How to Apply Gothic Eye Makeup

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: October 4, 2021 References

Wearing gothic eye makeup is a dramatic, creative way to express yourself. Learning how to apply goth makeup might seem a little intimidating at first, but it only takes a few techniques to get right. Once you’ve learned how to choose the right colors, apply smokey eyeshadow, and mastered a few eyeliner looks, you’ll be ready to show off your goth look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Color Palette

1

Choose high-contrast colors. Iconic goth makeup is comprised of a high-contrast look. Choose either a bold or neutral lip color to contrast your eye makeup. Also, forego blush in favor of strong brows for a strong goth look.
2
Try basic black. Black is the classic goth color and it’s a great basis for any goth look. You can layer black eyeshadow all the way around your eyes, or go for a minimalist look with nothing but black eyeliner. ^{[1]
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- A dark brown eyeshadow can have nearly the same dramatic effect as a deep-colored black shade. ^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
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3
Use reds and plums for a more dramatic look. If you don’t like or can’t wear lots of black eye makeup, try a deeper, more dramatic look with deep reds and plums. Use dark plum as a base and blend it with red to make it look more goth. This is a great look for more formal events.
- Combine black eye makeup with a bold, red lip color to create a gothic effect.
Adding a little metallic color to your eyes is a great way to update a traditional goth look. Choose dark metallic shadows in silver, bronze, copper, or gold. You can even layer on glitter for a glam-rock effect.
5
Choose a pastel eyeshadow color for the pastel goth trend. You can use one color for this look, or a whole rainbow of pastels! Pink, baby blue, and butter yellow are very popular for this look, but any pastel is fine. ^{[3]
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- For the ultimate goth effect, pair pastel eyeshadow with black eyeliner, contour your face, and add strong brows.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Goth Eyeshadow

Put on an eyelid primer before starting--goth looks can get very messy! Primer helps your makeup stay on. This is especially important if you have hooded eyes or live in a humid area.
Using white shadow as a base will help your black makeup stand out even more. Put it on over your entire eyelid with a sponge or eyeshadow brush, from your brow to your lashes. If your skin is darker and you don’t like the contrasting effect, put it on the lower part of your lid only. You can also put it on under your eyes or in the inner corners of your eyes if you want. ^{[4]
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Put your base color on your eyelid with a small sponge or eyeshadow brush, starting along the lashes and working upward. How much you put on is up to you--you can put on only one layer just above your lash line for a smoky effect, or you can put on multiple layers across your entire eyelid. The more layers you put on, the darker it will be. This look can stand alone, or be used as the base for any other goth look. ^{[5]
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4
Try a smokey eye. The smokey eye technique is perfect for goth looks. To get a great smoky eye, use an angled brush to gently apply shadow along your top and bottom lash lines. Blend it into your skin all the way around your eye, including in the corners of your eyes. ^{[6]
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- Be sure to apply concealer under your eyes before putting the shadow on!
- Also, apply loose powder under your eyes to catch any fallen shadow. Use a large powder brush to sweep it away when you’re finished with your eye makeup.
5
Go for the pastel goth look. The pastel goth look uses soft pastels combined with dark liner. Apply the pastel shadow across your eyelid and under your eyes. You want to create a pastel base all along your eyelid, up to the crease. Then apply a layer of dark shadow or liner around your eyes. ^{[7]
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- If you want to use more than one color, try putting one color along your lashes, another right above it, and a third along the upper corner of your eye. Put a thin line of one color under your eyes, connecting it to your upper lid at the corner.
6
Put on glitter shadow. Glitter shadow can be a little tricky at first. Brush it on gently in layers around your eye, layering it gradually until you have the intensity you want. Be sure to pair glitter eyeshadow with black eyeliner for a truly goth look.
- If you get glitter on your skin, gently remove it with a small piece of double-sided tape.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Learning Eyeliner Techniques

You can use liquid, pencil, or gel eyeliners--whichever you are most comfortable with. Pencil eyeliners are easiest to master, but liquid or gel eyeliners can create a more intense goth look. Black eyeliner is a great base for any goth look, but you can use purple, blue, or even glitter eyeliner and still rock an amazing goth eye makeup look.
2
Line your eyes. Start at the inner corner of your upper eyelid and apply the liner in short strokes (rather than one continuous line) until you’ve reached the outer corner. For your lower eyelid, do the same thing while lifting your lower lashes with your other hand. It’s okay if you make a mistake--simply wipe it off and start over. ^{[8]
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- You can make your eyeliner as thick or thin as you want. Liquid liner is great for thin lines, while pencils can help you achieve a thicker line.
- If you smudge a smoky KAJAL eyeliner on your waterline, you can then go over it with deep-colored black or dark brown eyeshadow for a more dramatic appearance. ^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
Liquid eyeliner is best for a cat-eye. To start, lower your eyelids and draw a short line starting at the corner of your eye. Move the line upwards towards the end of your brow and stop about a centimeter away from the corner of your eye. Then, draw a line from the top of your first line back down to your eyelid--it should look like a triangle. Fill the triangle in and line the rest of your eye to finish the look! ^{[10]
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Many goths like to create elaborate makeup art next to their eyes. Some common designs include spiderwebs, swirls, crosses, flowers, or butterflies. Simply extend your eyeliner out past your eye, and draw your design with eyeliner on the side of your eye.
Put black mascara on both your upper and lower lashes. Use an eyelash comb to gently remove any clumps. Layering the mascara will create a more dramatic effect. You can also try false eyelashes, but this is optional. ^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you add shock value to your look?

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.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

When doing a smokey eye, use a blending brush to bring the color outwards towards the hairline, which will add a bit of shock value to the entire aesthetic.

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Question

How can I look goth?

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.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

For a goth makeup style, use a smoky KAJAL eyeliner on your waterline and smudge it with a Q-tip. Go over the black liner with a deep-colored black or dark brown eyeshadow. Then apply mascara. Finish off the look by darkening your eyebrows with pencil and contouring your cheekbones.

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Question

What should I do if my eyelashes are small but I can't wear false eyelashes?

Community Answer

Try XXXL volume mascara.

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Tips

Give yourself plenty of time to put your makeup on in case you make a mistake.

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Avoid rubbing your eyes!

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Practice as much as you can, especially if you have a big event coming up!

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Warnings

Some people can have an allergic reaction to certain makeup products. If you’ve never used a product, test it on your hand first.

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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

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How to Apply Gothic Eye Makeup

Steps

Choosing a Color Palette

Applying Goth Eyeshadow

Learning Eyeliner Techniques

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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References

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