How To Apply Goth Makeup

Step 1: A Ghastly Pallor

The first step in your macabre makeover is to remove any pigment from your face. If you think that this means piling on white makeup from the Halloween aisle, you're wrong. Invest in a good foundation that's just one or two shades lighter than your own. Apply the base evenly, then blend into the neckline so there is no visible edge. Now powder your entire face with a very light shade of loose powder.

Step 2: An Arched Brow

Heavily manicured brows are essential. Pluck liberally, and fill in what remains with brown or black eyebrow pencil, depending on your hair color.

Step 3: A Heavy Lid

Start out with irrediscent ivory, pale blue or even a bloodshot red, and apply it to your eyelid up to the crease. Then use a brush with angled bristles to brush black or a dark brown or grey into the crease. Bevel the color up and out as you reach your outer brow, with a cat's eye look.

And don't forget the under-eye shadow for enhancing those beautiful dark circles.

Step 4: A Well Lined Eye

Eyeliner is the key to goth makeup, and the color is always black.

The steady handed should use a liquid liner for more control- if not, use kohl pencil.

Line both upper and lower lids heavily, drawing out beyond the edge of your eye.

If you're good with liquid liner, extend out into your temples to draw dark designs. Candi, darling, stop.

Step 5: A Bloody Lip

For years, goths were in the dark, thinking there were only two shades of lipstick: blood-red and black.

Now, they're still in the dark, but have discovered colors like dark purple, bruisy blue, or even white.

Whatever color you choose, it should be dramatic and heavily-applied. Start with a base of liner, then fill in. No, not putting the tube directly on your lips- using a lipstick brush for cleaner and thicker application.

Cover up that dreadful blonde mane and voila: our little mallrat has blossomed into a beautiful, dead rose. No smiling, dear.