We’re well and truly in the midst of winter now but don’t let the colder weather cramp your dark style. Here are my top five essential alternative beauty buys and what’s more, they’re all cruelty-free so no ravens, bats or spiders were harmed in their creation!

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has been a goth favourite for around a decade now – their unique perfume oils are a welcome change from generic high street perfumes. Inspired by dark movies, literature, comics and poetry, their range includes scents for both men and women with addictive aromas such as frankincense, patchouli and vanilla that are blended in a head-turning way. These fragrances will earn you loads of compliments and you can get yours at www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com

Black eyeliner is the ultimate goth staple and Illamasqua’s Eye Colouring Pencil in S.O.P.H.I.E. isn’t just any old crayon. Not only does it last for ages, but £3 from every purchase goes straight to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation– that’s the charity set up to raise awareness of appearance-based discrimination and hatred.

Cult US hair and make-up brand Manic Panic have expanded and repackaged their entire Glamnation Cosmetics range to make it even more gorgeous. Their Lethal Lipsticks nowcome in 41 colours, including shades of black, green, blue and red; and their new cases are encrusted with sparkling crystals for an über-glam look. My favourite is Deadly Nightshade, a creamy but long-lasting deep purple. Check out the full range at www.manicpanic.com

The popularity of steampunk and dandy Victoriana in recent years has increased the amount of facial hair our men are sporting and Lush’s Veerappan moustache wax has been specially formulated to tame those ‘tashs! Fragranced with earthy sandalwood oil and enriched with natural waxes, it’s perfect for sculpting facial hair and it doubles up as a hair wax for smoothing fringes and giving soft definition to spikes. Pick it up online at www.lush.co.uk

Elaborate hairstyles need maximum hold and Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry & Vanilla Hairspray is a favourite among those in the know and compliments their quirky range of styling products. The contents of this cyber-look canister will fix your ‘do for up to 24 hours without leaving it feeling sticky. What’s more, it’s got a deliciously sweet scent. Locate your nearest stockist at www.fudgeurban.com

And to top off your cool cosmetics display, add one of the brilliant new resin mirrors from Alchemy England’s Vault collection and you’ll be looking your gothic best in no time!

By Natasha Scharf. The author of the books ‘The Art of Gothic’ (Omnibus Press/Backbeat Books) and ‘Worldwide Gothic’ (Independent Music Press).

 

This entry was posted on Friday, January 9th, 2015 in Uncategorized.