This year spare yourself the panicked run to the picked-over costume store: These Halloween makeup ideas will have your whole look handled in a single glam session. Whether you’re hosting a costume party, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, or making the rounds with your own kids, Halloween makeup is one of the best ways to celebrate spooky season.
We tapped makeup artists for inspiration—and for their favorite products and answers to the most common Halloween makeup questions. Totally new to costume makeup? Or do you dabble in the SFX dark arts? Either way, there’s a brilliant (and actually feasible) option for you ahead. Get your Halloween costume locked in early so you can focus on the fun stuff: accessorizing, decor, watching scary movies, and planning an outfit to wear to all the festive functions you’re sure to turn heads at.
Below, these inspo shots and pro tips will help you build a scary good Halloween makeup look that lasts all the way through the witching hour. Don’t forget your manicure, either. These Halloween nail ideas will get you in the spooky spirit and complete the look.

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Elphaba
When we got all the behind-the-scenes Wicked beauty details from Frances Hannon, the hair and makeup department lead who transformed Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande into Elphaba and Glinda for Wicked, we realized they would translate well to Halloween. Take a cue from choreographer and makeup artist Ashley Sheldon: If you can contour in your shade match, you can do it in green.

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Mrs. Kreuger
You might not think that makeup inspired by A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Kreueger could or should ever look cute, but makeup artist Miranda Blake has proven that anything is possible if you put your mind (and makeup brush) to it.

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Stephen King’s Carrie
Speaking of horror classics, we’re obsessed with this take on the iconic scene from Carrie. To get the look, grab your best Halloween makeup palette, muster your innermost patience, and adorn your fake blood with red rhinestones. It’ll take a few hours, but will certainly be worth it. (At least it was for Glow Up’s Shania Parris.)

Instagram/@doeneseya
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Winx Fairy
You don’t have to love the Winx series to appreciate fairy-inspired makeup. Beauty content creator Doeneseya created this look with Colour Pop’s Winx Club Forever set. While that particular option is no longer available, the brand’s rainbow powder palette should do the trick.

Instagram/@makeupbycaitlinv
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Corpse Bride
A Halloween favorite, this Corpse Bride look is so good you don’t even need a corresponding costume. UK-based makeup artist Caitlin V. created the look with Do Color’s Space Palette and P Louise Makeup Touch of Frost Base, using the palette for shadow and contour and the base for her blue tint.

Instagram/@sandijarquin_
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Pink Leopard
Ideal for all sorts of costumes—from Josie and the Pussycats to Lisa Frank to old-fashioned cats—this glam makes such a statement, you won’t need to explain your ensemble over and over again. And if it’s too tough to paint on yourself? Don’t

Instagram/@sandijarquin_
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Bloody Shadow
Sure, it’s creepy, but the best easy Halloween makeup looks usually are. This one is super easy to last-minute DIY—all you really need is Mehron Makeup Blood Splatter.

Instagram/@lildoseofrose
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Shego
Shego from Kim Possible is one of the most underrated villains, in my personal opinion, and Halloween is the perfect time to honor her. This MUA mastered the look with Mehron Makeup Black Face Paint and a rainbow glitter palette.

Instagram/@makeupbycaitlinv
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Floral Fairy
These fairy-inspired butterfly eyes are simply showstopping. DIY with face makeup if you’re feeling creative, or invest in some butterfly makeup stickers that do the same thing.

Instagram/@doeneseya
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Harley Quinn
I don’t care what anyone says: Harley Quinn makeup is not basic. And this look proves it! To create your own version, check out our Harley Quinn Halloween makeup tutorial here.

Instagram/@ava___mua
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Poison Ivy
Since we’re on the subject of comic book femme fatales and easy Halloween makeup ideas, let’s get into Poison Ivy. Gorman created this gorgeous look using the B Perfect Cosmetics XL Pro Palette, which is no longer available, but all you really need is an earth-toned palette like ColourPop eye shadow palette in Just My Luck.

Instagram/@shannonkibblemua
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Bat Woman
Equally parts cute and spooky, this bat-inspired glam is perfect for any festive occasion. Wear it with a little black dress, and your Halloween costume is complete. And don’t worry: There are bat face-sticker tattoos for fuss-free application.

Instagram/@katiifirecat
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Vampire Vixen
Don’t sleep on bright-red makeup—not that vampires sleep, anyway. DIY this gorgeous glam with a bold red product like the Nyx Cosmetics SFX face and body paint sticks.

Instagram/@beautyfarts_
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Strawberry Shortcake
What did I say about red makeup? Exactly. Depending on your skin tone and how full-coverage you prefer your look, you can either opt for true red face paint or get creative with bright red blush, like Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush in Matte Red.

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Stone Face
Ideal for anyone who loves a good pun and appreciates makeup artistry—you almost certainly won’t be wearing the same costume as anyone else. You can find the stones at your local craft store and apply them with a grippy face and body adhesive.

Instagram/@linda.steinberga
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Clowning Around
When in doubt, dress as a clown. Makeup artist Linda Steinberga created this theatrical look with Nyx Cosmetics SFX Cream Palette, I Know That’s Bright Palette, and Shine Loud Vegan High Shine Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Rebel in Red.

Instagram/@emmafarrellmakeup
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Pop Art
Paint me like one of your comic books. All you need is a pastel face-paint set, like this one from Mehron, and some skill at doing a winged liner. Don’t forget to have a really good makeup remover handy for the end of the night.

Instagram/@sandijarquin_
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Floral Skull
Florals? For Halloween? Groundbreaking. (But actually!) Invest in some Facial Dry Flower Stickers to get the look yourself.

Instagram/@emmafarrellmakeup
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