Vampy Makeup Tutorial: Amy Spalding's Guide to Gothic Glamour

With her ethereal beauty and gothic allure, Amy Spalding, the founder of the cult-favorite brand Melt Cosmetics, personifies the enchanting spirit of vampy makeup. Her signature style effortlessly blends dark, sultry tones with a touch of ethereal shimmer, creating a captivating look that transcends time.

Step 1: Create a Flawless Canvas

Begin by priming your face with a smoothing primer that will even out your skin tone and create a smooth base for makeup application. Next, apply a foundation that matches your skin tone and provides medium to full coverage. Blend well to ensure an even, natural finish.

Step 2: Define Your Brows

For a bold and dramatic brow, fill in any sparse areas with a brow powder or pencil in a shade slightly darker than your natural brow color. Use a spoolie brush to blend the color and create a natural yet defined shape.

Step 3: Create a Deep, Smoky Eye

Start by applying a deep purple eyeshadow to the crease of your eyelid, blending it upwards towards the brow bone. Next, use a darker shade of purple or black to define the outer corner and outer crease of your eye. Blend the colors together to create a seamless, smoky effect.

For added drama, apply a metallic pigment or shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid. Blend it in lightly for a subtle glow.

Step 4: Line and Define Your Eyes

To intensify your smoky eyes, line your upper and lower lash lines with a black liquid eyeliner. Create a thin, precise line, following the natural curve of your eye. For a more dramatic look, extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye.

Step 5: Add Depth and Dimension

To enhance the depth of your eyes, apply a black eyeshadow or eyeliner to the waterline. This will create a smoldering effect that makes your lashes appear thicker and more defined.

Step 6: Highlight and Contour

To sculpt your face and create a chiseled look, use a matte bronzer to contour your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. Blend the bronzer well to avoid any harsh lines.

For a touch of radiance, apply a shimmering highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your Cupid's bow. Blend it seamlessly to create a natural, ethereal glow.

Step 7: Create a Vampy Lip

Finish your look with a deep, vampy lip. Apply a matte liquid lipstick in a rich burgundy or oxblood shade to your lips. Blot with a tissue to remove any excess product, then reapply for a long-lasting effect.

Alternative Vampy Lip Options:

Ombre Lips: Create a gradient effect by applying a lighter shade of lipstick to the center of your lips and a darker shade to the outer edges.
Matte with Shimmer: Apply a matte liquid lipstick as the base, then add a touch of shimmery gloss to the center of your lips for a dramatic, dimensional effect.
Metallic Vamp: Opt for a metallic liquid lipstick in a deep burgundy or purple shade to add a touch of glamour to your vampy look.

Tips for a Perfectly Vampy Makeup Look:

Use a light hand when applying eyeshadow, and blend thoroughly to avoid creating harsh lines.
Experiment with different shades of purple, black, and metallics to create a custom smoky eye look that complements your skin tone.
Pay attention to your brows, as they frame your face and enhance the overall impact of your makeup.
Don't be afraid to add a touch of shimmer or metallic to your eyes and lips for a glamorous, eye-catching effect.
Finish your look with a spritz of hydrating setting spray to lock in your makeup and keep it fresh throughout the day.

Embrace the allure of vampy makeup with this step-by-step guide from Amy Spalding. By following these tips, you can create a captivating, gothic-inspired look that will turn heads and ignite your inner vamp.