Gothic glamour, once the domain of moody subcultures, has returned to the mainstream in a softer, more sophisticated form. This year’s gothic trend is more about romanticism than rebellion. Opt for a look that combines luminous skin with smudged liner, berry-stained lips, and plenty of drama.

The look first emerged across the autumn/winter 2025 collections, from Valentino’s sculpted cheekbones to Alexander McQueen’s modern gothic heroines, framed in metallic shadows and sculptural liner. Even Chanel’s typically innocent aesthetic took a darker turn, with dark smudged eyeliner and bare lashes creating a raw, undone look.

Celebrities have fully embraced the gothic beauty revival, each interpreting it through their own signature style. Jenna Ortega, the face of modern gothic chic, continues to channel her Wednesday Addams-inspired allure with oxblood lips, sharp liner, and softly tousled waves. Zoë Kravitz perfects the minimalist version with diffused smoky eyes paired with dewy skin and a berry-stained pout that feels both effortless and elevated. 

Meanwhile, Charli XCX leans into the sultry, club-ready edge of the trend with glossy black eyeliner and vinyl-finish lips, while Demi Lovato has made the dark-glam look her signature, blending metallic eyes with sculpted cheekbones and crimson lipstick. And of course, Lady Gaga remains the muse of theatrical gothic, from porcelain skin to vampy lips and razor-sharp brows.

How to get the look 

The secret to modern gothic glamour is not about layers of black makeup, but finding a balance between flawless skin and dark accents. Start with a perfected base that keeps the skin luminous but controlled; Dior Forever Glow Foundation or Chanel Sublimage Le Teint offer radiant coverage without masking the complexion. Add definition using Westman Atelier Face Trace for subtle sculpting, and finish with a touch of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder for a soft-focus glow.

For eyes, skip heavy smudges and opt for velvety depth instead. Blend Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in Ash or Bordeaux across the lash line, diffusing it with a soft brush, then press Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon or Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Modern Glamour onto the lids. A slick of Lancôme Le 8 Hypnôse Serum-Infused Mascara keeps lashes dramatic yet weightless.

Lips are where the magic happens. Deep crimsons, oxbloods, and blackened berries create the look’s signature intensity. Try Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust in Deep Bronzed Rose, Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Pourpre Figue, or Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Night Crimson. For a softer, blurred effect, apply the lipstick with your fingertip and blot gently. 

Choose nail colours in glossy black, plum, or midnight blue. Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir remains an icon for a reason.