11 easy Halloween make-up ideas 2021: Best DIY looks
It’s the season for face paint, statement lipstick, jewels and fake blood and you don’t need to be a professional make-up artist to nail the look.
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Bring out your black lipstick, face paint and fake blood because Halloween is one of the few nights where bigger is always better.
While a quick scroll of the Halloween makeup hashtag on Instagram is filled with stunning (albeit intimidating) optical illusions and prosthetics, you don’t need to be a professional make-up artist to look your ghoulish best come October 31.
From colourful statement eyes to looks laden with fake blood, here are seven achievable Halloween make-up ideas and the products you need to achieve them.
1. A RAINBOW CONNECTION
Despite all the colours going on in this look, it’s actually not too difficult to recreate.
To achieve that dramatic cut crease, use a q-tip that’s been dampened with make-up remover. When you’re applying the ‘rainbow,’ something like a business card or credit card can also help create those distinct blocks of colour.
Products to try:
NYX Professional make-up, Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette – Brights, Amazon, $37.95
Prime members receive orders within two days; order by this Wednesday.
With literally every colour of the rainbow at your disposal, just think of all the dramatic looks you can create with this palette. You can pick between matte, satin and glitter finishes and the coverage is buildable so you can alternate between a ‘subtle wash’ of blue or Pink or a full on statement eye.
To really make the vibrant colours pop, consider applying them above a white primer. For a wallet-friendly pick, NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencil in the shade ‘Milk’ is a primer and eyeshadow stick that’s loved by legions of beauty experts.
Revolution, Halloween Ultimate Face Paint Palette, $12
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a good dose of face paint and this palette has all the shades for you to create any look you want. Get your painter skills on by mixing and matching tones, just remember you may want to set your finished look with a translucent powder to prevent the cream colours from sliding around.
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
While fluffy blending brushes are great, you’ll want something like a fine angled brush when it comes to creating more precise looks like the one above. To pack on even more colour, lightly dampen the brush with water – or better yet a setting spray – before you dip it in your eye shadow of choice.
2. DARK AND MYSTERIOUS
Whether you’re going as a witch, vampire, a possessed doll or cat, you can adapt this signature moody look for all occasions. All you need is a dramatic smoky eye and a deep maroon-toned or black lipstick to finish things off. From there you can draw on other details like whiskers, cobwebs or little crosses and crescent moons.
Products to try:
Shanghai Suzy, Whipped Matte Lipstick in Miss Kitty Black Plum, $16.95 (from $19.95)
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
The perfect pout for a witch or a vampire (or worn as a regular statement lip), this matte lipstick is creamier and more nourishing than most. The deep plum is a great alternative to a classic red lip and the formula colour is Australian made, cruelty-free and vegan.
Barry M, Halloween Matte Me Up Liquid Lipstick in Blacklisted, $10
You don’t get many chances to smear black lipstick daily, so you should definitely grab hold of the opportunity come Halloween. This liquid lipstick from British brand Barry M is packed full of colour and dries down to a matte finish after application.
Zoeva, Opulence Eyeshadow Palette, $30.10 (from $43)
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days (expect NT, TAS and remote QLD, SA and WA); order by this Tuesday.
Create a multitude of looks with this palette from grungy smokey eyes to a wash of light shimmer for everyday occasions. Think of it as a set of perfectly-curated eyeshadows with a twist.
3. PRE-OP BUT MAKE IT HALLOWEEN
The beauty of this look is that it’s high impact while being quite easy to do. You can do your base make-up however you want – although the rust-toned smokey eye of Mexican beauty blogger, Pau Florencia is particularly striking – and draw in the surgery markings with a long-lasting eyeliner.
Products to try:
KVD Vegan Beauty's Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner, $30
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days (expect NT, TAS and remote QLD, SA and WA); order by this Tuesday.
A good eyeliner is essential to this look and this liquid liner is one of the best for everyday use. The nib is super fine so you can get a precise flick (or use it to draw shapes, whiskers and surgery marks), the colour is pigmented and inky and the waterproof liner won't budge until you take it off.
Designer Brands, Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Absolute Black, $9.99
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
If you're not a regular eyeliner wearer and don't want to invest, Designer Brands, Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Absolute Black, is just $9.99 and has a similar fine tip.
Huda Beauty, Obsessions Precious Stones Eyeshadow Palette, $48
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days (expect NT, TAS and remote QLD, SA and WA); order by this Tuesday.
While you can wear as much, or as little make-up underneath as you want, Halloween is the perfect excuse to bust out a statement shadow look. This stunning 12-shadow palette from Huda Beauty is packed with several warm-toned matte hues and striking glitters.
4. ADDED EXTRAS
From false eyelashes, a sprinkling of glitter and a packet of gemstones, there’s no such thing as ‘overdoing’ a Halloween make-up look. While we certainly won’t stop you from sourcing inspiration from your craftbox, here’s how to ensure everything stays in place. Hint: the answer is a lot of eyelash glue.
Products to try:
DUO Adhesive, Lash Adhesive, $16
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
When it comes to securing false lashes, gemstones or glitter, make-up artist favourite, DUO lash glue lives up to the hype. It also means you can raid your local or online craft store for genius finds like 3D butterflies and flowers. For extra ease of use, always wait until the glue is tacky before you stick the embellishment on your face – it’s also the secret to applying false lashes.
UOMA Beauty, Black Magic Carnival Eyelash Trinidad, $11.75
We’re not going to lie … You’re not going to get a lot of wear from these purple-tinged falsies and that’s OK. They’re glamorous, zany and completely ridiculous (but in a good way) and will turn any Halloween look into a statement.
