How To Do Your Makeup for Halloween Pirate

All About Pirate Makeup

To add the finishing touch to your pirate costume, be sure that your makeup compliments your look. Pirate makeup can be sexy or scary; it can be simple or complex. It all depends on the look you want to achieve. Most pirate costumes consist of basic elements such as an eye patch, large hoop earrings, lots of bracelets, a scarf or bandana on your head and an outfit with ruffles, stripes and a vest with loose pants. Most pirates wear boots and a belt.

Ideas on How to Do Your Makeup for Halloween Pirate Costumes

How to do your makeup for Halloween pirate costumes can be interpreted in several ways depending on the type of pirate look you are going for this Halloween season. There are endless variations to a pirate look including:

• Male pirate's look can be created by adding stubble or a beard or goatee. Stubble can be made by applying dark makeup with a sponge tipped applicator to the face and blended to create a shadow effect. For a dramatic effect, use lots of black eyeliner around the eyes and be sure to add a scar or two to create a rough battled look. Scars can be drawn on with lip or eyeliner.

• A woman pirate can look sexy but rugged. Play up the eyes and lips for a seductive look. Use bright red lipstick on the lips and dark eyeliner and shadow to draw attention to the eyes. A mole can be painted on with liner as well.

Applying Halloween Makeup

Applying your Halloween makeup requires a little practice. Before going to your costume party or event, try out your makeup so you know what look you can easily achieve. Be sure to keep sponge applicators, makeup brushes, cotton balls and q-tips handy when applying your pirate makeup. Different makeup elements require specific applicators. For example, a cotton ball or sponge can blend out dark makeup to create a shadow of stubble. Use a liner brush to create a mole or line your lips. Experiment to find the techniques that will work best for you.

Where to Find Pirate Makeup

You may have to look no further than your own cosmetic bag for your pirate makeup. The basics needed are:

• Black eyeliner
• Dark eye shadow
• Red lipstick
• Red lip liner

In addition to the basics, there are kits available made specifically for Halloween and certain costumes. The basic pirate makeup kits contain white makeup, red makeup and black makeup. The colors can be mixed to achieve your own desired look. Use the dark makeup to create scars and stubble and highlight with the white. Red can be used on the lips and cheeks and wherever you want to create a bruise or scar. Remember that most makeup is easily washed off with soap and water but always be careful around your eyes and be sure that the makeup doesn't irritate your skin.

Many local Halloween shops sell the pirate kits as well as the following online sites:

• Halloween Express
• Pirate Costumes
• Spirit Halloween

Famous Pirate Looks

If you are stuck on the pirate makeup look you want to create, check out pictures of your favorite pirate from the big screen including:

• Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean
• Captain Hook from Peter Pan
• Treasure Island's Long John Silver
• The Pirate King from The Pirates of Penzance