20 Alien Makeup Tutorials and Ideas for an Out-of-This-World Look

Level up your Halloween with these stunning, creative alien makeup tutorials—ranging from easy last-minute looks to jaw-dropping FX transformations.

By Medha deb
Created on

If you’re searching for a bold, creative Halloween transformation or just want to experiment with extraterrestrial flair, alien makeup offers endless inspiration. From shimmering galaxies to iconic green skin and futuristic enhancements, these alien makeup tutorials cover every skill level and style—meaning there’s a look for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced FX enthusiast.

  • Inclusive range: From quick and easy looks to full FX transformations.
  • Product suggestions: Detailed recommendations for essential tools and products.
  • Step-by-step: Clear steps and pro tips to help you nail each look.
  • Creative inspiration: Designs inspired by pop culture, classic extraterrestrials, and out-of-this-world color palettes.

This Doja Cat-Inspired Alien Makeup

Channel Doja Cat’s Planet Her era with a hyper-glam, intergalactic twist. This editorial take pairs high shine with bold face color, creating a look that’s both avant-garde and mesmerizing.

  • Key features: Metallic blue face paint, shimmering liquid highlighter, sharply sculpted cheekbones.
  • Products: Look for high-pigment face paints, and choose both liquid and powder highlighters for extra dimension.
  • Pro tip: Blast Doja Cat while you work for ultimate space-pop vibes.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Block out a good chunk of prep time—details matter, and subtle shading creates that unmistakable alien glamour.


This Easy Alien Makeup Idea

Craving a last-minute alien upgrade? This is your go-to for a super-cute and glitzy look—no full-face artistry necessary.

  • Key features: Silver gemstones, roll-on body glitter, pastel eyeshadows.
  • Steps:
    • Apply shimmery or holographic shadow to lids and cheekbones.
    • Adorn the face with scattered adhesive gems.
    • Swipe on body glitter above the brows, on temples, and on collarbones for a multidimensional shine.

  • Pro tip: Stick to roll-on glitter for minimal cleanup and maximal sparkle.

Level: Beginner. This look comes together fast and is perfect for those who want major impact with minimal effort.


Blue Alien Makeup

Trade traditional green for bold blues with this celestial-inspired alien look. Make your features pop against a sea of sapphire and cobalt.

  • Key features: Bright blue face paint, highly pigmented pink or red blush, ethereal white details or freckles.
  • Steps:
    • Cover the face with even blue face paint for the base.
    • Sweep a vibrant blush across the cheeks for exaggerated color.
    • Add subtle dimension with blue and black shadow shading beneath the cheekbones and around the eyes.
  • Pro tip: Bright rosy cheeks against blue skin ensure a playful, cartoonish vibe.

Level: Intermediate. The bolder the colors, the more confident the look.


This Soft Alien Makeup Look for Halloween

For a gentler, cuter take, opt for soft colors and delicate details. No full-face paint required: just a dreamy green smokey eye, winged liner, and whimsical face markings.

  • Key features: Green and neutral eyeshadows, precise white dots and freckles, winged black liquid eyeliner.
  • Steps:
    • Blend a green smokey eye, feathering the color toward the temples.
    • Add winged liner and mascara.
    • Use a fine-tipped brush and white face paint to scatter dots and freckles across the cheeks and nose.
    • Style with space buns for a playful finish.

Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Precise dots make the look pop, so use a steady hand.


This Simple Alien Eye Makeup Idea

Turn up the extraterrestrial energy with a minimal, eyes-only design.

  • Key features: Bright green eyeshadow, white face paint for dots, clear or holographic gloss.
  • Steps:
    • Pack green shadow across the lids, extending it dramatically above the crease.
    • Dot white paint at the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
    • Finish with a swipe of gloss for high shine.
  • Pro tip: Blend shadow outward for a seamless alien glow. This look can be achieved in minutes.

Level: Beginner. No advanced techniques—perfect for last-minute transformations.


This Andromedan-Inspired Makeup

This otherworldly look swaps out classic alien green for vibrant pinks and purples. Inspired by fantasy depictions of Andromeda residents, this design channels cosmic mystique through detailed forehead accents.

  • Key features: Electric pink and purple body paints, intricate facial details, optional prosthetic ears for added authenticity.
  • Steps:
    • Apply a magenta base to the face.
    • Blend purples along the cheekbones and around the hairline.
    • Add symmetrical forehead accents with a fine-tipped brush.
  • Pro tip: Even without prosthetics, bold color placement can mimic cosmic bone structure.

Level: Advanced. Intricate detailing and color blending make this a true statement look.


Area 51-Inspired Alien Makeup

Tap into the viral Area 51 obsession with this daring, high-impact makeup tutorial. Opaque green paint meets sharp contouring for classic alien drama.

  • Key features: Full-coverage foundation, layered green face paint, bold stage contour.
  • Steps:
    • Lay down a matte foundation for a flawless base.
    • Paint face and neck with opaque green.
    • Carve out extreme cheekbones and jawline with darker green or black pigment to exaggerate facial features.
  • Pro tip: Precision isn’t everything—smudgy blends add to the effect and drama.

