How to Do Emo Makeup

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: March 17, 2024 Fact Checked

Emo make-up features dark eyes with cat-eye shaped eyeliner, using a smoky eye technique. Typically, lips and cheeks are kept simple with natural toned makeup. This is the difference between goth and emo; goth is a more extreme look with dark lips and eyes and pale skin. Emo is a style that applies to both anyone who wants to adopt it. If you want to do some one else's idea of emo makeup, get started at step number one below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Emo Makeup for Girls

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1
Wash your face well. Always apply makeup on fresh, clean skin.
- Use a mild soap or cleaner to avoid drying your skin out.
- Pat your skin dry.
- You may want to apply a makeup primer at this point to help all of your makeup adhere to your skin.
2
Apply a concealer and foundation. The stick form of concealer is preferable as it applies the most evenly and hides blemishes well.
- Use a liquid foundation and blend it well.
- Make sure your concealer and foundation are the right shade for your skin tone.^{[1]
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- The wrong tone can make your skin look washed out, yellow or orange.
- Use a foundation brush to apply your foundation for the most even application and polished look.
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3
Apply a light, natural shade of blush. Use blush sparingly, as the Emo look focuses on the eyes and less on the colors of the skin and lips.
- If you are going for a pale look then try not to use blush as the goal of Emo makeup is to accentuate the eyes.
- Keep the shade only slightly pinker than your skin tone.
- Apply in circles to the cheekbones.
- Avoid putting blush on contours or cheek hollows.
4
Apply eyeshadow in dark colors. Use a smokey eye effect.^{[2]
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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
- Start by applying a matte slade shade of eyeshadow across the eyelid.
- Add a small touch of black eyeliner towards the outer 1/3 of the eyelid.
- Blend the darker eyeshadow to create a smokey effect.
5
Use a black eyeliner pencil or a black liquid liner.^{[3]
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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.} Since Emo make up is typically dark and heavy, make sure to get a lot of black makeup.
- Apply black eyeliner on the lash line.
- Extend the eyeliner a little bit on both sides of the eye and inner and outer corner to create a 2-way jacketed effect.
- Thicken the eyeliner. Go over the eyeliner again until you are satisfied with it.
- Make sure the eyeliner ends meet up at the corners of your eyes. On the outside, the effect should be somewhat catlike, with the line slanting upwards towards your temples.
6
Smudge the black eyeliner on the upper lid.^{[4]
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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.} You can do this using a sponge applicator.
- Define the edges of the eyeliner with a liquid eyeliner for a smooth effect.
- You can also add a coloured eyeliner here if you want to add some more vibrancy. Repeat the eyeliner application on your top lashes.
- Try to keep the eyeliner consistently smooth on both the top and bottom lash lines.
7
Apply black mascara to upper lashes. Remember, the eyes are the focus of the Emo look, so it is important to emphasize the eyelashes.
- Take care not to smudge mascara onto the eyelid when applying.
- Some people apply mascara to their lower lashes, too. Take care when doing this as it can smudge easily.
- For a more dramatic effect, use false eyelashes. Use these carefully as applying eyelash glue can be challenging and you are working close to your eye.
8
Use matte lipstick. You want to focus to be on your eyes so don't overdo it with the lips.
- Be sure to use a lip moisturizer such as lip balm. This helps your look to not wear away as fast, so you don't have to re-applicate it often.
- Avoid dark or bright colors on the lips, as that is more a trend with Gothic style makeup.
- A light lip color in a slightly pink or natural shade is best for the Emo style.
- Lip liner isn't typically used in this type of look.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Emo Makeup for Boys

