The Darkest Makeup Trend of 2025 Is Back: How to Do Gothic Makeup
Anyone who has watched that dark teen series everyone's talking about on social media has been captivated not only by the story but also by the characters' style. The main character, who stands out with her cold demeanor, expressionless poise, and distant yet mesmerizing aura, became known for one feature in particular: her makeup. Yes, the gothicA makeup style that reflects a dark, dramatic, and rebellious aesthetic, usually characterized by pale skin, dark eye makeup, and burgundy or black lipsticks. makeup style of that character, whom everyone recognizes without even needing to say her name, has become one of the most talked-about trends of the season.
What Is Gothic Makeup and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?
Gothic makeup stands for the opposite of classic beauty ideals. Matte, pale skin instead of a luminous complexion, deep dark shadows instead of colorful eyeshadows, mysterious gazes instead of warm smiles... In this style, beauty carves out a new space for itself by pushing the norms. Interestingly, that's exactly why it resonates so strongly with younger generations. Because this style isn't just makeup; it's a statement of identity, a form of expression.
Right after the series premiered, the main character's gothic style exploded on TikTok and Instagram. Videos, inspiration boards, and makeup tutorials shared with hashtags like "#gothgirl," "#inspired by dark academy," and "#goth glam" show how this aesthetic has taken over the digital world.
What Are the Key Features of the Trend?
- Pale, Matte Skin
The skin is prepped with light-toned foundations with a matte finish. Shine is almost completely eliminated. This pale look is a deliberate choice; it reinforces the character's emotionless, distant aura. - Deep Gazes with Intense Eye Makeup
Dark eyeshadows in shades like black, smoky gray, purple, or navy are applied heavily to the eyelids. The eyeshadow is blended out toward the outer corners for a smoky look. The eyeliner isn't drawn the usual way; instead of a cat-eye shape, a straighter line with a lower tip is preferred. This gives the eyes a more "pensive" and mysterious expression. - Dark Lips: The Vamp Effect
Black, burgundy, plum, and dark brown shades... These colors are the essentials of gothic makeup. In some looks, the edges of the lipstick are left slightly diffused to create an even more dramatic effect. - Minimal Blush, Contour with Shadow
Blush is barely used at all. If it is, it's applied in matte, muted shades (such as dusty rose). Contour is kept very light; it's used only to add depth to the facial features and never draws attention to itself.
Who Is the Inspiration?
There's no need to mention her name. Everyone already knows who she is. With her cold stare, gothic school style, and one-of-a-kind aura, that character has become a cult figure and the biggest inspiration behind this trend. Along with the series, it wasn't only the story that changed but also our sense of aesthetics. And that change showed up in thousands of posts spreading on TikTok under the "goth glam" hashtag.
Is This Makeup Style Right for You?
If you keep your distance from classic beauty ideals, love to stand out with your expression, and care about showing your emotions through aesthetics, this style is made for you. Gothic makeup isn't just makeup; it's a mood shaped by the elegance that emerges from darkness. It's one of the most beautiful ways to be both rebellious and elegant.
How to Do Gothic Makeup: A Step-by-Step Guide
This makeup style is just as striking to create as it is to watch, and you can easily do it at home. The right products and a little patience are all you need. Here's a detailed guide:
Skin Prep and the Porcelain Effect
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin thoroughly. The healthier your skin is, the cleaner the result you'll get.
- Choose a light-toned foundation with a matte finish, one shade lighter than your skin tone. Apply it evenly with a brush or sponge.
- Use a concealer with a brightening effect to make your under-eye area look brighter.
- Set your skin with a translucent powder and keep shine under control.
- Instead of contour, you can use a light bronzer with a gray undertone to add depth under your cheekbones and along your jawline.
Eye Makeup: The Heart of the Gothic Effect
- Apply an eyeshadow primer. It helps colors last longer and keeps them from creasing on the eyelid.
- Apply matte black or dark purple eyeshadow across your entire eyelid.
- Deepen your eyes by adding a darker shade to the outer corners.
- Run the same eyeshadow along your lower lash line. This gives your gaze that dark aura.
- Draw your eyeliner straight with a low tip, following your eye shape. Stay away from the cat-eye look.
- Apply mascara generously. If you want your eyes to look even more striking, cluster false lashes can be a great finishing touch.
Brows: The Character Itself
- Fill in your brows while staying true to their natural shape.
- For color, choose ashy brown, dark gray, or black.
- Set them upward with brow gel, but don't overdo it. The shape of your brows is like the backbone of your facial expression.
Lips: The Signature of the Gothic Style
- Moisturize your lips, then lightly powder them to create a matte base.
- Define the outer edges with a lip liner. A sharp outline creates a dramatic effect.
- Choose a matte lipstick in black, plum, dark brown, or burgundy. Long-lasting formulas that don't feather are key here.
- For an even more matte look, you can press a thin layer of translucent powder over it.
Finishing Touches
- Instead of using blush, just add shading.
- Highlighter isn't a must, but if you want to use it, apply products with a purplish or silver sheen only to specific spots such as your cheekbones.
- Lock in your look with a setting spray so it lasts all day.
The Best Products for Gothic Makeup: What Should You Use?
Intensely Pigmented Black Eyeliner
For sharp, crisp lines, choose a gel or liquid eyeliner with a matte finish that doesn't run. You can capture the gothic vibe with lines that frame the eyelid rather than a winged liner.
Complexion Products: Light Foundation and Powder
For a pale, porcelain look:
- A light-toned foundation (it can be one shade lighter)
- A translucent, mattifying powder
- Blending seamlessly into your neck is important for color harmony.
Matte, Dark Lipsticks in Black, Burgundy, or Purple
The essentials of gothic lips:
- Matte, dark lipsticks: black, burgundy, plum, deep cherry
- Long-lasting formulas that don't dry out your lips
Intense Black Mascara & False Lashes
- A mascara that separates each lash and adds volume
- Cluster or false lashes for an even more striking look
Cool-Toned Eyeshadow Palettes
- Matte palettes with cool shades such as black, smoky gray, purple, and deep red
- If you like, you can create contrast with silver tones on your inner corners
Defined, Shaped Brows
- Wax-based setting products
- Brow pencils in dark, ashy shades
Subtle Touches with Highlighter
- A highlighter with a silver or purple sheen
- Apply it only to select areas (cheekbones, tip of the nose, above the lips)
A Dark Elegance
Gothic makeup isn't just makeup. It's a mood, an attitude, a form of expression. With its pale skin, sharp eye lines, and dark lips, this look is as elegant as it is rebellious. If you want to give yourself a new meaning in the mirror, maybe a little darkness is just what you need.
What Is Gothic Makeup (Goth Glam) and What Are Its Key Features?
Unlike traditional warm makeup, it's a mysterious makeup style that focuses on matte, pale skin, deep smoky eyes, sharp brows, and dark lips.
Which Shade Should You Choose for a Porcelain, Pale Look in Gothic Makeup?
To capture that pale look, choose an Alix Avien foundation one shade lighter than your natural skin tone, and always with a matte finish.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Applying Eyeliner for Gothic Eye Makeup?
To give your gaze a mysterious air, choose straight lines with a low tip that follow your eye shape instead of the classic upswept cat-eye.
Can You Use Highlighter in Gothic Makeup?
Instead of warm gold or peach tones, you can apply Alix Avien highlighters with a silver, white, or purple sheen to specific spots on your cheekbones to complement the pale look of the skin.
How Do You Lock In the Matte Finish and Staying Power of Dark Lipsticks?
Pressing a thin layer of translucent powder over your lipstick keeps the color from feathering all day and seals in the matte look.