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5 Tricks to Level Up Your Halloween Makeup Game

Beauty Expert Shares Her Top 5 Tips for Achieving Flawless Costume Makeup for Halloween
Julie Keller Callaghan

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Photo: Shutterstock

As Halloween approaches, many are gearing up for the spookiest time of the year with costumes and makeup that turn heads. But if you want your makeup to stay flawless throughout the night—whether you’re channeling a spooky ghoul or a glamorous creature—you have to approach it like a pro.

“A lot of people set out to achieve fantastical makeup looks on Halloween with little knowledge or preparation about how to do it,” says Sara Millecam, director of education at Beautiful Brows and Lashes, a team of beauty educators. “This often leaves them with a melted and distorted look by the end of the night that appears scarier than the one originally intended.”

Millecam and her team are spreading awareness about helpful makeup techniques so that aspiring makeup artists can achieve professional looks from home this Halloween.

1. Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Base

The key to long-lasting Halloween makeup starts with proper skin preparation. “Do not apply a drop of makeup before you’ve fully hydrated the surface area of your face first,” says Millecam. “Hydrated skin prevents cracking, especially when using heavy or layered products.”

Pro tip: Before diving into your Halloween creation, apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

2. Choose the Right Products for the Job

Not all makeup products are created equal, and for Halloween, you may need more than your usual routine. “Consider what kind of effect you want to achieve,” says Millecam. “If you’re going for special effects, you might need to use latex, prosthetics, or even block out your eyebrows to draw on completely new ones.”

It’s good to start planning now so that you can begin to gather the necessary supplies. Some looks can be achieved by using the traditional beauty makeup you already have in your house, but others will require a trek to your local Halloween store.

3. Layer Colors to Prevent Bleeding

For vibrant, long-lasting results, layering is essential. “One common mistake people make is applying too much color at once, leading to bleeding or smudging,” says Millecam. “Build your colors slowly and in layers, starting with a light base.”

4. Use a Base Color to Enhance Longevity

A white or neutral-toned base will ensure that your vibrant colors pop and last throughout the night. “Always apply a base color,” says Millecam. “This is vital if you’re going for bold hues—whether it’s neon green for a zombie or blood-red for a vampire. A light base acts like a primer, intensifying the colors and helping them adhere better to your skin.”

The right base can make a world of difference when you’re aiming for bold, eye-catching looks.

5. Gather Inspiration and Watch Tutorials

If you have a Halloween look in your head, it’s pretty likely that someone else has also done it before. Utilize the resources you have to watch videos of makeup experts doing what they do best: transforming.

“Whether you’re going for a classic character or creating something entirely unique, it’s always helpful to gather inspiration first,” says Millecam. “Watch tutorials, follow makeup artists on social media, and practice the look beforehand. It makes a big difference when you know exactly what you want to achieve.” The more research and planning you do, the smoother the application process will be.

For a look that lasts from dusk to dawn, you’ll need a little preparation, the right products, and a creative eye. On top of that, patience will be your friend as you try out the different techniques. Remember that every skin type is different, and these tips are not all suitable for everyone. Start testing out what works for you a few days or a week before Halloween so that you will have the look finalized for the main event

About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.