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1
Apply foundation or concealer sparingly. Only use enough foundation or concealer to hide imperfections.
- Don't make it look obviously done. Emo makeup on boys is usually a bit more subtle than on girls.
- Most Emo guys don't wear foundation or concealer but it can be a good technique if you have blemishes or scars.
- If using concealer, use the stick form as it goes on evenly and blends well. Tap your fingertips or use a concealer brush to blend it.
2
Apply stick eyeliner. Put it carefully onto your lash line in one continuous line to give a smooth final result.^{[5]
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- Keep the line as close to your lashes as possible.
- The amount of eyeliner you apply depends on personal preference so try out different looks at home to find one you like.
- You can use a liquid liner to define and clean up the edge of your eyeliner.
3
Use eyeshadow sparingly. This is optional but if you decide to apply eyeshadow then try to use a light amount and stay away from bright neon colours.^{[6]
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- Charcoal eyeshadow is a good choice.
- You should put a little bit of eyeshadow under the eye.
- Boy Emo makeup is usually less dramatic than this same style on girls, though personal preference may change this.
4
Apply mascara to the upper lash line. You should always use black mascara when completing an Emo look.
- It is not recommended for boys to curl their eyelashes as this creates too much of a feminine effect.
- It is quite acceptable for boys and men to apply makeup. Many famous rockstars use makeup on a regular basis.
- The amount of eyeliner and mascara used on boys may come down to personal preference rather than gendered standards.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Emo Makeup for Both Sexes

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1
Use a light liquid foundation. Apply this with a foundation brush.^{[7]
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- It should be no lighter than one to two shades the your natural skin tone.
- Foundation that is too light can make your skin look ashy or overly made up.
- Foundation that is too dark can give your skin a yellow or orangish hue. This should be avoided when trying for an Emo style.
2
Use a black or brown eyeliner on your lashline. Waterproof is recommended.
- First use a black or brown eyeliner pencil and blend it to create a smoky effect.
- Use liquid liner to define the look of the eyeliner, sweeping the line up towards the temples at the corner of the eye to create a cat eye look.
- Thicken and darken eyeliner to your preference.
3
Use a black, navy blue, or red colored eye shadow. Smokey eye effects are key to the Emo style.^{[8]
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- Spread a lighter matte shade to the eyelid.
- Apply black eyeliner on the outer 1/3 of the eye and a little bit into your crease. Remember you want this to look soft.
- Apply the shadow on the lower lash line as well.
4
Apply black mascara. Some people like to curl the eyelashes first for a feminine look and to emphasize the eyes.^{[9]
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- Put the mascara on thicker on the upper lashes and go lighter on the lower lashes.
- Some people prefer to use false eyelashes for an even more extreme look.
5
Use lip gloss or light lipstick. Choose a natural shade that won't distract from the eyes.
- Avoid black lipstick, dark red, or bright colors.
- Keep the lips extremely subtle.
- Don't use a lip liner as this will attract attention away from your carefully done eye makeup.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I do an emo eye makeup look?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Use a smoky eyeliner on your waterline and smudge it with a Q tip. Go over the black liner with a deep colored black or dark brown eyeshadow and apply mascara over the eye. This will create a very dramatic appearance.

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Question

How do I become emo if my parents don't agree with it?

Community Answer

Try to reason with them. Explain that it's just a trendy look and it doesn't mean anything bad. Ask them what exactly they object to, and see if you can compromise (i.e. if they don't like a lot of thick eye makeup, try do a more subtle look for your eyes). Stay calm when you're talking to them. They won't listen to you if you're yelling or whining.

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Question

I am oily around the eyes and most of the eyeshadow and eyeliner that I put on comes off by the end of the day. Is there anything I can do?

Intothepark

Community Answer

Try using an eye primer. My favorites are the Too Faced Shadow Insurance eye primer or the Smashbox oil primer. If that doesn't work, try using a setting spray. I like the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.

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Practice applying makeup beforehand to keep your hand as steady as possible.

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Keep facial wipes and a small makeup kit with you in case you need to re-apply eyeliner during the day.

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Some great online stores that sell makeup aimed towards subcultures include Manic Panic and Hot Topic.

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Sometimes people will judge you because of the make up you wear, especially the eyeliner. Just leave them alone and show them that they don't bother you.
You can also use coconut or other skin-safe oils to remove makeup, just be sure to wash your face normally afterwards.

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