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The Gothic Look - Makeup

The gothic look may not be for everyone but for those who can pull it off, going “Goth” can have a very dark and dramatic effect. This subculture has been shrouded in mystery for some time now but many young people are growing fond of the gothic appearance. If you want to try the gothic look it is important that you do it right in order to become a genuine Goth gal.

For centuries, people have stereotyped and misunderstood those who take part in the gothic culture. Because the word “gothic” means something different to each person, there is no known ideal definition for what it means to be gothic. Many young people turn to the gothic culture as a means of connecting with others like them. This is obviously stated in the way they dress, wear their hair and makeup and the way they carry themselves.

One of the main staples of the gothic look is the makeup. If done wrong, this look can quickly go from mysterious to downright ridiculous. The typical gothic girl sports a pale, white complexion. If you aren’t naturally pale, then you can use makeup to create what Goths refer to as “whiteface.” The purpose of whiteface is to create the illusion that you actually possess a very pale complexion. If you look like a clown, chances are you’ve done it wrong. The best way to achieve the proper whiteface is to use a good base. This means you can’t rely on a cheaply made base from the drugstore. You’ll want to invest in a good quality product to get the best results. However, if you have darker skin, then whiteface may not work for you regardless of how well you put on the makeup. The only exceptions are if you are willing to put the white makeup on all exposed areas to match your face or if you are purposely going for the stylized harlequin look.

For the naturally pale, you’ll want to go for a base that is one or two shades lighter than your natural skin color. By adding white powder over your base, you’ll be able to create the ethereal, grayish illusion to your skin. When applying your base, make sure you are doing it under a good source of light. The key is to get even coverage. When it comes time to apply the powder, don’t overdo it or else you’ll look silly. Just as with base and powder of a different shade, it is important to remember to blend your makeup well and stretch it to a little past your jaw line. You don’t want to make the mistake of sporting the “two-tone” look.

Next is the eyeliner. The best type for a long-lasting effect is liquid liner. However, if you are better with pencil, then that’s fine, too, but you’ll want to make sure to use a good quality liner that won’t smudge or streak. There are no die-hard rules for applying liner. In this sense, you are free to express yourself as you see fit. Line the top and bottom if you’d like. It’s all about enhancing your eyes so you don’t have to worry about the “less is more” rule. The finishing touch to gothic makeup is lipstick. The most common shades are blood red, browns and black for those who can pull it off. Stay away from fire engine reds and pinks. Theatrical supply stores sell great shades of red lipstick for Goths. Apply your lip color with a lip brush for the best results.

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