Halloween Makeup Instructions

From LoveToKnow Makeup

Choosing your costume is only half the battle; now it's time to tackle your face with some helpful Halloween makeup instructions. Without a little makeup, most costumes appear incomplete.

The Importance of Halloween Makeup

Clearly certain costumes don't require much effort; if you're dressing up as a ghost, you can throw a sheet on and call it a day. Other ensembles, though, require the magic of makeup to really make a memorable impact. The Wicked Witch of the West was nothing without her green face paint, long nose and warts, and a clown isn't really a clown without a face full of bright makeup! Needless to say, makeup is a major component of most Halloween costumes.

There are basic makeup tips and more complex ones, depending on the costume. A variety of tricks are usually employed to achieve various looks, ranging from princesses and genies to vampires and devils. Whether your costume calls for a transition to overt glamour, extreme hideousness, edgy darkness or exceptional beauty, makeup can help you achieve a realistic look.

Maybe your goal is to spook the neighborhood with your frightful outfit or win the Costume of the Year award at a party. Either way, your makeup will go a long way in helping you achieve this! Fortunately the makeup application process doesn't have to be a difficult or costly experience. A few tools are all you need to get the job done right:

  • Face Paint: Available in a wide range of colors, face paint is inexpensive and normally skin-safe.
  • Brushes: You don't need to invest in a fancy set of costly brushes; a trip to the art supply store will yield a number of affordable brushes for your collection.
  • Sponges: If you prefer, you can use sponges to apply your makeup. These can be purchased at any drugstore or beauty supply store.
  • Cleanser: A rich cream cleanser will effectively remove all traces of makeup when the night is over. You'll also want to cleanse your skin prior to applying your makeup.

Get Started with Smart Halloween Makeup Instructions

Of course, there's no realistic way to cover every possible angle related to Halloween makeup, but there are some basic, smart tips that apply to any look:

  • If you're using face paints, look specifically for products formulated in the United States. They have strict ingredient regulations; this is important because so many ingredients can cause irritation to the skin.
  • Avoid using products not meant for the face. Certain glitters, for example, are not skin-safe. Shop specifically for products that can be used on facial skin.
  • Keep a tube of hydrocortisone handy just in case you suffer an allergic reaction. A small dab three times daily will help heal the irritated skin.

Frightful, Demonic, Devilish…

If your costume is all about looking your most wicked, you can up the spook factor with a few of these tips:

  • Makeup accessories are your best friends. Invest in dramatic contact lenses, fangs and prosthetics to look authentically frightening.
  • Black kohl eyeliner can add a devastatingly dramatic touch to any scary getup. Apply a generous amount around or beneath the eyes to suggest a hollowed out, tired or "dead" look.
  • Whip up a little fake blood in your kitchen with some corn syrup, water, flour and food coloring. Make just enough to see you through the night – fake blood doesn't keep for very long!
  • Black nail polish can come in handy whether you're dressing as a rock star or Elvira. Don't be afraid to experiment with your nails and go a little crazy! Many companies offer unexpected shades during Halloween season.
  • Makeup kits are extremely helpful for more complex looks, such as zombies and grim reapers. Visit Stage and Theater Makeup for an outstanding selection.

Sweet, Angelic, Charming

On the flip side, perhaps your costume is all sweetness and light this year. If that's the case, get gorgeous with a few of these tips:

  • Use your own makeup! Costumes for Glinda the Good Witch and Cinderella won't typically require a heavy coat of face paint. Your natural foundation and concealer will come in handy.
  • Glitter and shimmer gels help you achieve a golden glow. A few pots of MAC Glitter add a variety of colors to your Halloween makeup collection.
  • Just as you might add streaks of black or red to your hair for your scary costume, you can add a golden glint to your look with a spritz of metallic, temporary spray-on color.
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