17 Subtle Goth Makeup Looks
Have you ever admired the mysterious allure of goth makeup but felt it was too bold for everyday wear?
Maybe you’re curious about how to incorporate a bit of that dark elegance into your daily routine without going all out.

Are you looking for ways to express your inner goth subtly, so it’s perfect for both day and night? Well, you’re in luck!
I’ve put together a list of 17 subtle goth makeup ideas that strike the perfect balance between edgy and understated.
Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, these ideas will help you add a touch of goth charm to your look in a way that’s wearable.
Let’s dive in!
17 Subtle Goth Makeup Ideas

1. Soft Smokey Eye with Nude Lips
If you want to dip your toes into goth makeup without going all out, try a soft smokey eye paired with nude lips.
Start by blending shades of grey and black eyeshadow on your eyelids, focusing on creating a seamless transition.
This technique will give your eyes a mysterious yet subtle look. To balance the intensity of your eyes, opt for a nude lip color that complements your skin tone.
Finish off with a touch of highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes to brighten them up. This look is perfect for both day and night.

2. Dark Brown Eyeshadow with Soft Pink Lips
For a more understated goth vibe, you can go with dark brown eyeshadow and soft pink lips. Dark brown eyeshadow adds depth and drama without being too overpowering.
Apply it to your lids and blend well to avoid any harsh lines. Then, swipe on a soft pink lip color to create a gentle contrast that’s still in line with the goth aesthetic.
This combination is ideal if you’re looking to maintain a subtle, sophisticated look that’s perfect for any occasion.

3. Winged Eyeliner with Burgundy Lips
One of my favorite subtle goth looks is a classic winged eyeliner paired with burgundy lips. Start by drawing a sleek, precise wing on your upper lash line using a deep black liquid liner.
The winged liner adds a touch of drama without being too bold. Then, apply a rich burgundy lipstick to complete the look.
The deep red hue of the lips brings just the right amount of goth flair, while still keeping it subtle and wearable for every day.

4. Plum Eyeshadow with Glossy Lips
You can achieve a subtle goth look by using plum eyeshadow and glossy lips. Apply plum eyeshadow on your eyelids and blend it into the crease for a soft, smoky effect.
The plum shade adds a hint of color that’s perfect for a goth-inspired look without being too intense.
To keep the overall look soft and balanced, finish with a glossy lip in a light shade. The gloss adds a touch of shine, making the look more modern and fresh.

5. Subtle Cat Eyes with Berry Lips
Creating a subtle cat eye with berry lips is a great way to channel your inner goth. Start by drawing thin, precise cat eyes using black eyeliner.
This classic look adds a touch of elegance and drama. Pair it with berry-colored lips for a hint of color that complements the goth aesthetic.
The berry lips provide a pop of color without overwhelming the look. Add a light touch of blush to your cheeks to bring some warmth to your face, and you’re ready to go.

6. Grey Eyeshadow with Mauve Lips
For a soft and wearable goth look, try grey eyeshadow with mauve lips. Apply grey eyeshadow to your lids and blend it outwards for a smoky effect.
The grey shade is perfect for creating a mysterious vibe without being too dark. Pair this with mauve lips to add a touch of color that’s still subtle and sophisticated.
This combination is ideal for a day-to-night transition, making it perfect for any occasion.

7. Soft Black Liner with Natural Lips
You can never go wrong with soft black liner and natural lips for a subtle goth makeup look.
Line your upper and lower lash lines with a soft black pencil and smudge it slightly for a smoky effect. This technique gives your eyes a subtle, edgy look.
Pair it with a natural lip color to keep the focus on your eyes. This look is perfect for everyday wear, giving you a hint of goth without being too dramatic.

8. Earthy Tones with Dark Lip Balm
If you’re looking for a more natural goth look, try using earthy tones with dark lip balm.
Apply earthy shades like taupe and brown to your eyes, blending them well to create a soft, smoky effect. Finish the look with a dark lip balm or tinted lip color.
This combination adds a subtle goth touch without going overboard. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace the goth aesthetic in a more understated way.

