The goth aesthetic has always been about stark, unapologetic beauty; lipstick is the crowning glory of any goth look. A correct dark, brooding lip color can elevate the entire look into something mysterious and sophisticated with a bit of edge. Be it for the dedicated Goth or just a beginner on the dark side, nailing a black, burgundy, or plum lipstick gives that perfect vibe.
It’s for this reason that we bring you this guide which is a selection of the best goth lipstick picks according to the expert, to get your goth lips. We will show you some must-have shades and formulas that can take any goth look to new levels, including cult-favorite liquid lipsticks and creamy long-wear formats. Finally, get to embracing your dark side with these lipsticks to be the envy of every goth in the room.
Bring out the Goth in you with this very post. What could turn heads would be bold and matte blacks to the sultry, vampy burgundies and all of which we have got to help you find your style with these shades and formulas. So, let’s dive deep and unlock the secrets of achieving the ultimate goth lip.
What Makes a Lipstick Goth?
Goth lipstick involves dark colors and dramatically bold looks. These lipsticks are primarily available in matte or satin finishes because all of them will be too glossy or shimmering; they would completely ruin the mood and vibe of being subversive. Here, too, long-wearing and transfer-resistant formulas matter, as the goth looks are supposed to be loud and unapologetic. The lipsticks are also highly pigmented for an intense look at the lips that dominates the overall goth look.
Lipstick has been a significant part of the cultural identity of the goth subculture. It adds a mesmerizing, mysterious look with an added component of individualism to goth fashion. A dark, unconventional lip color is worn to break the social taboos set up against the goths, showing them to be completely different from other people. Goth lipstick creates self-expression for the person who wears it and allows them to bond with the values that were portrayed by this kind of culture: rebellious, nonconformist.
Deep, vampy reds, plums, burgundies, dark, moody purples, even blackened blues or greens—these are some of the most favored goth lipstick shades. However, black is entirely the quintessential goth lip color that seems to find a place as a staple rouge in any goth makeup repertoire. These bold, out-of-the-box lip colors will set the base for a look at hand: striking, dramatic, and able to inspire fashion and beauty lovers for years on end.
Top Goth Lipstick Brands
High-End Brands
1. Kat Von D
Kat Von D has designed a roster of creamy lipsticks in shades that do right by its goth best friend clientele, featuring some of the blackest lips around. Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade “Witches” is one of the more popular options in black lipstick goth from this brand. This liquid lipstick formula creates out-of-this-world, highly saturated color with a relatively flat, genuinely transfer-resistant matte finish to last for hours on end.
2. MAC
One thing that many Goths initially turn to, above all others, is MAC, a brand that hosts an exceptionally massive selection of dark, vampy shades within lipstick, all of which will sustain one when building a dramatic, striking-looking lip. Their Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in color “Caviar Dreams” is just so dark, really black, and inky, offering up somebody with deep, opaque coverage and a very long-wearing matte finish.
3. Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Jeffree Star Cosmetics is suitable for a higher-end brand that goths love for its bold, unapologetic lipstick. Long-lasting black lipstick that will never budge from your lips all day and through food and drinks—that’s what the “Weirdo” shade in Velour Liquid Lipstick does by Jeffree Star Cosmetics. Goth-inspired shades of dark vampy reds and plums complement this edgy brand.
Known for high-quality, very well-pigmented formulas, Jeffree Star Cosmetics has become a mecca for goth makeup aficionados who want nothing less than the finest and long-wear lip products.
Affordable Options
1. NYX
NYX is one of the more popular, affordable drugstore brands that offer a few budget-friendly lipstick shades perfect for goth lips. The shade “Alien” on the Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick will give any Gothic character its intense, deep, moody purple with a rich, smooth, flat finish without cutting a fat hole in the wallet. Another cheap offering from this brand would be Macaron Lippie in the shade “Chambord,” which one should look toward to pull off a dark and vampy burgundy on one’s lips.
2. Wet n Wild
Wet n Wild isn’t a fantastic brand for cheap makeup, and the business is giving some other upper-scale lipstick brands a run for that goth money. The closest ink-like is the Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in color “Goth Topic.” It’s got pigmentation and wear to rival some more expensive alternatives.
