Goth eye makeup is bold, edgy, and totally unique. It’s more than just makeup—it’s a way to show off personality and style. I first fell in love with it after seeing a friend rock a dramatic, smoky eye at a concert. The mix of dark shadows, eyeliner, and fierce lashes made her eyes pop in the best way.
Since then, I’ve played around with different goth looks, from subtle to intense. Whether you’re just starting or want to perfect your technique, this guide will help you create stunning goth eye makeup that makes a statement every time.
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How I Helped Lily Find Her Signature Goth Look
Lily, a college student, struggled with finding a goth makeup look that suited her style. She often felt overwhelmed by the boldness of typical goth makeup.
After a quick consultation, I introduced her to a simpler approach: a smoky eye with a dark liner, paired with neutral lips. Lily was thrilled by how it reflected her individuality, and it became her go-to look for parties and casual outings.
Goth Eye Makeup Looks: How to Achieve Bold, Striking Eyes with Urban Decay
Goth eye makeup is all about making a statement. It’s dramatic, dark, and bold. Think dark, smoky shadows, thick eyeliner, and lots of mascara. This style often includes deep blacks, purples, and smoky grays, creating a mysterious and edgy vibe.
You might go for a sharp cat-eye, a sultry smudged look, or even add a pop of color like blood red or midnight blue. Gothic fashion plays a huge role in this, pulling inspiration from Victorian, punk, and emo styles. Each look can be personalized to fit your vibe. Whether you’re at a concert or an evening out, the goth look always stands out.
A Simple Yet Stunning Approach: Goth Eye Makeup for Beginners with Maybelline
If you’re new to goth makeup, don’t worry! You don’t have to go full-on dark for your first try. A simple yet striking look is totally possible with just a few basic tools. Start with a good primer to set the base. Use a dark eyeshadow like Maybelline’s Color Tattoo in “Barely Branded” and apply it all over your lids. Then, add a smudge of black eyeliner along your lash line.
Don’t forget mascara—it gives the eyes that dramatic, wide-open effect. The key is keeping it minimal, but still powerful. Use a neutral lip color, like a soft nude, so your eyes get all the attention. This simple goth eye makeup look is perfect for beginners and still feels totally fierce.
Goth Eye Makeup Tutorial: Perfecting Your Technique with Urban Decay
Now that you’re ready for a more detailed approach, let’s take it up a notch with a step-by-step tutorial. Start with Urban Decay’s Naked Smoky Palette. Apply a neutral shade all over your eyelids as a base. Then, using a darker shade (like “Black Market”), apply it along your upper lash line. Smudge it slightly for that signature goth smoky eye effect. Next, use a pencil liner, such as Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, and line both your upper and lower lash lines.
Blend it with a brush to create a smoky look. Add a touch of shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes to balance the intensity. Finish with thick coats of mascara for that dramatic goth vibe. Avoid heavy blush or highlighter so your eyes are the focus of the look.
Goth Eye Makeup for Hooded Eyes: Flattering the Shape with Urban Decay
Hooded eyes can be a challenge when creating dramatic goth looks. The lid is partially hidden when your eyes are open, making it tricky to apply makeup that pops. But trust me, it’s totally possible to rock goth makeup with hooded eyes. First, use a matte, neutral eyeshadow to create a smooth base. Then, apply a darker shade from Urban Decay’s Naked Smoky Palette, but focus it just above the crease.
This will give the illusion of depth. For eyeliner, go for a bold wing, but be sure to keep it thick enough to show when your eyes are open. Avoid too much shimmer on the lid, as it can make your eyes look even smaller. Finish with a voluminous mascara that lifts the lashes, opening up your eyes and giving you that goth edge.
