Dark Decadence Is Taking Over Fall Beauty

Welcome to Your Soft Goth Era

Goth beauty is having a moment, but this isn’t necessarily the heavy black liner and ultra-pale foundation you might be picturing. The rise of soft goth glam (and why it’s more wearable than ever) explores the softer side of the aesthetic, where diffused smoky eyes, blurred liner, moody lips, and luminous skin bring just enough darkness to your everyday look.

The appeal is in the contrast: romantic but rebellious, polished but a little undone. You can go all in or simply borrow an element or two. A smudged charcoal eye with fresh skin? Very after-hours. A sheer berry lip with your everyday mascara? Suddenly mysterious.

Beauty doesn’t need bright lights to be seen.

Meet Fall’s Moodiest Lip

If one shade could sum up October, it would be black cherry.

Sitting somewhere between deep berry, burgundy, and almost-black red, the season’s juiciest lip color brings instant drama without requiring an elaborate makeup look. In black cherry lips are fall’s biggest makeup trend, we’re breaking down the shade taking over fall beauty and how to make it your own, whether you prefer a softly blurred stain, glossy vinyl finish, or full-on vampy pout.

Pair yours with barely-there eyes for an effortless contrast or lean into the decadence with smoky shadow and sculpted cheeks.

Make darkness your signature shade.

Your Halloween Glam, Conjured

Of course, October is also the one month when “too much” makeup simply does not exist.

Whether your Halloween plans involve a full transformation or something you can pull together 20 minutes before the party, 42 easy Halloween makeup ideas you can actually do yourself has inspiration for every commitment level. Think classic cats and vampires, eerie details, pop-culture-inspired looks, and plenty of ideas that let your makeup do most of the costume work.

And there’s no rule saying the drama has to disappear on November 1. Keep the smoky eye. Wear the dark lipstick to brunch. Add the chrome accent just because.

Serving gothic glamour all month long.

A Little Magic for What’s Next

Spooky season may have our full attention, but there’s already something sparkling on the horizon.

We’re giving you your first look at IPSY’s 2026 Advent Calendar, packed with beauty surprises made for counting down to the holidays. Consider it your first peek at the season ahead—and proof that a little anticipation can be its own kind of indulgence.

Until then, we’re staying firmly in our after-dark era.