I don't think I'd call the color "scary" or "goth" but it is a nice, unmistakable purple. Rumored to be an acceptable substitute for MAC's limited edition lip pencil in Heroine, I bought this because I didn't have a pure purple liner like this. Currently using it often with Maybelline's Color Sensational lipgloss in Mirrored Plum, a great pairing. Doesn't feather, this is a great quality liner with a pleasing lower price point.