Try a Soft Goth Aesthetic This Season to Evoke Your Inner Wednesday Addams
Since Wednesday debuted on Netflix in November 2022, the show has broken multiple streaming records. It seems there’s still a major fever for iconic goth girl Wednesday Addams, this time around played by Jenna Ortega. The show’s popularity brought back the grunge aesthetic of the past but with a 2023 twist, especially in the trending beauty department.
It doesn’t matter what you call it—grunge, egirl, emo, alternative—the goth look is back with its dark clothes and edgy makeup. But Wednesday Addams took the tone down a notch to a more soft goth aesthetic. That means a neutral smoky eye and a light berry lip with a more typically feminine grunge aesthetic and less OG goth style.
So, grab your black long sleeve dress, choker, and tights, and learn how to get the soft goth aesthetic look from makeup artist Vittorio Masecchia.
Meet the Expert
Vittorio Masecchia is an LA–based makeup artist and founder of Vittorio Masecchia Beauty.
How to Get the Soft Goth Aesthetic
1. Create a Neutral Soft Grunge Eye
The typical goth look featured tons of black eyeliner, but the soft goth is more “indie” than “alt.” Start by choosing a neutral eyeshadow color, such as a shade of brown or taupe, and “apply close to lashes and blend outward,” Masecchia says. “Skip anything too bright or saturated,” or any pastels. This isn’t the pastel goth aesthetic.
Make it easy on yourself with a neutral eyeshadow palette, such as BELLE EN ARGENT Panchromatic Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Intuitive Vision. Finish by curling your lashes and applying a coat or two of mascara.
2. Brush Your Brows
Nothing is too intense or sharp in the soft goth aesthetic. Brows are soft and fluffy, naturally groomed. A tinted eyebrow gel is the perfect go-to for this look so try LES BEAUTY Full Tinted Brow Gel in Light Brown to get the look.
3. Apply a Natural-Looking Base
Either skip foundation altogether or go for a soft matte complexion, Masecchia says. TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 has the right non-glowy finish for the goth girl.
4. Add Very Little Face Color
We love blush—a lot. Who doesn’t these days? Well, the grunge aesthetic doesn’t exactly lend itself to rosy cheeks. “Don’t look too alive,” Masecchia jokes. So, give your face just the lightest touch of a berry-colored blush or bronzer that’ll be a monochromatic look with berry lips (coming next!). V KOSMETIK Lightweight Powder Blush in Natural Kiss features a super-smooth formula that’s easily layered.
5. Finish With a Just-Bitten Lip
When you think of the goth look, you might be pitching black lipstick. While that can be fun for a specific moment, this is about more of a witchy, dark academia vibe. Wednesday favors a berry lip that isn’t too defined. “I’d say go for a tinted balm, maybe berry or brown. And if you like a bit of structure to your lips, add some lip liner,” Masecchia says.
Apply MAËLLE BEAUTY Clearly Brilliant Tinted Lips in Berry to the middle of the lips and smudge it towards the lip line. It’s a little bit Harajuku and a lot bit Wednesday.
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