57 Creative and Easy Halloween Makeup Ideas for Every Skill Level
Discover easy, iconic, and glam Halloween makeup looks—ranging from Barbie to Ursula, zombies, and more—for stand-out costumes.
Looking for the perfect Halloween makeup look that will wow your friends and is actually achievable at home? This comprehensive guide features 57 unique, creative, and beginner-friendly makeup ideas that will transform you into anything from beloved movie icons to chilling creatures. Whether you want to go glam, spooky, or playful, these looks require only the basic makeup products you likely already own, along with a creative spark and a willingness to experiment.
Table of Contents
- Barbie Halloween Makeup
- Jocelyn from The Idol Makeup
- Ursula from The Little Mermaid
- Princess Fiona from Shrek
- Demon Girl Makeup
- Olivia Rodrigo Makeup
- Nancy from The Craft
- Zombie Halloween Makeup
- More Halloween Makeup Looks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Barbie Halloween Makeup
After the cultural wave from Greta Gerwig’s Barbie masterpiece, nothing says 2023 quite like this fun, pink-centric costume. The best part? All you need is a pink makeup look and a pink outfit.
- Choose monochromatic pink tones—think vivid blush, shimmering highlights, and glossy pink lips.
- Add rosy eyeshadow to lids and a matching pink lipstick or gloss.
- If you want to go full Barbiecore, try using vibrant bubblegum-pink eyeliner and add some rhinestones to your cheekbones for extra flair.
2. Jocelyn from The Idol Makeup for Halloween
Channel Lily-Rose Depp’s cool-girl vibes from The Idol. This look is simple yet statement-making, perfect if you prefer effortless glam over elaborate costumes.
- Start with a flawless, dewy base. Opt for a light foundation and subtle contouring.
- The eyes are soft and smudged using waterproof eyeliner—perfect for a sultry, “slept-in” look.
- Pair with a natural rosy lip and brushed-up brows for authenticity.
3. Ursula from The Little Mermaid Halloween Makeup
With Disney’s The Little Mermaid remake making waves, Ursula remains a favorite Halloween villain. This look is bold and theatrical—and easier than it appears!
- Cover your face and neck with a light layer of purple makeup or face paint.
- Contour the cheeks and chin with a deeper purple shade for definition.
- Add blue eyeshadow across your lids, a sharp red lip, and draw on super-thin brows.
- Don’t forget her signature mole below the lower lip.
4. Princess Fiona from Shrek Halloween Makeup
Go from ogre to enchanting princess—Princess Fiona is unexpectedly trending. The look requires minimal makeup but delivers a big effect.
- Evenly apply green face paint to your face, neck, and ears.
- Blend bronze or shimmery green eyeshadow on lids.
- Add natural freckles with a brown eyeliner across the nose and cheeks.
- Red wig and ogre ears complete the vibe.
5. Demon Girl Halloween Makeup Idea
If you want to get spooky, this demon girl look is both chilling and quick to achieve with basic products.
- Pick a foundation three or four shades lighter than your natural skin tone.
- Use black lipstick for the mouth and black eyeshadow to create a smoky, sunken eye effect.
- Add jagged face veins using liquid liner for a truly chilling finish.
- A touch of red eyeshadow can create a haunted, tired look around the eyes.
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27. Olivia Rodrigo’s Halloween Makeup Idea
Gen Z’s reigning pop star offers loads of fun makeup inspiration. Her classic Sour album cover makes for a playful and instantly recognizable costume.
- Apply all-over dewy foundation and a peachy blush.
- Use winged black eyeliner and glossy lips.
- Stick on a mix of flat and 3D stickers across your cheeks and forehead for iconic Sour vibes.
28. Nancy in The Craft
Live your ’90s goth girl fantasy as Nancy Downs. This look is simple, edgy, and can be created with staple makeup products.
- Start with a pale matte base.
- Blend a smoky, gray eyeshadow around the eyes.
- Swipe on a vampy dark purple or black lipstick for drama.
- Add a black choker and layered silver jewelry for the ultimate finishing touches.
29. Zombie Halloween Makeup Idea
Zombies never go out of style for Halloween. The trick is mastering the shadows and highlights to create a sunken, undead effect.
- Use a full-coverage foundation in a shade lighter than your skin.
- Heavily contour your cheeks, jaw, and forehead with cool-toned, grayish shades.
