The 10 Makeup Essentials for Halloween (+ Beyond!)

Pop Art Makeup

Channel your inner Warhol with a creative take on an iconic art movement. (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Swift

The only thing you REALLY need to dress like our favorite popstar is bright red lipstick and bangs, if you're feeling adventurous. Sounds good to us.

Harley Quinn

She may have been corrupted by the Joker, but Harley is still H-O-T. (via Brit + Co)

Bowie Emojis

Pair an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt with your own karaoke version of “Ziggy Stardust” for a Halloween costume that’s sure to turn heads. (via Brit + Co)

Jungle Cat

Definitely not for the intro level makeup artist, but major makeup #goals. RAWRR. (via Brit + Co)

Wonder Woman

It’s your turn to become the feminist-friendly box-office sensation that we all need. (via Brit + Co)

Flamingo

Halloween is truly the best time to let your inner bird shine. (via Brit + Co)

Shepard Fairey Painting

A tribute to Obama is always worthwhile in our book, especially when it’s this creative.

Jem

Clearly, we are as obsessed with ’80s cartoon characters as we are with Halloween makeup. Light pink hair, a simple star, and a bold pink pout will bring your Jem look to life. (via Brit + Co)

Chill

Go crazy with all the blues to nail the icy half of everyone’s favorite Netflix and chill costume. (via Brit + Co)

Madame D from Grand Budapest Hotel

Even though Madame D isn’t in the film for long, we quickly fell in love with her — especially her style. This elderly makeup look may seem tricky, but you can totally handle it! (via Brit + Co)

Jellyfish

Not only will you look like one of the most magical sea creatures to exist, but you’ll be protected from the rain if the sky decides to open up too. (via Brit + Co)

Witch Makeup For Halloween

The OG Halloween costume. Use a little green face paint accented with mossy contouring and a purple lip to get witchy with it in no time. Bonus points if you wear it to see the Wicked movie too ;) (via Brit + Co)

Half Sugar Skull

Go halfsies on your DIY sugar skull so you don’t have to worry about keeping it symmetrical. Add your favorite lip color and a creative costume for a memorable look. (via Brit + Co)

Robot

You don’t have to wear a spooky costume for Halloween shenanigans; there are getups that can be pretty and a little creepy, too. Take this colorful robot, for example. It blends equal parts artsy beauty with the futuristic fierceness that is sure to get the party talking. (via Brit + Co)

Clown Makeup

A creepy clown has always been a go-to Halloween costume, but this year, why not put a creative, colorful spin on it? Featuring pops of bright blue, lime green, and hot pink, makeup artist Fernanda Machado’s original creation achieves those spooky, artistic vibes you’re longing to channel. (via Brit + Co)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

They fight crime. They eat pizza. They’re named after Italian Renaissance artists. They’re Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! And, let’s face it, they’re the coolest reptile warriors in town. (via Brit + Co)

Zombie Makeup

As much as we love channeling our inner Wonder Woman, pulling off a slightly gorier zombie costume presents the Halloween makeup challenge we crave. Here we’ve created an approachable zombie makeup tutorial so you can still feel like a babe while staying true to the holiday’s spooky vibe. (via Brit + Co)

Creepy Clown

No matter if you’re going as a clown or as a mime, this kinda creepy, kinda cute look will achieve all of your Halloween dreams. (via Brit + Co)

True Colors

Show us what you got with this playful, technicolor makeup DIY that’s definitely open to interpretation.

Cassie Howard from Euphoria

This is one Halloween makeup look you can wear even after Halloween's over. Check out our Euphoria makeup tutorials for more inspo, or create your own eye makeup look. Whatever you do, don't forget the rhinestones! (via Brit + Co)

Rainbow Skull

Brighten up an otherwise dark and spooky look with not one, but all the colors of the rainbow.

Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy

A makeup sponge is key when creating this simple mean green look. (via Brit + Co)

Gorgeous Ghost

Swap the normal ghost sheet for a makeup look that everyone will love. Or wear this as Narnia's White Witch! (via Brit + Co)

Trick-or-Treat

We’ll always take some sweets on Halloween — especially when they’re in the form of colorful makeup.

