The cap of Cortinarius barlowensis is grayishbrown in color. It can be convex or umbonate, and is about 1.9-3centimeters in diameter. The stipe is about 5-10 centimeters long and 0.3-0.5 centimeterswide, and is slightly wider at the base. It is bluish, purplish, or grayish. The gills are purplish to brown, and are adnexed.