Goth Makeup Look: How I Built This Dark, Sculpted Glam
Table of Contents
I didn’t really plan this out. It started off as something soft and ethereal, but the more I blended and built on it, the darker it got. By the end, I had one of those goth makeup looks that just feels right—sharp contours, smoky eyes, and that glossy black lip. Here’s exactly how it came together, step by step.
Prepping the Canvas

I mixed two primers—one to make sure it sticks, the other to keep my skin comfortable. Goth looks usually have a base that leans a little paler, so I went a shade lighter with foundation. It’s not chalky, just enough to make the shadows I’ll add later stand out.
Carving Out the Shape
Instead of bronzer, I used cool-toned contour, sweeping it under my cheekbones, along the jawline, and a little bit around my lips. I went in with a deeper, cooler shade to add more depth. It’s all about building that chiseled structure that goth makeup looks are known for.
Bright Highlights, Dark Eyes
I used a yellow-toned concealer on the high points—cheekbones, forehead, and chin—but skipped the under-eyes completely. The natural shadows under my eyes actually help with the whole gothic vibe, so why cover them up?
Brows That Frame the Drama
Strong brows tie everything together. I filled mine in with a cool pencil, focusing the color on the arch and tail. They’re defined enough to hold up against heavy eye makeup without looking harsh.
Smoky Eyes with Some Dimension
I started by priming with a sheer white base, dragging it slightly under my eyes. A burgundy liner adds just a touch of color before I layer on grays and blacks.
The look is all about deep sockets and blended edges:
- Outer corners smoked high for lift
- Inner corners deepened to hollow them out
- A bit of bronze just above the crease for warmth
It’s dark, but not flat.
A Flash of Shimmer
I tapped a cool-toned shimmer on my brow bone, the center of my lids, and the lower lash line. It catches light in just the right places and makes the dark shadows look even deeper—something I love about goth makeup looks.
Locking It In
I set only the middle of my face with translucent powder, leaving the edges softer. A bright finishing powder on the highlighted areas makes the sculpting stand out even more.
Lashes and Liner for the Finish
A thin sweep of black shadow along my lashes adds weight. I curled them, layered on mascara, and popped on half-strip lashes. They open the eyes just enough while keeping that sharp, smoky feel.
Lips: Dark, Glossy, and Center Stage

Lined with a cool brown, filled with black gloss, and set lightly with powder—this is the part that pulls it all together. A dark, reflective lip is what makes this look feel unapologetically goth.
The Last Details
I dusted a cool-toned powder under my eyes and along my contours, deepening the hollows. It’s that finishing touch that pushes the look fully into gothic territory—structured, moody, and sharp.
Goth Makeup Look: Why It Works
This is why I love goth makeup looks—they let you play with shadow and shape in a way that feels like art. There’s a drama to it, but it’s still wearable. Pale skin, strong brows, smoky eyes, and black gloss—it’s simple and striking.
Quick Recap
- Pale base with sculpted contours
- Strong, cool-toned brows
- Smoky gray-black eyes with shimmer
- Glossy black lips
- Dark circles embraced, not hidden
Goth Makeup Look: Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a night out or just because you feel like it, goth makeup looks give you permission to lean into the drama. They celebrate the contrast of light and shadow and let you wear your features in a whole new way.