In your dreams, Halloween Black Merlinite Face Stickers, $14
Amp up your make-up without lifting a finger thanks to these clever fave stickers. You’ll look like you’ve made an effort – even if you haven’t – and take all of a minute to apply. In Your Dreams also does a glittery black ‘spider lace’ set too.
EcoStardust, Peacock Biodegradable Glitter, $12
Get your glitter fox without costing the environment. You wouldn’t be able to guess it from the outside but this clever pot of joy is actually made from environmentally-friendly and biodegradable eucalyptus trees. Genius.
5. PARTY EYES
If you don’t particularly want to dress up, sometimes an experimental eye look is all you need. For brands that champion unique colour-filled make-up products, look to Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, KVD Vegan Beauty or the beauty Youtuber adored brand NYX as a fantastic affordable option.
Products to try:
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, Amazon, $9.95
Prime members receive orders within two days; order by this Wednesday.
A slick of white eyeliner may already be enough of a statement on its own but the white base will make your other bright eyeshadows and eyeliners stand out too. Apply this super creamy formula straight from the bullet and effortlessly blend it into your skin with your ring finger.
You can also use this crayon to brighten up the inner corner of your eye or gently run it along your lower lash line to make you look extra awake. Try it against a smokey eye and you’ll notice how much of a difference it makes.
Ciate London, Shadow Switch Liquid Eyeshadow in Peacock, $36
This stunning holographic shade is sure to pull many looks your way thanks to its green and purple reflexes. The formula is sumptuous and creamy and can be worn on its own or lightly blended on top of other shades for a shimmery highlight. If you want to create fine flicks or intricate shapes, try applying the cream shadow with an eyeliner brusher instead.
Barry M, Hi Vis Liquid Eyeliner in Amp Up, $10
You can add fine lines, dainty flicks, polka dots and swirls to your repertoire thanks to the fine tapered point of this liner. You can use it to create squiggles and random lines, as Instagram influencer, Rowi Singh has done in the above photo, or the highlighter blue shade is undeniably striking and would look amazing layered underneath multiple colours – like an eyeliner rainbow if you will.
Sephora Collection, Intense Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Satin Dusty Rose, $24
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days (expect NT, TAS and remote QLD, SA and WA); order by this Tuesday.
Coloured liner doesn’t have to be relegated to the Instagram-only realm of make-up. For a subtle hit of colour, consider doing a thin strip of coloured liner against a traditional black line. The dusty rose colour also looks stunning when used against other shades in a colourblocked eyeliner look.
6. FAKE BLOOD
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a generous lashing of fake blood and it’s surprisingly easy to nail the effect. Blend in your anatomical mastery with some plum-toned eyeshadow or a deep maroon lipstick to complete that grisly glow.
Products to try:
Global Colours, Liquid Latex, $14.10
To get a textured bloody and gory look: think zombie scars, melting flesh and open wounds, you’re going to need to mix fake blood with liquid latex. For extra grit and dimension you can even coat your ‘bloody latex’ solution over cotton balls or tissue. Once it’s dry you can use eyeshadow, eyeliner or even liquid lipstick to add dimension and detail to your design.
Just be warned: While liquid latex will really amp up your look, it does not smell excellent.
Revolution, Halloween SFX Spray Blood, $10
Whether you want a few dainty drips or a full-on bloodbath, you’re going to need some fake blood. The spritz application of this bottle creates a realistic ‘spritzed’ effect you can use on your face, body and clothing. Just keep in mind, Revolution claims it can stain your skin, so consider priming your skin before use and end the night with a heavy duty oil-based makeup remover. Something professional-strength like Kryolan’s Eye make-up Remover will do the trick.
Shrine, Halloween Blood Transfer Tattoos, $13
Not bothered with concocting your own fake bloody? Get rid of the faff and the mess with these clever tattoo gashes. They’re easily applied with a damp cloth and can be removed with baby oil or an oil-baed makeup remover.
Shrine, Halloween Red Blood Glitter Tears Stickers, $20
We call this look: The Walking Dead but make it fashion. For those who want an injection of sparkle into their gory outfit, a glitter-filled seeping wound will do just that. Tis the season?
7. CLASSIC MARILYN
Getting the right placement of Monroe’s beauty spot and her pouty red lips will be crucial for the look. While the beauty spot can be achieved with a little bit of eyeliner, you’ll want to pick a vibrant 60s cherry red when it comes to your pout. To finish the look, add a soft-cat eye, some whispy falsies and a floaty white dress, and head to your nearest subway grate (optional).
Products to try:
Maybelline, Colour Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Red For Me, $17.95
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
A true fire-engine red, this striking colour will look as good on October 31 as it would on any other day. Despite being a highly-pigmented colour, the texture feels nourishing and non-drying on the lips.
M. A. C Cosmetics, Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Fashion Legacy, $37
Use express delivery to recieve your order in one to three days; order by this Tuesday.
A great option for liquid lipstick fans, this pick from M. A. C applies liquid but dries down to a velvet matte finish that will last the night. The pointed doe-foot applicator gives you precision over tricky areas like your Cupid’s bow and the corner of your lips and the vibrant colour is worthy of the silver screen icon herself.
Charlotte Tilbury, K.I. S. S. I. N. G lipstick in So Red, $49
A shade that’s inspired by the colour Monroe wore herself, this lipstick looks luxurious both in and out of the bullet. The creamy and long-lasting formula has also earnt the lippie legions of fans (as well as many celeb fans), with one tube selling every two minutes.
To complete your Halloween look, see our roundup of 27 great Halloween decoration ideas here.
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