Gothic Romanticism Emerges as a Key Makeup Trend for Fall 2026

With the arrival of the spooky season, consumers are gravitating toward richer hues. Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at the booking platform Fresha, notes that gothic romanticism is gaining popularity this fall.

"Embracing this trend doesn’t have to mean jumping straight in with a full black eye; the beauty lies in adapting its elements to suit your style," Taurua explained. "Think gently smudged eyeliner, diffused eyeshadow in deeper shades, and imperfect lines. This look should feel lived-in and undone."

While ornate red-carpet looks may not be practical for everyday life, Taurua offers suggestions for incorporating this style without feeling overly theatrical. For eye makeup, she recommends using a soft black kohl pencil near the lash line and smudging it with a small brush or fingertip for a more relaxed appearance.

"You’re not aiming for perfect lines; in fact, the more diffused, the better!" she stated. If black is too bold, brown or deep plum can achieve a similarly romantic yet wearable look.

To maintain a natural aesthetic, Taurua advises keeping brows brushed and fluffy, paired with a soft nude lip, to balance the darker eye makeup.

The trend also extends to men, with the rise of inclusivity in makeup allowing more individuals to explore darker styles. Google searches for "guyliner" have surged by 24% over the past year. Grammy-nominated artist Sombr exemplified this movement with his dark smudged eyes at the VMAs.

"For men looking to explore this trend, starting with a simple tightline using a kohl pencil can be a good introduction, gradually building confidence to smudge it below the lash line," Taurua suggested. Focusing on the outer third of the eye can keep the look subtle, with softer colors like brown or charcoal for those wary of black.

Ultimately, flexibility and fun are essential in makeup. As Taurua put it, "Keep it effortless over polished; this imperfection is what gives the gothic trend a modern twist."