If you’re experimenting with goth men’s fashion, you probably already know how to accessorize your black wardrobe with jewelry, belts, and shoes to commune with the night. But if you’re ready to take your style even darker, it’s time to add some dark makeup. Try a few of these goth makeup looks for men next time you hit the club.
Note: our product recommendations in this article are for inexpensive drugstore makeup so you don’t break the bank while you’re just starting out. Once you get the hang of doing your makeup, you can always shell out for the good stuff from high-quality goth brands like Rituel de Fille and Black Moon Cosmetics.
Essential Goth Makeup for Men: Eyeliner
Eyeliner is one of the most quintessential tools in any goth’s arsenal, whether you go big and flashy or soft and subtle. A hint of soft black eyeliner–or “guyliner” as it used to be called it back in the day–is just the thing to take your look from daytime drone to creature of the night. Use a black eyeliner pencil ($5) to outline your eyes, then smudge the line with your fingertips to create a smoky effect. (An eyeliner pencil can also be used as lip liner to make a precise outline before you apply black lipstick.)
Loose kohl powder ($8) applied with an applicator has more intense black pigment than an eyeliner pencil and is good for creating a smudged look. Focus on the lower lash line for a head-turning contrast.
If a more theatrical trad goth aesthetic is your thing, you can apply black liquid eyeliner ($5) for bold, sharp lines and create Egyptian-style eye makeup. These elaborate looks take a bit of patience and control though, and it can be hard to make both sides look even if you’re just starting out. Try practicing at home when you’re not in a rush to get out the door, and don’t give up if it looks a little wonky on your first try.
If you mess up your eyeliner, you can always wipe off any smudges with a cotton swab dipped in face lotion or Pond’s cold cream ($9).
Black Lipstick
Dave Vanian of The Damned was wearing black lipstick before goth as we know it existed, and the look has persisted. Goths of all genders can enjoy rocking a bold black lip now and again. For a matte finish that won’t quit, try Rimmel Stay Matte liquid lipstick ($5). A lip gloss or satin lipstick ($5) will have more of a “wet” look–and it won’t dry your lips out.
Make sure your lips don’t have any flakes or chapped skin before applying, or else the lipstick won’t stick properly. Blot your excess lipstick with a tissue after you put it on to help it stay put and avoid smudging.
Goth Eyeshadow Looks
Applying eyeshadow takes a bit more practice and finesse than eyeliner alone, since it often involves blending multiple layers. If you have a specific look in mind, check out a YouTube tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
If you want to keep it dark and shadowy, a black smokey eye is a good place to start. This classic eyeshadow look uses neutrals and black blended together for a subtle gradient. You’ll need an eyeshadow palette like this one from Maybelline ($11) to create this effect. Check out this tutorial to learn how to master a gothic spin on this ghostly look.
Plain black eyeshadow ($6) is how a lot of goth men get their start expanding their makeup skills. A messy, smudgy look is very forgiving if you’re a beginner–apply with your fingers or a soft eyeshadow brush. A black eyeshadow with some added sparkle ($5) will add a flash of interest, or you can add an accent color like dark red ($9) or pink. Hold a tissue or paper towel under your eyes when applying to keep the powder from raining down your cheeks and smudging. An “eye gloss” eyeshadow like this one ($9) is a good option for a shiny, wet look.
Colorful goth eyeshadow looks can include red, purple, and blue–even neon orange. If you like a cybergoth aesthetic, bright colors will fit right in. Trad goths in the ‘80s often wore bold eyeshadow colors like purple as well.
Our Pinterest board of goth eyeshadow looks has plenty of inspiration for your next ghoulish makeup experiment.
Goth Face Makeup
If you want to go the corpse paint route for maximum ghostly pallor, goth makeup brands like Manic Panic sell high-quality white foundation ($18) to contrast your deep, dark eye and lip makeup. Foundation can be applied right out of the bottle with your fingertips for as much or as little coverage as you prefer.
For a softer hint of paleness, apply cream foundation pancake makeup ($15) that matches your skin tone with a wet makeup sponge. This creates an ethereal, airbrushed look. Finishing with translucent powder ($7) will absorb excess moisture and reduce shine.
When you’re satisfied with your finishing touches, a hit of setting spray ($10) will help your makeup hold up to sweat and humidity. Just like hairspray keeps your styled hair in place, a mist of setting spray keeps makeup from smudging or running down your face.
Taking Off Your Makeup
Washing your face is probably the last thing you’ll want to do when you roll in from the Depeche Mode dance party at 2 a.m. (Been there!) However, sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores and acne–plus it gets all over your pillow.
Fortunately, you can use makeup wipes ($14) or micellar water ($8) on a cotton ball to quickly remove your makeup before bed–no washing required. If you find that you’re wearing makeup regularly (especially foundation and/or face powder), you’ll want to exfoliate with a gentle scrub ($5) a couple of times a week to prevent buildup and get rid of dead skin cells–and don’t forget to moisturize to keep that vampiric complexion looking eternally youthful.
These gothic makeup tips for men should give you some dark inspiration for your next goth club night. Makeup is all about experimentation and creativity–so don’t be afraid to get adventurous. Whether you want to level up your next night out or create some Instagram envy, a bold goth makeup look is sure to cause an underground sensation.
For more dark style inspiration, check out our guides to gothic men’s fashion and goth hairstyles for men.