Interview

As predicted by the styling on last February's runways, goth has, once again, hit the street. We asked MAC senior makeup artists Terry Barber and Gina Bettelli for advice on navigating this tricky terrain:

"It's the way Tim Burton would treat Goth, more dark-romantic, a bit of street-urchin Victoriana, a bit Ska–but not a ghoul. Those are the elements of Goth now," says Terry. "Think punk-inspired but not punk–more punk couture." (PHOTO: CATHERINE HOLSTEIN)

But is a black pout really kissable? Yes, if you keep it simple. Gina explains: "The best pairing to a black lip is matte skin and a little black dress." As for how much black a face really needs, Terry says, "Only a hardcore vampire would do all black everything. It's all about balance. A lot of eye always means less skin and a fleshy mouth. A strong lip looks contemporary on a nude eye. It's is all about what you erase on the face. At the [spring] shows, erased eyebrows had a big moment."

"Play with multiple textures of black to celebrate the season of layering," Gina urges.  "Mix it up: anything from patent leather-like lips, to a velvet dress, to strappy leather shoes, to MAC Bling Black Glimmerglass."

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.