Q&A for How to Apply Goth Makeup

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  • Question
    What makeup do Goths use?
    JoAnn Solomon
    Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
    JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.
    Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    It depends on your specific style, but I'd use a smoky or smudgy KAJAL eyeliner on the waterline, and smudge it with a Q-tip. Then, I'd go over that black liner with a deep colored black or dark brown eyeshadow, and apply mascara. Lastly, I'd darken the brow with a dark brow pencil and contour the cheekbones, for a more Marilyn Manson look.
  • Question
    Wouldn't wearing makeup every day damage my skin?
    Community Answer
    Not if you cleanse it off well every day and take good care of your skin.
  • Question
    What should I do if I am not allowed to die my hair black and I have blonde hair?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to have black hair to be goth or emo. Having blond hair can give a bit of a punk rock look that is somewhat similar to emo/goth.
  • Question
    What if you suck at eyeliner?
    Community Answer
    Go for a messy goth look; just apply dark eyeshadow on both upper and lower lids with an eyeshadow brush.
  • Question
    What if I already have pale skin?
    Community Answer
    If you already have pale skin, you won't need to bother with foundations and other things to achieve the classic goth look. That said, do not be deceived by the idea that being goth is only for white people, as that is racist and does not fit the definition of the goth subculture. Remember that goth is for everyone with the music taste and personality.
  • Question
    I want to dye my hair black, but I have blonde hair. Will it go green if I do it?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    It depends on what brand of dye you use. Because your hair is blonde and going from blonde to black is such a drastic change, I would recommend going to a professional to get it dyed to ensure it won't turn out green or gray.
  • Question
    Can I wear makeup if I am only nine-years-old?
    Community Answer
    This is something you will have to discuss with your parent(s) or guardian. The methods described in this article may be a bit extreme for someone your age. Try asking your parents if you can start with some simple things like a small eyeshadow palette and lip gloss, then work your way up.
  • Question
    I'm a guy. Can I wear this?
    Magdalen Ketchum
    Community Answer
    Of course. Wear whatever you feel comfortable with.
  • Question
    What if I don't want to wear pale foundation?
    Milo Fedane
    Community Answer
    Being goth doesn't mean you have to wear pale foundation. If you don't like how it looks, you can skip that step. Plenty of people who wear goth makeup leave their skin as is.
  • Question
    What about liquid eyeliner?
    Community Answer
    Experiment! Liquid eyeliner is great, but the mistake is when people cake it on so that it diminishes their eyes.
  • Question
    What if my skin is naturally tan/olive, and I don't want it to be lighter? Can I still do this look without pale foundation?
    Community Answer
    Yes, absolutely. You don't need to have pale skin. Just skip the foundation.
  • Question
    I really want to do this, but I go to a very strict Catholic school. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Wear your makeup outside of school, or maybe tone it down a bit at school, if it's allowed.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to shave my eyebrows off so I can draw my own?
    Community Answer
    No. Shaving your eyebrows off is not necessary. You can create a goth look without making your eyebrows from scratch. If you have very dark eyebrows, you could cover them with some foundation and then draw them in as you like.
  • Question
    Is it not a good idea to wear stage makeup or costume makeup?
    Community Answer
    Wearing stage, costume, or regular makeup is all fine to wear, as long as you remove it all properly at the end of the day. You can do this with any makeup wipes, or micellar water, both found in most pharmacies.
  • Question
    Do I have to be good at makeup to do this?
    Community Answer
    You have to be okay. Goth makeup does not have to be perfect. Feel free to smudge or mess up whatever you'd like.
  • Question
    What should I do for the rest of my face?
    Community Answer
    Try a cream foundation in the lightest color and experiment with some cool lip colors.
  • Question
    What is a good age to start wearing goth makeup?
    Community Answer
    It's really up to you and, more importantly, it depends on what your parents say.
  • Question
    What if I am African American?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    Use your regular foundation and wear dark lipstick and eye shadow. Using a lighter foundation can make darker skin tones look too ashy.
  • Question
    Where can I get cheap makeup?
    Community Answer
    Amazon has pretty good options for cheap makeup. You can find it in most drugstores too, like Walgreens, CVS, etc.
  • Question
    Will I get pimples or anything if I am under 12 years old?
    Zoe
    Community Answer
    Possibly. You may begin to develop acne when you start puberty. Some teens don't get acne. It varies from person to person.
  • Question
    What if I am not allowed to wear makeup and dress emo, but I really want to? I'm afraid to talk to my parents about this.
    Community Answer
    There's nothing to be afraid of. Most likely the worst case scenario is that they will say no. Start with something small. Ask if you could wear a little eyeliner or an emo accessory or two. If you can get them to say yes to this, you can gradually work your way up to other things.
  • Question
    What would be considered minimal makeup according to school rules?
    Sarah.Johnson
    Community Answer
    Minimal makeup is usually just base, a very neutral/ light eyeshadow, and a natural lip color. This varies depending on the school, but this is the basic. You can contact your school for more specific information regarding their specific rules.
  • Question
    How do I wear black makeup to school without making my parents upset?
    Community Answer
    If your parents don't like you wearing makeup to school or object to black makeup specifically, and you would get in serious trouble, don't wear it. Always try to dialogue about these things, though. You may be able to change their minds.
  • Question
    I'm Asian and my skin is yellowish, would it be weird if I wore foundation one tone lighter? Usually I wear medium beige, what would you suggest?
    Community Answer
    I don't think that would be weird. Maybe try a couple of different brands/shades and see what looks best and most natural on you.
  • Question
    Can I use black eye shadow for my lipstick?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use eye shadow as lipstick but for a better effect, put lip balm on first.
  • Question
    How do I talk to my parents about going Goth?
    Derin Isik
    Community Answer
    Tell them that you like this style and you want to express yourself. You can also tell them that this won't change your personal life or school life!
  • Question
    How do I wear eyeshadow for school?
    Derin Isik
    Community Answer
    If your school lets you wear eyeshadow, try wearing a dark shade of purple. But don't overdo it, you don't want to end up in the principal's office. if your school doesn't let you, then don't wear it, it is not necessary.
  • Question
    Do I have to make my skin pale because I don't have the right foundation or the money for it?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to make your skin pale, it's all your choice.
  • Question
    What if your skin tone is porcelain, what kind of foundation do you use?
    Community Answer
    Use a light BB Cream. BB Creams are thin, breathable, and do the job of both foundation and concealer.
  • Question
    How can I start being goth at a young age, like 10?
    Community Answer
    Age 10 is a bit young to become a goth. Are you sure you're ready for all the surprises and twists in the road ahead of the goth subculture?
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