20 Easy Halloween Makeup Ideas Almost Anyone Can Master
Updated: Sep. 08, 2020Can't think of a costume? Look in your makeup bag! Whether you want to go glamorous or ghostly, these Halloween makeup looks have got you covered.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Lioness
Get fierce with this super simple lioness tutorial by Desi Perkins. Master this Halloween makeup look with a golden smoky eye, a bit of highlighter and shimmery bronzer, and a crisp cat nose and lip. For the sharpest lion’s nose, Desi recommends using a gel liner rather than a regular pencil liner. Try out our favorite below! Give these adult Halloween costumes that basically anyone can DIY a try, too.
Harley Quinn
Take a cue from Birds of Prey and head out as Harley Quinn, courtesy of this colorful how-to by NikkieTutorials. Finish the look off with the perfect Harley Quinn wig.
Creepy clown
If you’re looking for something a little creepy and a lot glamorous, try this clown makeup. People will be as scared as they are impressed with this tutorial by MsAaliyahJay. While Halloween might be looking a little different this year, you shouldn’t let it stop you from trying out some amazing Halloween makeup ideas.
Half skull
If you’re a regular makeup pro, try this involved look by Roxxsaurus for your Halloween makeup ideas. All you’ll need is a palette of black and white face paint and a precision makeup brush. Also, decorate your house to get in the spooky spirit with these DIY Halloween decorations.
Vampire
Vamp it up with this blacked-out smoky eye and red lip by Desi Perkins. Finish the look with a temporary vampire-bite tattoo and fake blood. Throw on a simple black outfit and you’re ready to go. If you want to know how fake blood is made, check out this guide to how Hollywood professionals do it.
Galaxy girl
If you’re looking for out-of-this-world Halloween makeup ideas, Ronkeraji is your space-based leader. This star and galaxy look is a beautiful blend of pinks, purples, and metallics to create something great to behold. While you’re waiting for your new look to dry, check out the history of Halloween.
Batman
Get superhero chic with this Batman look by Eyedolize Makeup. A yellow smoky eye and a bit of face paint are all that stands between you and this simple Halloween makeup look. These makeup stocking stuffers are perfect for the artists in your life.
Mermaid
Who knew you could create realistic mermaid fins using a fishnet stocking and a colorful eye shadow palette? Melissa Alatorre did. This simple makeup is as creative as it is achievable. Try out this look on your kids and get inspired by these cheap DIY kid Halloween costumes as well. Add some extra wow factor to your mermaid look with some stick-on rhinestones and glitter.
Poison Ivy
Grab a palette of green shadows and give this look by Carli Bybel a try. Finish the costume with a red wig and a green frock and you’ll be the most well-dressed villainess at the party.
1920s flapper girl
Take this classic last-minute costume up a notch with historically accurate makeup. Michelle Phan has you covered on all things old-school smoky eye and wine-stained lips. Pair this look with the perfect flapper accessories for the ideal look. This is a great costume to wear with your significant other. Also, give these other creative couple costumes a try.
Cyborg
Let’s face it—robots are the future. We have bots and machines in almost every aspect of our life, from our phones to our homes. So, if you’re looking for a fresh take on a dystopian look, try this cyborg masterpiece by THASA SFX MAKEUP. The clean lines will force everyone to touch your skin to prove it’s not metal. If you’d rather opt for a blast from the past instead, check out the most popular Halloween costume the year you were born.
Barbie
Got a blonde wig and a hot pink outfit? (Don’t worry if you don’t, we’ve got you covered below!) You might want to give this Halloween makeup look by Kandee Johnson a try. Simply slap on a showstopping lip gloss and steal Johnson’s genius trick for recreating Barbie’s iconic eyelashes.
Rainbow fish
Model your Halloween look after one of the most stunningly illustrated children’s books of all time. This look, pioneered here by JubaynaCosplay, is as unique as it is recognizable.
Zombie
This classic Halloween zombie look by Pollyanne B requires little more than a tube of red lipstick and a black eye shadow palette. Watch these beyond-scary Halloween movies to put you in the right mood.
Giraffe
Complete your costume as your favorite safari animal with this simple and fun Halloween makeup look. Nicole Renard shows you how to complete the look with makeup you most likely have in your beauty collection already. Put your hair up in two elongated buns at the top of your head to represent horns.
Graffiti
Haven’t you always wanted to just mess around with all of your makeup? Well, for this costume, you can—say that you’re graffiti! Lucy Garland demonstrates an organized way to make your face look like a building wall with graffiti on it. For some more unique costume ideas, check out this list of punny costumes that’ll make everyone laugh.
Cleopatra
If you have gold accessories and dark hair, dress up as Cleopatra this Halloween and pair it with this makeup look. Follow YouTuber iluvsarahii as she creates this extravagant look.
Deer
Whether you want to call yourself Bambi or the Snapchat filter, this is a simple costume you can throw together at the last minute. Daisy Marquez shows you just how easy it is to complete the look with a face of makeup. Here are some more great costumes Disney fanatics should totally try.
Pop art
This Halloween makeup idea is fun, creative, and can be paired with a colorful outfit that you already own. The look can be done in a lot of different ways; msjackyoh demonstrates how.
Scarecrow
Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Create a cute scarecrow look and go as the character from The Wizard of Oz, or get a little spookier and follow Josie K’s makeup tutorial. For this look to turn out perfectly, be sure you’re using the right brushes! After experimenting with these Halloween makeup ideas, check out these other great Halloween costumes you can throw together last minute.