Goth Makeup: Do’s and Don’ts
As a lifelong Goth, I’ve always had a pretty solid idea of what goes for Goth style and makeup. Call it an inherent gift, or maybe it’s my very own version of “bat senseâ€. Whatever it is, I find myself constantly taking note of other Goths around me and sometimes honestly wondering where some of my fellow darklings have gone so wrong.
I love makeup and clothing, but just because I do doesn’t mean that others feel the same way. I accept that, and am okay with it. But sometimes I just want to go up to a fellow Goth, take their hand, and tell them it’s time for an intervention. Simply put, there are too many Goths today that have openly confused Halloween costumes and makeup for Goth style.
Halloween Goth Perfection
You see, there is a difference between getting dressed up for a night at the Goth club and getting dressed up for a night of trick-or-treating. Sure there are lots of areas for crossovers, but that doesn’t mean that buying your entire Goth wardrobe and makeup at the discount Halloween store is a good idea. Now I openly admit that I do the majority of my Goth shopping every October and I get really excited about the new styles and designs put out every year, but I generally steer clear of the cheap costume makeup. Unless you have experience with makeup application or have done enough experimenting to understand makeup application, costume makeup will always come across as too distinctly cheesy to be take seriously.
The same goes for the cheaply made Target or Walmart costumes. Don’t get me wrong, there are elements of costumes that can be incorporated into different outfits and styles if you have the skill and savvy to do it, but that ability is sorely lacking in most people these days. Simply put, if you buy a Halloween costume and expect to be the envy of the Goth community, don’t be surprised if this goes in a decidedly different direction than you expect.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t explore all your options. Especially when you are working with a small budget, Halloween stores can be a great way to supplement your closet and makeup. I am saying, however, buy with caution. Before blowing your entire budget, do some research online for different styles and ways to incorporate items into your preexisting wardrobe. A pair of gloves, a nice skirt, or even a black cape can all be incorporated to striking effect. You can also get away with some great costume jewelry that will make a striking statement when you are rocking it out on the dance floor.
Goth Fashion Don't
My personal pet peeve? Makeup mistakes. Simply put, those poor lost souls who mistake Halloween face painting for Goth makeup. Makeup’s purpose is to enhance what you already have. It’s all about enhancing your natural beauty and looks to dramatic and stunning effect. This is not accomplished by make yourself up to look like a cheesy movie monster. If you are unsure of how to apply makeup, there are countless online video tutorials, websites, books, and even magazines dedicated to teaching the fine art of Goth makeup. This is especially true for the male Goths who haven’t had the basics of makeup application taught to them. If you are unsure of how to apply makeup, do the research! Do some experiments before heading out in public! If possible, get one of your lady friends to give you advice and tips, heck ask for a makeover if you aren’t too proud! Whatever you do, don’t assume that horror movie makeup artists are the authority on the dark side.
Everyone has their own style, and there certainly isn’t one right way to make yourself beautiful. But there are wrong ways to do Goth, so think before you act. As Goths we are judged constantly not just by the outside world but by our own kind as well. Just remember, there is a plethora of advice out there for you, don’t be too proud to make use of it.