Queen of Hearts

Are Tim Burton fans attending your bash? Then they’ll definitely approve of this look. After all, why not be a queen for Halloween? (via Brit + Co)

Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy

This raccoon look is pretty dang convincing. Even if you opt for the store-bought costume, this makeup adds that homemade touch we live for. (via Brit + Co)

Millennial Pink

We’re getting Zenon vibes with plenty of sparkly, metallic makeup to match. (via Brit + Co)

Modern Vampire Makeup

Fangs will forever be in fashion. But that doesn’t mean you have to have blood dripping down your chin to let people know what you are. You’re a classy vampire. (via Brit + Co)

Skeleton Makeup from “David S. Pumpkins”

If you’ve yet to see SNL‘s skit, then TBH, that needs to be the first item on your checklist. Recreate this extremely goofy twist on the traditional Halloween character for guaranteed all-night laughs. (via Brit + Co)

Pop Art Zombie

We live for out-of-the-box zombie looks, and it’s fair to say that this show-stopping peekaboo number hits the mark.

Bombshell Skeleton

Hoping to harness a spooky mood that doesn’t sacrifice style? Look no further than this glam take on the undead. (via Brit + Co)

Zoya the Destroya and Liberty Belle from GLOW

Contouring is key when it comes to creating these wrestler babes’ game faces. Who will win: Zoya or Liberty Belle? (via Brit + Co)

Fairy

This costume at its core is really simple to make, but adding makeup and hair accents will take it from makeshift to masterpiece. (via Brit + Co)

Started from the Bottom Ilana from Broad City

Possibly one of the most epic episode intros of all time, season one’s “Apartment Hunters” begins with a music video short where Ilana looks like an absolute kween. (via Brit + Co)

Olivia Rodrigo Sour Album Cover

All you need for for a Sour Halloween makeup look is your go-to makeup routine and some stickers from the craft store, and voilà! (via Brit + Co)

Woodland Fairy

Minus the butterfly lashes, we would wear this look to a festival. All right, you got us. We’d wear the lashes too. (via Brit + Co)

Wisdom Teeth Abbi from Broad City

Season two’s “Wisdom Teeth” episode is arguably one of the best ever. After Abbi gets her wisdom teeth pulled, she takes too much pain medication combined with a ganja-infused smoothie and passes out. Ilana then decides to paint her face with makeup while feeling particularly lit. This is THAT look. LOL. (via Brit + Co)

Snapchat Puppy

The trick here is to take a screenshot of yourself in the makeup filter of your choice and then use that as your makeup inspiration photo. (via Brit + Co)

Hocus Pocus Witch Makeup

Who's more iconic than the Sanderson sisters? Those lips, tho. (via Brit + Co)

Dinosaur

Any makeup look that calls for finishing touches of glitter, wins. Tap it on anywhere that your little dino heart desires! (via Brit + Co)

Snapchat Flower Crown Filter

Highlight heavily and contour softly to recreate this popular floral filter. Pro tip: wear lavender or gray contacts to complete the lewk. (via Brit + Co)

Anna from Frozen

Begin by following this tutorial to get your base makeup for this look. For your bronzer, apply in a more circular motion to create her doll-like facial structure. Keep your blush bright pink but blend just on the apples of your cheeks. (via Brit + Co)

Jailbird

Simple tutorial alert! We used the Cat Eye Kit to create these fierce, winged eyes. Continue the eyeliner line down the nose to make a bird beak. (via Brit + Co)

Dalmation

Whether you’re one of 101 or just a solo, spotted pooch this Halloween, you only need to use black and white face paint to create a doggone (get it?) adorable look. (via Brit + Co)

Rainbow

This is actually really simple to recreate — all you need are rainbow cream colors and a small paintbrush or makeup brush to apply them with. (via Brit + Co)

Doll Face

Creepy meets pretty in this eerie Halloween beauty look. (via Brit + Co)

Scarecrow

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it classic for Halloween. Amp up your traditional scarecrow outfit with a little face paint for a pulled-together look in 20 minutes or less. (via Brit + Co)

Zombie Skeleton

Our very own beauty editor knows a thing or two about how to wield makeup for a creepy-meets-gorgeous Halloween makeup look. Talk about a new meaning for the phrase “drop dead gorgeous.”

