How to Prep the Skin for Goth Makeup

Goth makeup is characterized by milky-smooth skin contrasted by dark lips and eyes. Whether you are trying on a goth look for the first time or looking to improve your current style, learning to prepare your skin and apply your makeup is important. Proper prep will not only perfect your look and ensure that it lasts all day long but also help to protect your skin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Mild soap
• Exfoliant (optional)
• Skin toner
• Cotton balls
• Nonoily moisturizer
• Undereye cream
• Olive oil (or light lip conditioner)

1. Wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water. If you have acne or oily skin, you may find it helpful to exfoliate your skin as well. Pat your clean face dry and then apply a dab of skin toner to a cotton ball and dab your skin to help clean any residual oil. Having really clean skin is the most important part of makeup prep, since any oil or dirt present will affect how your makeup goes on and can promote acne.
2. Choose a nonoily moisturizer that will be applied under your makeup. Because goth style is a sort of matte look, you don't want any oils at all in your moisturizer, because they will seep through your foundation and add shine to your look. Apply your selected moisturizer lightly and evenly to all parts of your face, including your eyelids and neck.
3. Add a small amount of undereye cream below your eyes. Because goth makeup highlights the eyes, it tends to set off any imperfections, such as dark circles or puffiness; therefore, a dab of undereye cream before you begin can really help.
4. Condition your lips before applying goth makeup as well, since the matte lipstick tends to dry and chap the lips. Natural oil, such as olive oil, is best because it will soak in rapidly and hold the moisture in under your lip color.