- Darken under your eyes and around your lips for a gaunt look.
- Add fake blood or torn tissue for gory effects if you wish.
30+ More Halloween Makeup Ideas and Trends
If you want even more inspiration, here are additional trending ideas for Halloween 2023, each easy to personalize:
- Mermaid Eyes: Use sparkling blue and turquoise eyeshadows, finishing with a glossy lip.
- Creepy Clown: Think glam meets ghoulish—blend bold shapes and colors around the eyes and lips.
- Spider Web Eyes: Draw spider-web lines stretching from the eyes, pair with a dark lip for impact.
- Bridgerton Characters: Classic English rose looks with dewy skin, subtle blush, and glossy lips. Add a regal updo or wig.
- 70s Disco Queen: Layer face gems over neon liner, complement with sequin garments and high-shine lips.
- Pop Art: Outline facial features with colored liner, draw cartoon-style lines, and highlight with vivid colors.
- Storm from X-Men: White/silver wig, bold liner, and eerie contact lenses transform you into the weather-controlling mutant.
- Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit: Emphasize wide, expressive eyes with white liner, draw a precise Cupid’s bow and top with a red wig.
Halloween Makeup Comparisons: Glam vs. Spooky
| Glam Looks | Spooky Looks |
|---|---|
| Barbie, Jocelyn from The Idol, Bridgerton, 70s Disco Queen | Demon Girl, Zombie, Ursula, Creepy Clown |
| Focus on glossy lips, rosy cheeks, pastel shades, and rhinestones | Use of pale base, hollow contour, bold eyeliner, and fake blood |
| Accessories: Wigs, hair gems, beauty marks | Accessories: Fake wounds, contact lenses, dark lipstick |
Tips and Tricks for Halloween Makeup
- Prep Your Skin: Clean, moisturize, and prime for a smooth canvas and lasting wear.
- Layer Cream and Powder Products: To intensify colors—great for bold looks like Ursula and zombies.
- Invest in Face Paint: Especially useful for characters requiring a full-face color change (e.g. Fiona or Ursula).
- Use Waterproof Formulas: Smudge-proof liners and long-lasting lip products ensure your look endures all night.
- Don’t Forget to Set: Lock in makeup with translucent powder or setting spray to prevent melting or fading.
Recommended Halloween Makeup Products
- Water-activated face paints: Versatile for large areas and multi-tone effects.
- Gel or pencil eyeliners: For precision work, from spider webs to graphic liner details.
- Creme blushes in a range of shades: Ideal for creating vibrant looks.
- Matte and shimmer eyeshadow palettes: For blending and contrast in glam and spooky styles.
- Face gems, stickers, and rhinestones: For a pop art, disco or Olivia Rodrigo-inspired finish.
- Special FX blood and adhesive: For realistic bruises, scars, or wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I make my Halloween makeup last all night?
A: Begin with a primer and use waterproof, long-lasting formulas. Set your finished look with setting spray and carry compact powders or blotting sheets for touch-ups during your night out.
Q: Which Halloween makeup look is best for beginners?
A: Barbie, mermaid eyes, and pop art looks are beginner-friendly, as they primarily use eyeshadow and eyeliners with minimal precision needed. Simple accessories can easily enhance the effect.
Q: How do I safely remove Halloween face paint or heavy makeup?
A: Use an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm. Massage gently, then follow up with your normal face cleanser and moisturizer to keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Q: Can I use regular makeup for Halloween looks or do I need special products?
A: Many looks can be achieved using standard makeup products, but face paint or special effects makeup can create more dramatic or full-coverage results.
Q: What’s a good group Halloween makeup idea?
A: Try Olivia Rodrigo’s four iconic looks, a zombie group, or a pop art trio for colorful and cohesive costumes everyone can join in on.
Whether you want to be a childhood villain, an ethereal queen, a classic monster, or a pop culture sensation, these Halloween makeup ideas offer inspiration for every personality and skill level. Don’t be afraid to experiment, customize your look, and most importantly, have fun expressing yourself on the spookiest night of the year!
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/easy-halloween-makeup-ideas
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a44056/halloween-makeup-looks/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/g45693274/melting-barbie-halloween-makeup/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/tags/halloween-makeup-looks
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cBbN7Ah9Fk
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF9h_6nfDOc
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