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The words “punk” and “goth” carry a certain connotation. They each stem from an alt-music scene, one that often conjures up images of piercings, lace, leather, and general badassery. So when we started seeing goth makeup popping up on the runways during Fashion Week, it gave us pause. Were we edgy enough to pull off a look like black lipstick? The answer is yes, and so are you.
Case in point: Katy Perry at New York's most fashionable costume gala. Our girl made goth-inspired makeup look good with a black lipstick from her new collection with COVERGIRL. We don’t have to tell you that Perry pushes the boundaries in the beauty department to begin with — lavender hair and mega-bright lipstick shades are not for the meek at heart — so it was no surprise to see the rebellious pop princess debut a darker look for the Manus x Machina-themed gala. She even inspired us to switch up our own beauty routines.
Armed with nothing but the Katy Kat COVERGIRL line (which was in fact created by Perry herself), makeup artist Brit Cochran helped us dream up four nonconformist beauty looks — including everything from purple lipstick to blue-tinged lashes — to unlock our inner badass. You don’t have to wear all-black everything or have a platinum album to pull them off, you just need a desire to break the mold.
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Nothing But Noir
Black lipstick may feel like the most audacious look of the bunch. But if you pick your products with care, it's just as easy to pull off as your go-to shade. For this look, choose a demi-matte versus a traditional matte finish, like COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Perry Panther. The formula was created specifically to combat the drying, flat-finish effect some matte lipsticks have. So while it feels moisturizing on (read: seriously comfortable), it does dry to just a touch of subtle sheen.
Simone Rocha dress.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Keep the rest of your look light and fuss-free. Our favorite finishing touches: just a subtle swipe of neutral glossy shadow on the eyes and a wash of warm pink blush.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Lash Out
Goths aren't known for their colorful tendencies. But when you pair a thickly winged eye with blue mascara, you'll feel more punk than precious. One thing to keep in mind, though, is unless you have baby-blonde lashes, a coat of the colorful stuff can be quite subtle. Make it a focal point by keeping the rest of your look nude all over.
Chris Habana earring.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Katy Kat Mascara in Perry Blue contains a blend of waxes that go on quite wet, so you'll get dark color without those running-out-the-door smudges on your lids. After applying it, Cochran amped up the cool hue by drawing in matching liner along the entire lower lashline.
RED Valentino top, Topshop tee, Chris Habana earring.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Spread Your Wings
We'll level with you. There isn't anything particularly punk about a cat-eye. But Cochran used a rule-breaking technique that shows more is more. Add a swipe of subversive, lavender lipstick to really eschew your typical Monday-to-Friday look.
Topshop jacket, Meredith Kahn earring.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Start with a matte BB cream for your base. Then, use black liner to trace along your upper lashline. For the all-important flick, picture an imaginary line pointing from the outer corner of your eye up to the tail end of your brow. Now actually draw this line, and when you hit your comfort level, extend the line a little further for a more extreme wing. Next, thickly line your lower lashline. Finish with multiple coats of a lavender lipstick, like COVERGIRL Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in Cosmo Kitty, for powerful payoff and a velvety smooth finish.
Viva Aviva top, Broken English earring.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
Totally Tonal
Ombré lips have been #trending for a hot minute now, while dark, vampy ones have remained a beauty mainstay for years. This two-toned lip puts a fresh spin on both looks, while lending a rock-rebel edge. And, bonus points — it's easy to do yourself. Start by applying a coat of crimson-red lipstick. Next, apply a darker shade around the edges of your lips (where you'd apply lipliner) and at the outer corners of your mouth.
Margiela sweater, Ileana Makri earring, Maria Black earring.
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRLCOVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Clik here to view.
It's easiest (meaning, less of a mess) to do this with a fresh, sharp lipstick. But you can also use a lip brush to keep the pigment off your face and on your lips. Use the brush to blend the two shades together.
Let your lips take center stage, and pair the look with nothing but whisper-soft touches: Dab silver cream shadow over your lids, embrace your flyaways, and start practicing your most smoldering stare. See how pretty punk can be?
COVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRLCOVERGIRL, $7.99, available at COVERGIRL Photographed by Jerome Corpuz.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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