Indie Brands
1. Black Moon Cosmetics
Black Moon Cosmetics is an indie brand that caters to people—specifically in the goth community—with bold and unconventional lipstick shades. Among their loved products is the fan-favorite Sleepwalker Liquid Lipstick, described as “blacker than the blackest black of all black lipsticks.” Long-lasting and saturating in color, this highly pigmented, matte formula is sublime for goth makeup lovers. Black Moon Cosmetics’ range also includes other dark, moody shades, such as deep purples and blackened blues, that perfectly capture the essence of the goth aesthetic.
2. LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs
Another indie brand that caters really to the goth community is LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs, offering a range of products with very bold lips. Their Gothic Lolita Lipstick in “Midnight Snack” is creamy black and goes on smooth, wearing all day without feathering or fading. Other dark, vampy shades are burgundies and plums in this goth-inspired lipstick collection from LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs, which allow one to play around with different moody lip looks. As an indie brand, LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs offers personalized shopping to those wishing for top-quality and goth-friendly lip products.
Best Goth Lipstick Picks
Black Goth Lipsticks:
1. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Witches”
Price at time of publish: $18.99-$24.94 at Amazon.
This is a long-wearing, liquid lipstick that is highly pigmented to give an intense black color with a matte finish. The formula is transfer-proof and long-wearing, staying on lips for hours without feathering or fading. A precise applicator allows for easy, clean application.
2. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in “Alien”
Price at time of publish: $9.99 at Amazon.
This liquid lipstick from NYX is budget-friendly; it’s rich, opaque black in color and having a velvety matte finish. The creamy formula does not drag upon pulling on the lips and glides onto a comfortable dry-down that doesn’t seem to dry the lips. It’s, therefore, a really good option to dabble with goth lipstick without breaking the bank.
3. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in “Weirdo”
Price at time of publish: $22 at beautylish.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics has this long-lasting black liquid lipstick that it’s mainly famous for: leading-edge, unconventional shades. This is a highly pigmented formula so that it will give you full coverage with just one swipe. It dries to a transfer-resistant, matte finish and stays put all day.
Dark Purple Goth Lipsticks
1. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Exorcism”
Price at time of publish: $32 at Amazon.
Decked out in a vampy, matte finish and high pigment, this dark, moody purple liquid lipstick from Kat Von D Beauty is long-wear and transfer-resistant—for the perfect goth look.
2. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in “Weirdo”
This Deep, Sultry Purple Liquid Lipstick by Jeffree Star Cosmetics is excellent for creating a goth-chic pout. This is extra-inky; otherwise, pigmented right before drying for the most comfortable and genuinely ultra-transfer-resistant matte finish you could wish for.
3. Black Moon Cosmetics Sleepwalker Liquid Lipstick in “Raven”
Now, onto “Raven”—this is the vampy, deep purple shade from Black Moon Cosmetics in their creamier-textured bullet lipstick formula. It’s creamy and long-wearing but has a satin finish and is so easy to wear.
Deep Red and Burgundy Goth Lipsticks
1. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in “Carnivorous”
This dark, blood-red liquid lipstick from MAC gives intense, opaque coverage with a very long—wear matte finish, perfect for a sultry, vampy, gothic-to-the-bone look.
2. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in “Weirdo”
Along with black and purple, Jeffree Star Cosmetics presents this deep burgundy liquid lipstick to give collectors a goth-chic pout. This ultra-pigmented formula dries down into a very comfortable, transfer-resistant matte finish.
3. Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Damned”
This most intense liquid lipstick with a vampy burgundy hue by Kat Von D Beauty pulls off a bold, dramatic look. It is honeymooned in the tanning bed with long-lasting color, wearing down without feathering while being transfer-resistant—perfect for all your goth beauty unevenness needs.
Unique Goth Lipstick Shades
1. Black Moon Cosmetics Sleepwalker Liquid Lipstick in “Nightshade”
For those looking to experiment with unconventional goth shades, Black Moon Cosmetics offers this deep, blackened green liquid lipstick. The highly pigmented formula provides intense color payoff and a long-wearing matte finish.
2. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in “Blue Velvet”
Jeffree Star Cosmetics goes one degree further down the avenues in goth lipstick depths with this moody blue liquid lipstick. Its very saturated formula dries to a comfortable, transfer-resistant matte finish that will have you pulling off an authentic gothic look.
3. LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs Gothic Lolita Lipstick in “Midnight Snack”
Besides being an ultra-deep black color, this blackened blue bullet lipstick is by LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs, bringing a mouthy splash to the unconventional looks in those going for the Goth. The creamy formula glides on and lasts all day without feathering or fading.
