How to Do Emo Makeup

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Emo make-up features dark eyes with cat-eye shaped eyeliner, using a smoky eye technique. Typically, lips and cheeks are kept simple with natural toned makeup. This is the difference between goth and emo; goth is a more extreme look with dark lips and eyes and pale skin. Emo is a style that applies to both anyone who wants to adopt it. If you want to do some one else's idea of emo makeup, get started at step number one below.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Applying Emo Makeup for Girls

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  1. 1
    Wash your face well. Always apply makeup on fresh, clean skin.
    • Use a mild soap or cleaner to avoid drying your skin out.
    • Pat your skin dry.
    • You may want to apply a makeup primer at this point to help all of your makeup adhere to your skin.
  2. 2
    Apply a concealer and foundation . The stick form of concealer is preferable as it applies the most evenly and hides blemishes well.
    • Use a liquid foundation and blend it well.
    • Make sure your concealer and foundation are the right shade for your skin tone. [1]
    • The wrong tone can make your skin look washed out, yellow or orange.
    • Use a foundation brush to apply your foundation for the most even application and polished look.
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  3. Use blush sparingly, as the Emo look focuses on the eyes and less on the colors of the skin and lips.
    • If you are going for a pale look then try not to use blush as the goal of Emo makeup is to accentuate the eyes.
    • Keep the shade only slightly pinker than your skin tone.
    • Apply in circles to the cheekbones.
    • Avoid putting blush on contours or cheek hollows.
  4. 4
    Apply eyeshadow in dark colors. Use a smokey eye effect. [2]
    • Start by applying a matte slade shade of eyeshadow across the eyelid.
    • Add a small touch of black eyeliner towards the outer 1/3 of the eyelid.
    • Blend the darker eyeshadow to create a smokey effect.
  5. [3] Since Emo make up is typically dark and heavy, make sure to get a lot of black makeup.
    • Apply black eyeliner on the lash line.
    • Extend the eyeliner a little bit on both sides of the eye and inner and outer corner to create a 2-way jacketed effect.
    • Thicken the eyeliner. Go over the eyeliner again until you are satisfied with it.
    • Make sure the eyeliner ends meet up at the corners of your eyes. On the outside, the effect should be somewhat catlike, with the line slanting upwards towards your temples.
  6. [4] You can do this using a sponge applicator.
    • Define the edges of the eyeliner with a liquid eyeliner for a smooth effect.
    • You can also add a coloured eyeliner here if you want to add some more vibrancy. Repeat the eyeliner application on your top lashes.
    • Try to keep the eyeliner consistently smooth on both the top and bottom lash lines.
  7. Apply black mascara to upper lashes. Remember, the eyes are the focus of the Emo look, so it is important to emphasize the eyelashes.
    • Take care not to smudge mascara onto the eyelid when applying.
    • Some people apply mascara to their lower lashes, too. Take care when doing this as it can smudge easily.
    • For a more dramatic effect, use false eyelashes . Use these carefully as applying eyelash glue can be challenging and you are working close to your eye.
  8. You want to focus to be on your eyes so don't overdo it with the lips.
    • Be sure to use a lip moisturizer such as lip balm. This helps your look to not wear away as fast, so you don't have to re-applicate it often.
    • Avoid dark or bright colors on the lips, as that is more a trend with Gothic style makeup.
    • A light lip color in a slightly pink or natural shade is best for the Emo style.
    • Lip liner isn't typically used in this type of look.

    Sidney Gillaspie

    Dec 18, 2016

    "I'm very emo in the inside, but it doesn't show, so this is very helpful. I hang out emos and nobody ..." more
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Emo Makeup for Boys

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  1. 1
    Apply foundation or concealer sparingly. Only use enough foundation or concealer to hide imperfections.
    • Don't make it look obviously done. Emo makeup on boys is usually a bit more subtle than on girls.
    • Most Emo guys don't wear foundation or concealer but it can be a good technique if you have blemishes or scars.
    • If using concealer, use the stick form as it goes on evenly and blends well. Tap your fingertips or use a concealer brush to blend it.
  2. Put it carefully onto your lash line in one continuous line to give a smooth final result. [5]
    • Keep the line as close to your lashes as possible.
    • The amount of eyeliner you apply depends on personal preference so try out different looks at home to find one you like.
    • You can use a liquid liner to define and clean up the edge of your eyeliner.
  3. This is optional but if you decide to apply eyeshadow then try to use a light amount and stay away from bright neon colours. [6]
    • Charcoal eyeshadow is a good choice.
    • You should put a little bit of eyeshadow under the eye.
    • Boy Emo makeup is usually less dramatic than this same style on girls, though personal preference may change this.
  4. You should always use black mascara when completing an Emo look.
    • It is not recommended for boys to curl their eyelashes as this creates too much of a feminine effect.
    • It is quite acceptable for boys and men to apply makeup. Many famous rockstars use makeup on a regular basis.
    • The amount of eyeliner and mascara used on boys may come down to personal preference rather than gendered standards.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Applying Emo Makeup for Both Sexes