9. Light Purple Eyeshadow with Pale Lips
Light purple eyeshadow paired with pale lips is a great way to achieve a soft and ethereal goth look. Apply the purple eyeshadow to your lids and blend it into the crease.
The light purple shade adds a touch of color while still keeping the look subtle. Pair it with pale lips for a gentle contrast that’s perfect for a goth-inspired look.
Add a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones to give your face some dimension.

10. Soft Kohl Eyes with Rosy Lips
For a subtle goth look, try soft kohl eyes with rosy lips. Line your eyes with kohl and smudge it slightly for a soft, smoky effect.
This technique adds depth to your eyes without being too overpowering. Pair it with rosy lips for a pop of color that’s still in line with the goth aesthetic.
This combination is perfect for everyday wear, giving you a hint of goth without being too dramatic.

11. Muted Green Eyeshadow with Nude Gloss
Muted green eyeshadow with nude gloss is a unique and subtle goth look. Apply muted green eyeshadow to your lids and blend it well.
The green shade adds a touch of color that’s perfect for a goth-inspired look without being too intense. Finish with nude gloss on your lips to keep the overall look soft and wearable.
This combination is perfect for those who want to experiment with color while still keeping it subtle.

12. Taupe Eyeshadow with Plum Lips
You can create a soft and sophisticated goth look with taupe eyeshadow and plum lips. Apply taupe eyeshadow to your lids and blend it outwards for a smoky effect.
The taupe shade is perfect for creating a subtle, mysterious vibe. Pair it with plum lips for a pop of color that complements the goth aesthetic.
This combination is ideal for a day-to-night transition, making it perfect for any occasion.

13. Smoky Brown Eyes with Soft Red Lips
For a classic and subtle goth look, try smoky brown eyes with soft red lips. Create a smoky eye using brown shades, blending them well to avoid any harsh lines.
The brown tones add depth and drama without being too overpowering. Pair it with soft red lips for a touch of color that’s still in line with the goth aesthetic.
This look is perfect for both day and night, giving you a hint of goth without being too bold.

14. Soft Black Eyeshadow with Peach Lips
Soft black eyeshadow paired with peach lips is a great way to achieve a gentle goth look. Apply the black eyeshadow to your lids and blend it outwards for a smoky effect.
The soft black shade adds depth to your eyes without being too intense. Pair it with peach lips for a gentle contrast that’s perfect for a goth-inspired look.
This combination is ideal for those who want to embrace the goth aesthetic in a more understated way.

15. Light Grey Liner with Sheer Lip Balm
Light grey liner with sheer lip balm is a subtle and natural goth look. Line your eyes with a light grey liner and smudge it slightly for a soft effect.
This technique adds depth to your eyes without being too overpowering. Pair it with sheer lip balm to keep the look natural and understated.
This combination is perfect for everyday wear, giving you a hint of goth without being too dramatic.

16. Deep Navy Eyeshadow with Clear Gloss
Deep navy eyeshadow paired with clear gloss is a chic and subtle goth look. Apply the navy eyeshadow to your lids and blend it into the crease.
The deep navy shade adds a touch of color that’s perfect for a goth-inspired look without being too intense. Finish with a clear gloss on your lips to keep the overall look soft and wearable.
This combination is ideal for those who want to experiment with color while still keeping it subtle.

17. Light Metallic Eyes with Neutral Lips
Light metallic eyes paired with neutral lips are a modern and subtle goth look. Use light metallic eyeshadow, like silver or gunmetal, on your lids.
The metallic shades add a touch of shine and depth to your eyes. Pair it with neutral lips to keep the look soft and wearable.
This combination is perfect for those who want to embrace the goth aesthetic in a more modern and understated way.


Charlotte, a passionate beautician, explores the latest fashion trends and shares her insights with her audience on scantotalk.com.
Her website, dedicated to fashion and beauty, features innovative nail ideas, chic hairstyles, stylish haircuts, and the hottest makeup trends, making it a go-to resource for beauty enthusiasts.