Level: Intermediate. The focus here is bold color with deep dimension.


Grunge Style Alien Makeup

Bring a ‘90s alt vibe to your extraterrestrial fantasy with this grunge alien look. The combination of black lipstick, pale green skin, and smoky blending evokes a moody rebel from another galaxy.

  • Key features: Pale green skin (use white and green face paints), smudged dark-eyeshadow liner, black lipstick.
  • Steps:
    • Mix equal parts white and green face paint for a spooky base.
    • Apply thick black eyeliner and smudge heavily for a distressed effect.
    • Finish with a matte black lipstick. Add metallic gloss to the center for space-inspired flair.
  • Pro tip: Imperfect smudges and lived-in textures capture the true grunge aesthetic.

Level: Beginner to Intermediate. The messier, the better!


This FX Alien Makeup Idea

If you have more time (and patience), experiment with special effects. This jaw-dropping FX alien look is loaded with texture, shape-shifting prosthetics, and hyperreal details.

  • Key features: Latex, prosthetics, face paints in unnatural hues, multiple-layer shading.
  • Steps:
    • Apply FX pieces to create enlarged brow ridges or cheekbones.
    • Blend makeup over prosthetics for seamless skin melding.
    • Emphasize bone structure with bold contouring and highlight the high points for stark contrast.
  • Pro tip: Refer to sci-fi movie makeup for inspiration—and give yourself plenty of time.

Level: Advanced. Perfect for makeup pros ready to unleash their inner artist.


This Classic Alien Makeup

This green-skinned, big-eyed look embodies the most iconic version of an extraterrestrial. Both bold and playful, it allows for dramatic shape manipulation and can be done as a half-face or full-face design.

  • Key features: Green face paint, exaggerated contouring, large drawn-on eyes.
  • Steps:
    • Apply green face paint over the entire face.
    • Draw and fill oversized black eyes (cover with white dots for reflection).
    • Add depth and shadow under cheekbones for a bolder, 3D shape. Try a split-face version for a dramatic twist.
  • Pro tip: Strategic use of shading gives illusion of unearthly bone structure and depth.

Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Customizable for any skill level or party vibe.


Turquoise FX Alien Makeup for Halloween

This next-level look relies on sculpted FX and a turquoise palette. Designed for advanced artists, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a truly transformative escape from the ordinary.

  • Key features: Turquoise face and body paint, hand-built prosthetic brow ridges and cheekbones, seamless blending across the entire face and neck.
  • Steps:
    • Attach prosthetics for distressed ridges and enhanced cheeks.
    • Blend turquoise paints over skin and prosthetics evenly.
    • Layer dark turquoise or blue shades for extra shadow and dimension.
  • Pro tip: Set each layer to avoid smudging. Enhance details with colored powder highlighter.

Level: Advanced. This is an aspirational design—perfect for makeup hobbyists wanting to show off prosumer skills.


Alien Makeup Techniques: Tips and Tricks

  • Prime before you paint: Use a sticky primer to keep bold colors and face paints in place all night.
  • Invest in setting spray: Set your finished creation to prevent smudging or dripping, especially with extensive face paint.
  • Experiment with accessories: Wigs, contact lenses, and metallic accessories can take your alien look to a whole new world.
  • Layer textures: Combine liquid, cream, and powder products for richer, more realistic effects.
  • Start with the eyes: If your design is eye-focused, do them first to avoid fallout marring your base.

Alien Makeup FAQs

Q: Do I need professional products for advanced alien makeup looks?

A: While pro-grade products offer the boldest color payoff and longest wear, you can achieve stunning results with drugstore face paints and cosmetic glitters—just make sure anything used on the skin or eyes is safe and non-toxic.

Q: What’s the easiest way to remove heavy face paint and glitter?

A: Use an oil-based cleanser or dedicated makeup remover and gently massage to break down pigments and adhesives. Follow up with a gentle wash and moisturizer to rehydrate the skin.

Q: Can these looks work for group costumes or themed parties beyond Halloween?

A: Absolutely. Alien makeup is perfect for sci-fi conventions, themed birthday parties, pride events, or any gathering where standing out is encouraged. Match or contrast designs with friends for a cosmic crew vibe!

Q: How do I avoid skin irritation from heavy makeup?

A: Always start with a hydrating primer and choose hypoallergenic products whenever possible. After removing makeup, cleanse and moisturize thoroughly. For sensitive skin, patch test all new products in advance.

Q: How long will these makeup looks last?

A: With proper prep and plenty of setting spray or powder, your interstellar look can last for hours. For extended wear—like all-night parties—consider using makeup sealants and avoid touching your face.


Final Thoughts

Alien makeup is where imagination and artistry meet. Whether your goal is eerie, glamorous, cute, or truly unearthly, these twenty ideas prove there are no rules except those you make for yourself. Stock up on bold colors, grab your brushes, and get ready to create a look that’s light years ahead of average Halloween makeup.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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