How to recreate the Wednesday-inspired goth chic makeup look for Indian skin

Wednesdays are usually boring, right? That dull, dragging midpoint of the week when motivation dips and your makeup routine is on autopilot. But not this week. With Netflix’s Wednesday making a dramatic return to our TV screens, the midweek slump is officially cancelled, and the weekend binge formally is on. Calling all lovers of moody glam, smudged liner, and a whole lot of goth girl magic. 

Jenna Ortega’s iconic portrayal of Wednesday Addams has sparked a wave of beauty inspiration since the show first aired, finally making the goth girl the poster girl for dark academia. But translating that cool-toned, gothic glam onto Indian skin that is rich in warmth, depth, and golden undertones requires a touch of adaptation. Think smouldering eyes without the ashy finish, bold lips that don’t overpower, and a flawless base that stays hauntingly matte without going grey.

Even if we’ve nailed the kohl-rimmed, smokey eye look, tapping into goth chic makeup does not necessarily mean ultra-sculpted cheeks and deep purple lipstick. Here’s your step-by-step guide to recreating the Wednesday-inspired goth chic look, from subtle to extreme looks tailored perfectly for Indian skin.

Flawless airbrushed base

Despite the level of intensity you’d like for your makeup look to be, the most important detail lies in the base you set. The goal is porcelain-like skin with presence, not a washed-out canvas. Make sure to colour correct any uneven areas before applying an ample amount of concealer. When concealing, avoid going too bright under the eyes—choose a shade that’s just one tone lighter than your foundation to keep things lifted and natural.

Add some liquid highlighter or strobe cream along with your foundation for a subtle shine. After creating an even base, bring in subtle structure with a cream or powder contour that leans slightly cool-toned. This gives that sculpted, shadowy effect Wednesday is known for without flattening your natural depth. For this step, choose between a liquid or powder bronzer to define the intensity of the facial sculpt.

Blush takes a backseat in Wednesday’s world—but that doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table. The goal isn’t a flushed, rosy cheek but rather a subtle, sculpted warmth that adds just enough life to the face. Think muted mauves, burgundy reds, or brown-toned blushes that blend seamlessly into your contour.  Apply the blush high on the cheeks—almost where your highlight would go—for a lifted, defined effect that keeps the mood intact without breaking the spell.

Sultry Smokey Eyes

You don’t need to give an Indian girl any lessons on her beloved kohl—but in this look, your trusty kajal plays a much bigger role. When it comes to creating a statement smoky eye, it's surprisingly easy to throw off the harmony of your face, especially when an overly ashy or stark eye steals the spotlight from an otherwise sculpted, balanced look.

The key to mastering this lies in three elements: your eyeshadow and its finish (matte over shimmer for that true goth aesthetic), the colour and texture of your kajal, and most importantly, balance. Instead of defaulting to jet black, try experimenting with richer, softer tones like espresso brown, deep plum, or even cobalt blue. These hues still bring the drama, but in a way that complements Indian skin without overwhelming it.

Start by lining your upper and lower lash lines with a creamy kajal—look for formulas that blend easily but set without smudging throughout the day. Then, take a pencil brush or even your finger to softly blur the edges outward. Layer a matte eyeshadow over the kajal to build dimension—smoky greys, charcoal, or muted berries work beautifully depending on the kajal you’ve chosen. Finish with loads of mascara to pull it all together.

The result? A moody, modern, smokey eye that adds just the right amount of drama without dragging down the rest of your face. It's goth, smoky glam, and it's perfectly tailored to Indian skin.

Soft Brows & Bold Lips - The Finishing Act

Tying this entire look together are your eyebrows. A much overlooked feature in the realm of facial makeup, but a mandatory staple in Miss Adams’s makeup routine. Thin, almost laminated brows help complete the definition in your face. It gives your eyes an accentuated look, shifting focus to your facial structure and provides for an overall sculpted glow.

A bold berry lip feels right at home in Wednesday’s world: dark, dramatic, but never overdone. On Indian skin, rich plums, oxblood reds, and black cherry hues strike that perfect balance between gothic and glam. Opt for matte finishes to keep things grounded, or blur the edges with your fingertip for that soft, bitten effect. If you’d rather something easy to blend, a lip tint might come in handy.

So this time around, ditch the beige eyeshadow and the nude lip. Channel your inner Addams, lean into your gothic alter ego, and bring the drama.

Lead image: Getty Images
 

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