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  1. 1
    Use a light liquid foundation. Apply this with a foundation brush. [7]
    • It should be no lighter than one to two shades the your natural skin tone.
    • Foundation that is too light can make your skin look ashy or overly made up.
    • Foundation that is too dark can give your skin a yellow or orangish hue. This should be avoided when trying for an Emo style.
  2. 2
    Use a black or brown eyeliner on your lashline. Waterproof is recommended.
    • First use a black or brown eyeliner pencil and blend it to create a smoky effect.
    • Use liquid liner to define the look of the eyeliner, sweeping the line up towards the temples at the corner of the eye to create a cat eye look.
    • Thicken and darken eyeliner to your preference.
  3. Smokey eye effects are key to the Emo style. [8]
    • Spread a lighter matte shade to the eyelid.
    • Apply black eyeliner on the outer 1/3 of the eye and a little bit into your crease. Remember you want this to look soft.
    • Apply the shadow on the lower lash line as well.
  4. Some people like to curl the eyelashes first for a feminine look and to emphasize the eyes. [9]
    • Put the mascara on thicker on the upper lashes and go lighter on the lower lashes.
    • Some people prefer to use false eyelashes for an even more extreme look.
  5. Choose a natural shade that won't distract from the eyes.
    • Avoid black lipstick, dark red, or bright colors.
    • Keep the lips extremely subtle.
    • Don't use a lip liner as this will attract attention away from your carefully done eye makeup.
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Comments

  • Rosa Hernandez

    Dec 24, 2016

    "What helped me the most was the makeup for both boys and girls, because my brother has been wondering how to do it."

  • Staralai S.

    May 25, 2017

    "I'm new to this, and its kinda hard to apply makeup. This helped a lot, thank you!"

  • Anonymous

    Feb 17, 2017

    "Best 13 years of my life, dedicated to this tutorial."
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I do an emo eye makeup 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
    Use a smoky 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 and apply mascara over the eye. This will create a very dramatic appearance.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 33
  • Question
    How do I become emo if my parents don't agree with it?
    Community Answer
    Try to reason with them. Explain that it's just a trendy look and it doesn't mean anything bad. Ask them what exactly they object to, and see if you can compromise (i.e. if they don't like a lot of thick eye makeup, try do a more subtle look for your eyes). Stay calm when you're talking to them. They won't listen to you if you're yelling or whining.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 106
  • Question
    I am oily around the eyes and most of the eyeshadow and eyeliner that I put on comes off by the end of the day. Is there anything I can do?
    Intothepark
    Community Answer
    Try using an eye primer. My favorites are the Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer or the Smashbox oil primer. If that doesn't work, try using a setting spray. I like the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 53
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      • "Sometimes people will judge you because of the make up you wear, especially the eyeliner. Just leave them alone and show them that they don't bother you." - Gustavo N.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFomaegi0Y
      2. ↑ JoAnn Solomon. Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
      3. ↑ JoAnn Solomon. Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
      4. ↑ JoAnn Solomon. Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJh202afaU
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJh202afaU
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFomaegi0Y
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvnQxjvq0Dc
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvnQxjvq0Dc

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The key to good emo makeup is using plenty of black and emphasizing your eyes. Use black eye pencil or liquid liner to outline your eyes. You can also apply black mascara to your upper lashes to help contrast the white of your eyes. This looks great on both girls and guys. For a more complete look, apply some dark smokey eyeshadow to your eyelids. If you want to wear lipstick, keep it matte so it doesn’t draw too much attention away from your eyes. You should also use blush sparingly and only use a shade lighter than your skin tone if you do. For more tips, including how to prepare your face for makeup, read on!

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