Frida Kahlo

Trace on a unibrow and you’re well on your way to emulating Frida’s signature look. (via Brit + Co)

Mermaid

Who says that your mermaid dreams have to stay just dreams? With the right pastel makeup and brightly colored mane, you’ll be giving off mermaid vibes in no time. (via Brit + Co)

Elsa from Frozen

Channel Elsa’s icy cool vibes by using a much lighter foundation than you normally would paired with bright cream eyeshadow. (via Brit + Co)

Ursula

Even if you’re not a makeup artist, you can easily recreate this look by capturing the shape of her face. Look at each part before you start painting yourself, and do each step in order. (via Brit + Co)

Pot of Gold

Rainbow hair atop a highlighted and bronzed beauty look makes for one leprechaun-approved Halloween makeup idea. (via Brit + Co)

Purrfect Black Cat

Being a black cat is always a solid option. Grab your liquid liner to DIY this look. Don’t forget the ears! (via Brit + Co)

Snapchat Bee Filter

Dramatic lashes and yellow cream makeup go a long way when it comes to pulling off this popular — or should we say buzzy — Snap filter. (via Brit + Co)

Vampire

This vamp costume is perfect for the dark-haired, busy gal on a budget. It doesn’t take a vampire’s life span (AKA eternity) to make — and with just a few easy steps you’re transformed into a picture-perfect creature of the night! (via Brit + Co)

Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” Makeup

Katy Perry is undeniably the queen of costumes. So, why not take a page out of her book and DIY her standing ovation-worthy “Dark Horse” look? (via Brit + Co)

Lion

We’re always down to be the queen of the jungle for Halloween. (via Brit + Co)

La Croix

Pick your fave fizzy flavor and you’re sure to win the contest. After all, La Croix is life. (via Brit + Co)

Mad Hatter

This makeup is an understated version inspired by the original and is really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes we used as eyebrows for the ultimate Halloween hack win! (via Brit + Co)

Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland

Whooooo are yoooooou? (via Brit + Co)

Unicorn

Pastel hair and makeup, a flower crown, a white body suit, and a unicorn horn make for one seriously simple Halloween look. (via Brit + Co)

Andy Warhol’s Marilyn

Head to your local beauty store and grab all the pink face paint you can to get ready to rock your inner pop self. (via Brit + Co)

David Bowie

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” (via Brit + Co)

Barbie

This makeup look is super subtle and totally customizable to your favorite shades. As long as you have a pink lip, you're good to go. (via Brit + Co)

The Joker

Ugh, it’s just so sexy-creepy, we can’t. (via Brit + Co)

Trump

All you need is some bigly orange bronzer to make this your greatest Halloween look ever. No Halloween has ever been this great before. It’s the greatest. (via Brit + Co)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

It’s never too early to start the Christmas festivities. Try out this simple makeup DIY from The Nightmare Before Christmas to jumpstart the holiday season. (via Brit + Co)

Pretty Zombie

The living dead? More like the living drop-dead gorgeous. (via Brit + Co)

How to Replicate This Babe-worthy Zombie Costume

Step 1: Zombie Halloween Makeup Prep

Apply a full-coverage foundation like Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($45) that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. This will help with that sallow, not so full-of-life look.

Step 2: Contour

First, contour the hollows of your cheeks, temples, around your hairline, down into your jawline, and your neck using a neutral bronzer like NU Evolution Bronzer in Portofino ($38), then go over these spots with a deep gray shadow to add that cold, deadly vibe.

Step 3: Start Zombie Eyes

Contour: Use a fluffy shadow brush to apply a deep charcoal shadow to the inside and outside corners of your eyes.

Blood Base: Apply a red eyeshadow to the center of your eyelids, along your under-eye areas, and up into your temples.

Highlight and Deepen: Add a silver shimmer to your brow bones and a deep black to the crease underneath your eyes.

Step 4: Back to Your Base

Now apply Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation ($42) to the t-zone of your face with a flat foundation brush to brighten and give more dimension to your overall look.

Step 5: Start Bite Wound

Contour: Apply the same charcoal shadow around the corners and lower lip.

