Makeup expert, Caroline Killeen, talks about what makes the gothic makeup style such a dramatic one.
You & Eye (YE): Gothic makeup – what sets it apart?
Caroline Killeen (CK): Gothic stands alone with its daring edginess. It invites curiosity and conjures intrigue as it reflects your dark side – and we all have one! Daring, curious and fashionably spooky, that is how I would describe gothic eyewear. The look resonates confidence of the highest order.
YE: What are the variants of Gothic eye makeup?
CK: Gothic is as much a ‘sense’ or a ‘feel’ as it is a makeup style. It’s non-conventional message that can be whispered or screamed depending on your desired application. You can add your signature to the look by incorporating your favourite eye makeup styles such as cat eye, smokey eye or over-sized lashes.
YE: Can you make this a subtle look, or is it always over-the-top?
CK: Surprising as this may sound, it does work and is also quickly done! Tone the key elements down for subtlety. Apply a foundation slightly paler than you usually use. Then lightly powder down with transparent or baby powder. Dust your eyelids with pale beige shadow for blue/green eyes or a faint deep purple for brown eyes. Use a light brownish-grey eyeliner – that’s bluntly applied and not with sharp lines – or eye shadow for a slightly messy line on the upper eyelid. Use black mascara on top lashes only. Keep the lower lash line completely clean or line with pale product. Lightly stain lips in deep purple or red.
YE: Which celebs are famous for sporting this makeup style?
CK: That would be former Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee, hands down! In addition, the Twilight movies brought teenage Goth into mainstream attention with Kristen Stewart. Katy Perry too on occasion works her dark tresses, solid black eyeliner and red lips into the look, whilst Lana Del Ray emits a curious aura in her music videos.
YE: Gothic makeup typically spells rebelliousness. So can a woman pull off this look during the day in an office or is this ideal for a party only?
CK: Gothic makeup is uniquely expressive. It strays from our conventional idea of beautiful makeup yet allows us to highlight our best features.
For the more conservative, it provides a fun opportunity to step out of the norm. Unlike piercings or tattoos, makeup can be washed off before morning. For the more daring – there are no limits to creativity and expression.
If your role is in a creative industry then your individuality, expressed through makeup, may even be encouraged. If we are talking ‘corporate world’ office? Leave it for the party.
YE: Black is usually the go-to colour for gothic makeup. But can one use other colours too?
CK: Absolutely! Many colours provide rich alternatives to black – deep reds, purples, browns. Remember, gothic drama requires contrast for the darkness and shadows. Blended warm orange on the moving eyelid will create this.
But take note: True Goths never wear blush!
YE: Are there are accessories that you can use to accentuate an elaborate gothic eye makeup?
CK: There are loads of effective ways to add to your gothic makeup look. You can use adhesive decorative stencil designs around the eye/cheek area. Then you can have fun with coloured contact lenses, over-the-top false eyelashes, a dark-coloured wig with fringe to frame your face or dark nail polish. You can also consider black or strong colour-block clothes for your upper body.
YE: Any pointers for choosing products for getting this look?
CK: Here are things you can keep these pointers in mind for other makeup to complement your Goth makeup :
Foundation — Use slightly paler than your usual – always use the correct one for your skin tone though. Alternatively, dust face with baby powder after you have moisturised and let dry.
Mascara: Should be black or very black like the Maybelline Great Lash.
Eye shadow: Choose deep shades with a warm contrast colour if desired. Bourjois has some nice round pots with funky colours like purple in Intense 04.
Lips: Go for deep reds, purples or black..
Who Is?
Australia-born Caroline Killeen is a freelance beauty and makeup expert who is a diploma holder in specialised makeup from Victoria University in Melbourne. She has worked with a production company, House of Siren, in Hong Kong for five years. She has also done shows for companies like Louis Vuitton, Audemars Piguet and Loewe, as well magazines like Grazia.
Learn how to get the glam Goth look from makeup expert Caroline Killeen
Step 1: The basis of any gothic makeup is the porcelain/pale foundation. Apply a couple of shades lighter than your usual colour or add a white cream pigment to your own.
Step 2: Be sure to conceal under eyes or any areas of redness for an even finish. Also apply a pearly white shadow to the entire eye area.
Step 3: Use a deep colour shade on the eyelid. You could use a warm orange underneath for contrast then build with a purple colour if you are looking for an added element. Use a black liquid eyeliner or fine brush and water-based liner for easier control.
Step 4: Extend the deep colour used on eye lid to below the eye – widen the line on the outer edge. Line the lower lash line with the same liquid liner used above – extend the entire length of rim.
Step 5: Further enhance the white shadow peeking through as it highlights and frames your deep colour. Use a fluffy brush to soften edges of deep colour and blend into highlighter.
Step 6: Line the inner rim of the lower lash line with a white pencil to highlight the darkness below lash-line. Build your lashes from the base to the tip of the lash. Repeat several times to build the length and thickness of the lash. Add either deep colour to your lips with full coverage or a transparent messy stain.
The final look
Model: Sarah Chandler