Application Tips for Goth Lipstick
Prep and Prime
With preparations of the lips well done in going for darker and bolder shades of lipstick, which are synonymous with goth makeup, there is perfect application and a long-lasting effect that lasts throughout the day:
- Exfoliate: Rub your lips lightly to rid them of dry, chapped skin and make it a soft texture. Try buffing any impurities using a gentle lip scrub or a soft toothbrush.
- Moisturize: Moisturize the lips with lip balm or primer to make them soft and conditioned. This will allow for the smooth lipstick application without highlighting any dryness and cracks.
- Blot: Blot the lips gently with a tissue before application because that will help bring significant color payoff, eliminating the tendency to move about over the lips.
Lining the Lips
Lining the lips defines the shape for most of the dark Goth lipstick tones and helps prevent feathering with a clean, precise application:
- Choose the Right Liner: Try to use a lip liner that matches in color exceptionally well to your lipstick, or only a nuance or two deeper. Avoid using liners that are too light; it is going to be too artificial and will define the outline of the lips too hard.
- Line the Entire Lip: To prevent lipstick from feathering or bleeding and to look like one unit, it is advisable to line your entire lip contour with a pencil, starting from corner to corner.
- Use Short, Precise Strokes: Apply the liner in short, feathery strokes around the natural shape of your lips. Do not press too hard because this is what will cause a spiky line that is highly irregular.
- Blend the Edges: With a fingertip, or using a lip brush, softly blur the edges—so this means you don’t see a hard line.
Applying the Lipstick
This is the type of dark goth lipstick to be used when wanting destructive, filled, pigment coverage in one slick:
- Start at the Center: Apply your lipstick from the center and then out toward the corners. It will help to prevent too much color and feel uneven.
- Use a Lip Brush: Use with a lip brush for the most precise and cleanest lipstick application; use with particular attention to control, which allows an even, smooth finish.
- Build Up the Color: Apply a second layer of lipstick if necessary to achieve the desired opacity and intensity. Blot between coats with a tissue to remove excess product.
- Clean Up the Edges: Clean up the edges using a small angularly shaped brush with a bit of concealer on it around the lips for crisp definition.
Maintaining the Look
While Goth lipstick can undoubtedly be made to last through an apocalypse, the following recommendations will make sure that your pout doesn’t look stale throughout the day:
- Blot with Tissue: Gently dot your lips with a tissue so that all excess oil or moisture is taken off, making the lipstick feather or fade.
- Avoid Touching Your Lips: Try that there is tiniest or no touching or pressing of lips together because this way, you annoy the applied lipstick.
- Reapply as Needed: Carry your lipstick with you and apply color at the center of the lips as and when needed to boost intensity.
- Use a Setting Spray: You do not want your lipstick to bleed or transfer outside of its borders, so you’ll want to finish off the lip with a light mist of your setting spray.
DIY Goth Lipstick
Ingredients and Supplies:
To make your own goth lipstick at home, you’ll need the following ingredients and supplies:
Ingredients:
- Beeswax or carnauba wax – Provides structure and texture of the lipstick.
- Shea butter or coconut oil – These are moisturizing ingredients and help in conditioning the lips.
- Pigments – Reach the Goth look with black, deep red, plum, or bold and dark pigments.
- Essential oils (optional) – Add a few drops of peppermint or vanilla for scent and flavor.
Supplies:
- Double boiler, or improvised double boiler arrangement
- Either small silicone molds or empty lipstick tubes
- Spatula or small spoon for mixing and pouring
- Pipette or dropper to add liquids
- Scissors or knife—extra trimming of wick (in the case of lipstick tubes)
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create your own custom goth lipstick at home:
- Below is the framework of steps to follow if you want to make your custom goth lipstick at home.
- Setup your double boiler by filling the bottom pan with a few inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- In the top pan or bowl of a double boiler, combine beeswax or carnauba wax with shea butter or coconut oil. Melt together these ingredients, periodically stirring until they become fully liquefied.
- Now, away from heat, remove the melted wax and butter mixture. Allow it to cool a bit before adding your desired pigments; mix well for profound boldness in color.
- If using essential oils, add a few drops and stir to incorporate.
- Now, fill up your molds or empty lipstick tubes to the brim and carefully pour the mixture into them.
- Allow the lipstick to cool completely in the tubes. Trim any extra wax from the wick with scissors.
