If makeup is a way of expressing oneself, then black makeup looks are the boldest, most daring way to go about it. From smoky, sultry eyes to bold, fierce lips, the world of black makeup is teeming with endless possibilities. Best looking makeup can change your face and accentuate your features while adding an undeniable, powerful edge to any outfit. But let’s get real: entering into a world of black makeup can be intimidating if you’re not sure where to start or how to create the perfect look for an occasion. Whether a novice or expert with makeup, there are some black makeup looks for everyone.
Join me as we delve into 10 striking black makeup looks you could wear for any kind of occasion—from formal nights to casual daytime events, I have got you covered.
Table of Contents
The Classic Smoky Eye: Sultry and Bold
If there’s one black makeup looks that has stood the test of time, it’s the classic smoky eye. Whether you’re heading to a party, a night out with friends, or even a romantic dinner, the smoky eye is always a solid choice. This iconic look is all about blending black, gray, and even a touch of shimmer for an edgy yet elegant appearance.
The key to the perfect smoky eye is to blend, baby, blend. You want soft, diffused lines, not harsh edges. Begin with base eyeshadow in a neutral tone and layer your black eyeshadow over it, blending it outwards to create that smoldering effect. Throw some silver or gold in the middle of your lid for some glam. Finishing the look off with dramatic mascara or a little extra oomph in faux lashes if you want.
Pro Tip: Keep your lips nude or soft pink to let your eyes do the talking.
Fierce Black Lipstick: A Bold Statement
Look no more for something that screams confidence; black lipstick is here to steal the show. What seems daunting, black lipstick has transformed from a gothic staple into a bold fashion statement. This is a perfect look for events where you’d like to make heads turn—be it at a concert, a night out on the town, or a creative photoshoot.
First, to do a black lipstick, make sure your lips are well prepped for creating black makeup looks. Exfoliate and hydrate your lips to avoid patchiness. Give shape to your lips and avoid feathering with the help of a lip liner in a matching shade. You can go for a chic, edgy look in matte black lipstick or a bold, experimental look in a glossy finish.
Pro Tip: Keep the look balanced by pairing it up with very little eye makeup—just some eyeliner and mascara will do.
Black and Gold Glam: Luxurious yet Elegant
For black makeup looks that oozes luxury, try coupling the two—the black and the gold. It is perfect for weddings, classy galas, or other formal events. The black and the gold balanced each other perfectly; thus, it is bold and sophisticated at the same time.
Blend a black eyeshadow base onto your lids, softly into the crease. Add some shimmering gold eyeshadow right in the center of your lid for the wow factor. Complete the look with golden highlighter on the cheekbones and a soft, gold shimmer on your lips for a radiant, glowing finish.
Pro Tip: Keep your blush soft and neutral so as not to overpower the look with too much color.
Monochromatic Black Makeup Looks: Fierce and Dramatic
If you love drama and intensity, why not go all out with monochromatic black makeup looks? That means using black eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and black lipstick for a striking, cohesive look. The monochromatic black look is perfect for a night out or a special event when you want to channel your inner diva.
To make this work, balance is key. Since the whole look revolves around black, you’ll want to ensure your skin is flawless and glowing. Focus on creating a smooth, even base with foundation and concealer. A bit of contouring can help define your face and add dimension to the look.
Pro Tip: Keep your brows bold and strong to help frame your face and balance out the dramatic makeup.
Smoky Eye with Pop of Color: Fun and Playful
While the traditional sultry, neutral smoky eye is a given, adding a pop of color takes it to a whole new level. This twist of a smoky eye would work for a night out with friends or a fun evening event. You can go all out with a bold teal, deep purple, or electric blue—these colors strikingly contrast against the dark base of the black eyeshadow.
Begin with the standard smoky eye-dark shades on the lid, blending out toward the crease. But instead of just using neutrals, add a pop of bright color on the lower lash line or at the outer corners of your eyes. The result? A playful, edgy black makeup looks that’s still wearable.
Pro Tip: Pair the look with a neutral lip so all focus stays on the eyes.
Graphic Black Eyeliner: Modern and Artistic
Go for graphic black eyeliner for a makeup look that’s as much about art as it is about style. This bold, modern look takes your eyeliner to the next level of sharp, clean lines to create an almost geometric look that is truly artistic. Graphic eyeliner is perfect for fashion events, photo shoots, or whenever one feels a little creative.
You can try straight lines, winged eyeliner, or even do double lines. The best part of graphic liner is that you are free to play with shapes and sizes. If you want to keep it simple, just a sharp wing with a little liner on the lower lash line can make a huge impact.
Pro Tip: A liquid liner in fine tip will give you precise, sharp lines.
Smokey Eye Black and White Makeup: High Fashion, Bold
When you need something that is super high-fashion and fashion-forward, the black and white makeup look does the magic. This modern twist on the classic black makeup looks is apt for photoshoots, runway-inspired looks, or basically any event you want to make a mark at—it’s sleek, sharp, and entirely edgy.
To get a black and white look, use an egg-white shadow on the lids, blended out towards the brow bone. Next, apply bold black eyeliner to your top and bottom lash lines. You can also use a black liquid liner to create sharp lines and dramatic shapes on the eyes for extra flair.
Pro Tip: Pair the look with a nude lip to keep focus on the eyes and make the bold contrast pop.
Soft Black Liner for a Natural Yet Defined Look
Sometimes less is more. If you’re going for a more subtle black makeup looks to outline your features, try soft black eyeliner. It’s perfect for everyday wear or just for someone who seeks to wear more natural makeup. A soft pencil liner will just define your eyes without the boldness of a full smoky eye.
Simply line your upper lash line with a soft black pencil and smudge it out slightly for a softer, more diffused look. This works great on casual days when you want to put yourself together without overdoing it.
Pro Tip: Put on a light coat of mascara in order to define your lashes and open up your eyes even more.
Black Glitter Eyes for Glamorous Party Look
If you’ve got a party to attend and want to turn your head, a black glitter eyeshadow look is the way to go. Perfect for New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations, or any event where sparkle and glam are welcome, this look is all about fun and drama.
Put a good, black eyeshadow base underneath your lid onto your crease, blending it out. Go ahead then and layer a black glitter eyeshadow or loose glitter right over the lid for that more sparkly effect. Place a small number of highlighters in the inner corners of the eyes to really make them pop.
Pro Tip: Apply setting spray to keep the glitter in place with no fallout throughout the night.
Dramatic Bold Black Lashes
Sometimes, all you need to make your black makeup looks more interesting is a pair of dramatic black lashes. Adding a full set of voluminous black lashes will give the illusion of longer, bigger eyes. If you’re going for a more natural makeup look but wish to add oomph, a full set of black lashes takes a look from understated to stunning.
Whether you like wispy, natural-looking lashes or dramatic, full-volume lashes, this look could work for everything from casual gatherings to elegant nighttime events.
Pro Tip: Go for a clear-drying lash glue and make sure to curl your natural lashes before applying the false ones for a seamless blend.
Whether you are attending a wedding, going out for a fun night with friends, or simply experimenting with your style, these 10 stunning black makeup looks fit for every occasion. Black makeup looks are all about confidence, creativity, and boldness, so do not be afraid to play with different styles and products until you find what makes you feel fabulous.
With the right products, techniques, and a little bit of imagination, you can turn any simple makeup looks into something extra. So, the next time you are looking to elevate your makeup game, give one of these black makeup looks a shot and see how it changes not only your look but the entire vibe.
Now go out and slay in these black makeup looks—you got this!
