eyeshadow palette? Keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial on how to get this glamorous goth makeup look. 

How To Get A Goth Makeup Look

Follow these easy instructions to help you execute a gorgeous goth makeup look.

Step 1: Prime Your Face

To ensure your makeup look lasts, always start with a makeup primer. Set the stage by applying the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer to your face to create a smooth base for your makeup application.

Step 2: Apply Foundation

Every goth makeup look begins with fresh, flawless skin. Reach for a full-coverage formula like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, and apply with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender for a perfect finish.

Step 4: Create A Goth Glow

Instead of a sunken look, this goth makeup features a ghostly icy glow. Apply the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline to add definition. Then, using a fan brush, apply the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder onto your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, and cupid’s bow. Finish your cheeks with a neutral blush shade.

Step 5: Create A Smokey Eye 

A bold, dark smokey eye is what brings any goth makeup to life. This look uses a wintery mix of black, blues, and silver hues for a softer goth eyeshadow. Take your time layering your shadows and slowly build them up until you have the desired intensity.

Start by applying a dark gray shadow, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadow in Liquid Diamond, on your lid to act as the base of the look. After you’ve coated your lid, use a fluffy eye shadow brush to slightly blend the color into your crease, getting rid of any harsh lines. Then, use a flat eyeshadow brush to pack on a blue shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eyeshadow in Midnight Blue, and gradually build up the color a bit at a time. 

Once you’ve reached your desired level of darkness, go back in with your blending brush to buff the color into your crease and smoke out the look. Finish your eyeshadow by picking up a small amount of metallic silver or white glitter eyeshadow like the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in String of Pearls and use it to line the insides corner of your eyes and your lower lash line. 

Editor’s Tip: If you normally stick with neutral eye makeup or just need a guide, check out our tutorial, How to Create the Ultimate Black Smokey Eye.

Step 6: Line Your Eyes

No goth eye makeup is complete without dramatic black eyeliner. Grab a felt tip eyeliner like the L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof in Black, and draw your sharpest winged eyeliner along your upper lash line. Next, line your lower lash line but avoid tracing the inner corner of your eye. Keep your eyeliner confined to the outer three-quarters of your lash line. For an even eerier effect, use eyeliner to draw wispy lines from your lashes down your cheek. 

Step 7: Boost Your Lashes

Tie your eye makeup altogether with a volumizing mascara. Swipe a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable onto your lashes for wicked weightless volume.

Step 8: Define Your Brows

This edgy eye makeup look calls for a clean-cut eyebrow shape. Fill in your arches using the L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil. Then, make them pop by highlighting the undersides with a light swipe of L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder. 

Step 9: Add A Dark Lipstick

Finish your goth glam look with a dark lip color. Stick with the basic black aesthetic or try a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Roseblood, to add a dark purple pinch to your pout.

Step 10: Seal The Look

To keep your undead makeup looking alive all day (and night), spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. 

Next: How To Create A Classic 1950s Makeup Look

Written By: Lauren Paige Richeson, Photo Credit: Vesmedinia, IG/@vesmedinia