- Once the mixture is fully hardened, you will be able to pop out the lipstick from your molds or screw on the tube, and there it is—your very own gothic lipstick is ready to use.
Customization Tips
- Play around with these pigments; come up with unique shades like super deep burgundy or blackened plum.
- Add just a touch of glitter or shimmer for an even more dramatic and eye-catching finish.
- Play with the wax-to-butter ratio for your desired texture: more wax for a firmer, long-wearing lipstick or more butter for a creamy, emollient formula.
- Include skin-nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E or rosehip seed oil for additional benefits in lip care.
Reviews:
Sandy M.
Sandy M. loves the feel, appearance, and wear of this product. It’s just such a beautiful chestnut rose color, very much like her natural lip color but a little darker. She finds the wear fantastic 3–4 hours, depending on whether she’s drinking coffee or eating. I highly recommend this product!
j.dominguez
It’s someone like J. Dominguez, who has worn this color on her lips, cheeks, and eyes—sometimes all at once for a nice monochromatic look. She says the product lasts about half a day on her lips and all day long on her cheeks and eyelids, even though it is not designed to do so. This can dry the lips, but this matte color is perfect on her very light olive complexion. She has lost count of how many times she has purchased this color and was glad to see it in stock at Amazon when her usual resellers were out.
Celeste Chapp
Celeste Chapp finally found a black lipstick that is truly a deep black. She tried all drugstore brands, but they either smeared all over and were an absolute mess, or they were extremely grey/translucent or a deep navy blue. This product stayed on beautifully for her. She finds the applicator shape perfect, and most importantly, the color is as dark as her soul. Her high school self would have been thrilled.
Junior R.
Junior R. bought it for his colleague, who loves it as a birthday gift.
Nattie
Nattie loved how good it was on her lips.
Tamala C.
Tamala C. loves this line of liquid lipstick! It was her very first purchased liquid lipstick, and she couldn’t be happier. Very comfortable to wear, super pigmented—hardly left any lip marks on cups or her significant other. For her, it’s the almost nonexistent fragrance, which will have faded by application. She has worn them in OBS: I’m Royal, Blow Pony, Blue Velvet, and Weirdo, and they look fantastic on any skin color.
Conclusion:
The ultimate goth lipstick would then be the one bearing the peculiar qualities that define a goth aesthetic: dark and bold colors, matte or gloss finish, long-lasting, and so on. Culturally and aesthetically, lipstick has a place in goth fashion by finishing or improving an overall look. Top goth lipstick brands explore high-end and affordable brands, carrying many quality products.
High-end brands like Kat Von D, MAC, and Jeffree Star brag about their luxurious and long-lasting formulae. Pocket-friendly generic brands like NYX and Wet-n-Wild will get you a great deal without denting your wallet. Other indie brands, like Black Moon Cosmetics and LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs, pulled out some really lovely, saturated options the goth community holds dear to its heart. Ultimately, the best goth lipstick colors conveys style and makes a statement but stays true to the spirit of Gothic. Be it a high-end brand, a budget brand, or just a concoction from creativity with DIY, having the right lipstick can complete the overall look in the gothic style. Happy hunting, and may your lipsticks be black as thy soul!
FAQs:
Of course, Goth is all about the darkness and dramatic effect of the aesthetic—it’s not just black lipstick. Deep reds, purples, and even some browns bring off a look. Deep red is a classic goth choice and can add sophistication and edge to an overall look. Purple is mysterious; brown gives a more natural gothic lip vibe.
The key to a long-lasting goth lipstick is in the prep work and proper application. You want to exfoliate your lips to help remove the dead skin that can make up lipstick. Liner even outlines the shape of your lip but also acts to stop bleeding at the edges. Using a tissue, blot your lips gently after applying. Finally, set your lips with translucent powder for extra staying power.
Though matte finishes are very in vogue for gothic lipsticks, they can be drying. Matte formulae that bring out the wear time without sacrificing comfort. Or you could look into other finishes, like satin or cream. These are far more comfortable while still holding onto, to some extent, a bold and dramatic appearance.
So, to get that flawless Gothic lip, it is all in the prep work. Gently scrub off dead skin from your lips, then moisturize them so the product applies super smooth. Use a pencil of color that matches your lipstick liners to define the shape and outline but not bleed. Spread your lipstick evenly from the center outwards, then blot onto a tissue to remove excess so that, the translucent powder can be set onto the lips for long-lastingness.