Men and Goth Eye Makeup: Embracing Boldness and Individuality with Maybelline
Goth makeup isn’t just for women—men are rocking it, too. The beauty of goth makeup is how it breaks traditional beauty rules. For men, a bold goth eye look can show off creativity and individuality. Start with Maybelline’s The Colossal Big Shot Mascara for thick, defined lashes. Then, use a dark eyeliner to create a sharp cat-eye or smudged liner for a more rebellious vibe.
Adding dark eyeshadow in shades of black or deep purple can give you that edgy, mysterious look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with eyeliner shapes, whether it’s a straight line or something more dramatic. The key is to have fun with it and embrace a style that feels authentic to you.
Goth Eye Makeup Liner: Mastering the Art of Dark Definition with NYX
Eyeliner is everything in goth makeup. It defines the eyes, adds drama, and makes a bold statement. For the perfect goth eyeliner look, I reach for NYX Professional Makeup’s Epic Ink Liner. Its smooth application lets you create a precise line or a thick, smudged look depending on your mood. If you’re into the classic goth style, go for a winged eyeliner or cat-eye.
For a more edgy vibe, experiment with a smudged, smoky liner along your waterline and lower lash line. Don’t forget the top lashes, as adding a thick line will give your eyes that dark, dramatic look. Remember to take your time and practice—creating the perfect liner takes patience, but the results are worth it.
Goth Eye Makeup Ideas: From Classic to Contemporary with Urban Decay
Goth eye makeup can range from the iconic, intense looks to more modern, creative twists. The classic goth look is all about dark, smoky eyes, sharp eyeliner, and minimal color. But there are so many ways to freshen it up. You can incorporate bold colors like deep reds or purples, or even add glitter for a sparkly edge.
Mix goth with grunge by adding smudged eyeliner or with punk by going for neon accents. Whether you’re going to a concert or just hanging out, a goth eye makeup look can be tailored to any occasion, from subtle to intense.
A Simple Goth Eye Makeup Tutorial for Easy Everyday Looks with Maybelline
For an easy goth eye look that doesn’t take hours to achieve, start with Maybelline’s Color Tattoo in “Tough as Taupe.” Apply a light wash over your lids for a smoky base. Then, line your eyes with Maybelline’s Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner for a sharp, clean line.
Finish with a few coats of mascara to give your lashes volume. Keep your lips neutral with a nude lipstick so the eyes stay the focus. This is the perfect low-maintenance goth look for anyone just starting.
Goth Eye Makeup for Different Seasons: Adapting Your Look Year-Round with NYX
Changing seasons mean changing makeup, and goth eye makeup is no different. In the colder months, I love to use darker tones, like deep purples and blacks. During spring and summer, I tone it down a bit with lighter shades or even add pops of color like teal or emerald.
NYX Professional Makeup’s Ultimate Shadow Palette is perfect for transitioning between seasons, offering a variety of shades to play with. Add some shimmer during the warmer months to keep it fresh and vibrant. Goth makeup works year-round—just adapt the tones!
The Goth Makeup Revolution: From Underground to the Mainstream with Urban Decay
Goth makeup has come a long way. What once started as an underground trend is now a bold statement in mainstream beauty. Social media plays a big part in this shift, with influencers and beauty artists embracing the style and putting their own twist on it.
Urban Decay’s Naked Smoky Palette, for example, has made goth-inspired eyeshadow looks more accessible to everyone. As more people embrace goth makeup, it’s clear this bold, individualistic style is here to stay. It’s all about expressing yourself and breaking beauty norms.
Finishing Touches: How to Complete Your Goth Eye Makeup Look with Maybelline
After getting your eyes perfectly lined and shadowed, it’s time to finish your goth look. I always make sure my makeup lasts by setting it with a good setting spray, like Maybelline’s Lasting Fix. When it comes to the rest of my face, I keep things simple.
A soft, matte blush and a nude lip work well to balance out the intensity of the eyes. To really make your look pop, pair it with a goth-inspired outfit—think dark, edgy, and chic. Whether you’re going out for the night or just hanging with friends, these finishing touches will tie your entire look together.
