Halloween is almost here, and if you’re just not in the mood to dish out money on a once-a-year costume, I have some good news: You don’t have to. Yes, Halloween is about candy, horror movies, and all things creepy, but in reality, it’s also a time for makeup lovers to shine. And thankfully, it doesn’t take a full getup to channel someone (or something) else for the night. (A fact that especially comes in handy if you’re reading this last-minute before a party with no time to rummage through the trampled leftovers at your nearest Spirit Halloween.) A well-executed makeup look can rival a basic costume any day.
In need of some inspo to get your creative juices flowing? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re going for a look that’s quick and easy yet sexy enough to flex on an ex, or if you’re feeling a bit daring and want to try something more elaborate, these makeup looks are sure to inspire you.
Glam Skull
Face paint, creams, and super-pigmented eye shadows make this skull-inspired glam come to life. And the bronzy undertone is giving royalty vibes. Makeup artist Shonagh Scott has a detailed tutorial on how to achieve this elegant skull face. For an easier skull look that’ll get you out the door even quicker, check out this tutorial by Atarah Mayhew.
Mythical Siren-Mermaid
For an ethereal and seductive look, opt for this mythical siren-mermaid look that YouTuber Amy-Rose Walker created. Start by doing your go-to glam face, then spice it up with a whimsical eye.
Bloody Face
If you’re tight on time and need a fast last-minute look, this bloody face with Euphoria vibes is an easy one to try. Grab some matte fluid eye paints for the bloody effect, then add rhinestones to make it pop.
Bambi
This low-key, super-easy Bambi-inspired makeup is all about achieving a whimsical, doe-eyed effect. Complete it with a cute button nose and gentle highlights on the cheekbones for a fresh woodland look.
Zombie
Face masks aren’t just for making our skin seem more fresh and alive — they can also be used to achieve a deadly look. Mayhew used a peel-off face mask to achieve the look of dead skin falling off her face. To create the corpselike effect, she added white, burgundy, and black shades, then red face paint for veins.
Vampire Vixen
Unleash your inner Twilight stan with this easy sexy yet scary look. All you’ll need is a sultry eye, a dark-red lip, and some extra red to create a bloody mouth. If you want to take it to another level, Chloe Morello has a more in-depth vampire makeup.
Fairy Princess
The focus is always on the eyes for a soft and sweet fairy look. Go for a full-on green shadow accentuated with white eyeliner and ridiculously long lashes to imitate this makeup by Lauren Ward. If you want a full-glam fairy look, check out this tutorial from YouTuber Judy.
Ziggy Stardust
Feeling like a rock star? This David Bowie–inspired look is simple and fun. With some red and blue eye shadows, heavy black eyeliner, and a pale lip, you can channel the space-age flair of Bowie’s legendary alter ego Ziggy Stardust.
Frida Kahlo
Remember that time Beyoncé dressed up as Frida Kahlo? Truly an “icon celebrating another icon” moment. Thankfully, any of us can channel the beloved artist (and makeup muse) with a bold red lip, blush, and a dramatic eye. Check out this tutorial by Amy Serrano.
Pumpkin Spice
’Tis the season for pumpkin spice — coffee, candles, and glam. This makeup featuring warm autumnal tones like rich oranges, deep browns, and golden highlights is perfect for anyone who would rather go with a soft and cozy, rather than scary and spooky, look. It’s simple and perfect for embracing the seasonal spirit.
Jack-o’-Lantern
For a spookier pumpkin vibe, this transformation is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. This look effortlessly captures the essence of Halloween, blending festive fun with a hint of terror.
Gothic Glam/Wicked Witch
This simple gothic glam can double as a witch look. It combines a bold, smoky eye with dark, mysterious shades like black and green (or you can opt for a deep purple) for a bewitching vibe. Sharp winged eyeliner adds a dramatic touch (plus spider webs if you like!), while a dark, rich lipstick completes the look. With minimal effort, this makeup creates a spellbinding effect that’s both elegant and eerie.
Scaredy-cat
This simple cat makeup features a bold, sultry eye and a cute black nose with whiskers drawn on the cheeks. Effortless yet chic, this look is perfect for a quick, stylish Halloween transformation.
Morticia Addams
Alexandra Anele created this dramatic glam with a classic smoky eye topped off with highlighter for added shimmer, plus a deep-red ombre lip. Pull out literally any black dress from your closet and voilà.
Creepy Glam Clown
Looking for something simple with a little extra drama? To be a glam clown, you’ll need to apply a sultry glitter eye shadow and go overboard with the blush. Next, apply a deep-red lip outlined with black. Then use your eyeliner to draw an extended smile line and an elongated eyebrow like Becky did here.
Witchy Tarot Reader
For this modern card reader, it’s really all about the eyes. A strong combination of blue, purple, pink, and black shadows will do the trick. You’ll want to add some jewels for extra pizzazz.
Scarecrow
Go for frightening Raggedy Ann vibes with this scarecrow look by Mayhew. You’ll need some orange blush, long lashes, and white and brown face paints to pull this off. But you’ll be sexy and scary once you’re done — the perfect combination for Scorpio season.
Rainbow Skull
For the artsy girlies up for a challenge, grab a black pencil to draw the bones and then you’ll need practically every color of P.Louise cosmetic bases and several brushes to color it all in. This YouTube video by Giulianna Maria has got you covered on how to achieve this ghoulish and fun look.
Bride of Frankenstein
Here’s another makeup for those who want a challenge. Glue down your brows, use white face paint for the afterlife look, and then add a smoky eye and dark contouring.
Freddy Krueger
Another advanced paint job, this fleshy look is more about loads of red body paint than anything else. Dress up your eyes with pink shadow and look-at-me lashes. Then spend the rest of your time painting your face and collarbones with copious amounts of red.
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