SØ•BEAUTY: GOTHIC DREAMS

SøEdited Team
SøBeauty Director: Astrid Kearney
SøEditor-in-Chief: Chris Saint Sims 
​SøFashion Director: Savannah Barthorpe​

With the release of the new Nosferatu film, the gothic aesthetic feels more alive than ever, inspiring a fresh wave of haunting beauty that blends old-world darkness with modern innovation. Drawing from the timeless allure of Siouxsie Sioux’s punk glam, Victorian romanticism, and the eerie elegance of 70s goths, this modern gothic look channels the macabre in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

​Start with a pale, almost ethereal complexion, using a foundation a shade lighter or several if you dare than your natural tone as if bitten by frost. Skip heavy contouring and let the skin remain matte, with a subtle glow beneath the surface, as if drained of life but not entirely lifeless. The eyes take centre stage with glossy, wet lids instead of traditional shadow, creating a slick effect. Black glitter is then used in a spiked, winged liner shape, adding Siouxsie-inspired punk edge while maintaining a contemporary flair, like a gothic reinvention for the modern day.
​
For the blush, a minimalist approach works best, applied softly above the cheekbones and diffused outward for a natural, almost sickly flush, as if the blood beneath the skin is barely there. Lips are softened with a Korean blur technique: a deep black centre fades into nude, creating a haunting ombré effect that feels eerie yet subtle. The overall result is a look that is ethereal, powerful, and darkly romantic, a balance of past and present influences. It’s a gothic aesthetic that feels alive with the ghostly allure of Nosferatu and the rebellious spirit of the 70s, blending them effortlessly into a modern, shadow-drenched dream.

​Base: Illamasqua
Kryolan Shimmering events in Pearl
Eyes: Hemway Eco Glitter
Kryolan Aquacolour black 
Waterline: Bobby Brown ‘Black Ink’
Lip: Kryolan
Creative Direction, Photography, Makeup, Hair, Styling, and 3D Jewellery Design: Astrid Kearney, shot at Final Checks Academy.