80s Goth Makeup Tutorial: Dark Eyes & Bold Lips

Imagine: The year is 1987. The air crackles with the energy of synth-pop and the intoxicating scent of patchouli. You’re surrounded by the dark, dramatic glamour of 80s goth subculture – think pale faces, smoldering eyes, and lips as bold as your attitude. This look wasn’t just about makeup; it was a statement. A statement that embraced individualism, passion, and a deeply romantic darkness.

This tutorial will take you back to that era, guiding you through the iconic 80s goth makeup look. From the smoky eyes that whispered of a hidden world to the lips that dared to be bold – we'll explore the techniques, products, and attitude that made this aesthetic so captivating.

The Foundation of 80s Goth Makeup: Pale Skin

The foundation of any goth look is a pale base that accentuates the drama of the eyes and lips.

1. Prep Your Canvas

Cleanse and moisturize. Start with a clean face, using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
Apply a primer. This creates a smooth surface for your foundation, helping it to apply evenly and last longer.

2. Achieve Pale Perfection

Choose the right foundation. Opt for a foundation one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Consider using a foundation with a matte finish to avoid any unwanted shine.
Apply with a brush or sponge. Blend the foundation evenly across your face, paying attention to the hairline, jawline, and neck to prevent any noticeable lines.
Set with powder. Use a translucent powder to set your foundation and help it stay in place. Focus on your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) to control shine.

3. Contour and Highlight

Contour with a cool-toned bronzer or powder. Apply lightly to the hollows of your cheeks, along the sides of your nose, and under your jawline to create natural shadows.
Highlight with a shimmery white or cream eyeshadow. Dab a bit on the center of your forehead, the bridge of your nose, and just above your cupid's bow to add a touch of dimension.

Smoky Eyes for a Mystifying Gaze

The hallmark of 80s goth makeup is the dramatic, smoky eye. This look evokes a sense of mystery, intrigue, and depth.

1. Prime Your Lids

Apply an eyeshadow primer. This helps your eyeshadow to adhere better and prevents creasing throughout the day.

2. Define Your Crease

Choose a matte eyeshadow in a dark shade, such as charcoal, black, or a deep brown. Use a small blending brush to apply the shadow to the crease of your eyelid, blending outwards and upwards towards the brow bone.

3. Create Depth and Drama

Apply a lighter shade of the same color to your entire lid. This adds depth and dimension to your eye.
Use a small brush to apply the shadow to the outer corner of your eye, blending it into the crease. This will create a more dramatic smoky effect, emphasizing the outer corner of your eye.

4. Enhance Your Eyeliner

Define your lash line. Use a black eyeliner pencil to draw a line along your upper lash line, extending it slightly beyond the outer corner.
Smudge the eyeliner. Use a small brush to smudge and blend the eyeliner, creating a softer, more dramatic effect.
Apply a black liquid liner. Line your upper lash line once more with a black liquid liner for a precise and dramatic finish.
For an extra edgy touch: consider applying a thin line of black kohl along the lower lash line.

5. Amplify Your Lashes

Curl your lashes. This helps open up your eyes and make them appear larger.
Apply two coats of volumizing mascara. Focus on the outer corners of your lashes to create a dramatic, wide-eyed effect.

Bold Lips for a Statement

The ultimate 80s goth statement – bold lips that add a touch of rebellion and confidence.

1. Prepare Your Pout

Exfoliate your lips. Remove any dry flakes with a soft brush or a lip scrub.
Apply lip balm. This hydrates your lips and creates a smooth canvas for lipstick.

2. Choose Your Weapon

Select a dark, rich lipstick. Think deep reds, plums, burgundy, or even black.
For a long-lasting finish: consider using a lip liner in a similar shade to outline your lips before applying lipstick.
Apply lipstick with a brush. This ensures precise application and helps to prevent feathering.
Blotting and reapplication. Blotting your lips with a tissue after the first application helps the lipstick last longer. You can then reapply for greater intensity.

The Finishing Touches: 80s Goth Makeup Essentials

1. Blush: A Hint of Color

Apply with a light hand: Choose a blush in a berry or plum shade. Apply a small amount to the apples of your cheeks for a subtle flush of color.

2. Eyebrows: Defined and Dramatic

Shape and groom your brows. Use a brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and create a defined shape.
Brush your brows upwards. This helps to create a dramatic and lifted look.

3. Hair: Adding the Final Touch

80s goth hairstyles embraced a dramatic, yet versatile, aesthetic. Think dark, long hair with side-swept bangs, teased and voluminous styles, or a classic pixie cut for those who dared to be bold.

FAQs About 80s Goth Makeup

1. What are some good eyeshadow palettes for 80s goth makeup?

Many brands offer palettes that are perfect for recreating 80s goth makeup. Look for palettes with a range of matte and shimmery shades in deep tones like black, charcoal, plum, burgundy, and silver. Some popular options include:

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

2. How can I make my lips look full and pouty?

Overlining your lips: Gently overline your lips with a lip liner to create the illusion of fuller lips. Be subtle and blend the liner well.
Highlighting: Apply a touch of highlighter to your cupid's bow and the center of your lower lip to create a subtle shine and enhance the fullness of your lips.

3. How can I achieve the 80s goth hairstyle?

Long, side-swept bangs: These can be styled straight or with a slight wave.
Voluminous hair: Create volume using backcombing or a volumizing mousse.
Pixie cut: For a bold and edgy look, consider a pixie cut with a choppy, textured finish.

Conclusion: Embracing the 80s Goth Aesthetic

The 80s goth makeup look is more than just a collection of makeup techniques. It's a statement. A statement of being yourself, of embracing the darker side of beauty, and of expressing your individuality through vibrant, dramatic beauty. This tutorial has provided you with the necessary tools and knowledge to recreate this timeless and captivating look. Remember, the key to achieving true 80s goth makeup is to embrace your unique personality and allow your creativity to shine through.

Ready to step into the darkness and express yourself? Embrace the 80s goth aesthetic and experiment with your makeup! We're confident you’ll create a look that is as unique and powerful as you are.