Wound Prep: Apply Mehron Spirit Gum ($13) to the center of your lip, extending above and below your upper and lower lip line. Let this dry for around 2-5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Veins To Your Zombie Halloween Makeup

While the spirit gum dries, move on and apply Ben Nye Créme Colors in Gray ($8) with a very fine-pointed paintbrush along your forehead to create veins. Apply Ben Nye Créme Colors in Fresh Cut ($8) in random places over the gray to give a more realistic finish.

Step 7: Complete Bite Wound

Apply Ben Nye Créme Colors in Red ($8) over the spirit gum you applied to your lip before. Mix in a little maroon and black to take the look to the next level.

Finishing Touches

Start off by applying white squiggle lines similar to the veins on your forehead coming out of your eyes to get the base and shape right.

Now, using a variation of the gray, maroon, red, and black créme colors, create the depth in all the veins coming out of your eyes. Apply a little mascara and deepen your brows if needed. You can really elevate this look by adding a pair of light gray contacts like we put on Kristina!

Share your looks with us by tagging us on Instagram, and for more costume inspiration, follow us on Pinterest. You can also check out our other Halloween Makeup Looks!

Pirate

Ahoy, matey! Just grab a red scarf, eyepatch, striped shirt and a fishtail side braid for this classic and super easy costume.

Flamingo

This makeup is on point. Here's how to DIY this feathery look.

Unicorn

Fulfill your magical dreams with this DIY unicorn costume.

Cleopatra

Stand out with a costume that's part-Ancient Egyptian, part-badass babe. With some eyeliner and well-chosen accessories, you'll be able to craft up a Queen-of-Egypt-inspired Halloween costume that's sure to blow your Zoom party guests away.

Rosie the Riveter

White button down and red polka dot headscarf, easy peasy. For the hair, pin up half of your hair and twist it up into a bun. Then take the rest of your hair and create another bun a little lower on your head. Top the look off with the scarf, and you'll be riveting in no time. :)

Princess Leia

Best buns on the planet! Create this iconic hairdo with this easy hair hack.

Elsa

Does Frozen still melt your heart? Be everyone's favorite snow queen with this DIY costume.

Holly Golightly

Top off your top knot with a tiara, then add a LBD, pearls, coffee and sunnies.

Angry Bird

We've seen this costume before, but this look is too dang cute to pass up. Especially when all you need is a yellow wig and some craft supplies. Draw out the face onto felt and cut it out, then glue the head piece to a headband. Everything else can be taped to the wig.

Creepy Clown

Whether you're going for a clown or a mime vibe, this kinda creepy, kinda cute look will achieve all of your Halloween dreams.

Day of the Dead

Dress up as a Dia de los Muertos sugar skull with this easy DIY tutorial.

Lady Gaga

It's been quite some time since Gaga donned her signature bow, but we'll never get enough of it. Head to our Hair Bow tutorial here for the full how-to.

Pumpkin

Okay, this may be really, really basic, but it is a Halloween staple. Plus, it's the one time of year you can wear all orange, all the time. Grab an orange wigand go!

Queen of Hearts

Ace this Queen of Hearts costume with ared wig or red spray dye!

Frenchie From Grease

Here's an excuse to break out that cute pink wig in your closet. Add a Pink Ladies jacket and bubble gum and you're ready for beauty school!

Strawberry Shortcake

You can go with the full Strawberry Shortcake costume or just order a pink wig and bonnet— then add freckles and a pink top and you're Zoom ready!

Pop Art

If you are looking to really up your costume game and stand out on Zoom, go for this pop art makeup look. Pop on some comic leggings (totally WFH-friendly!) and yellow wig too.

Vampire

Don a black lip and eye makeup, then use that same eye makeup or black face paint to create a faux widow's peak. Spooky!

Jem

We are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must!

Cruella de Vil

This fierce villain oozes style, even if she is totally evil. Use spray hair dye on half of your head, then top off the look with red gloves, a faux fur coat, cigarette holder and a little Dalmatian. Oh, and that evil cackle is essential.

Kitty

Every girl's backup costume is also the perfect Zoom costume. We made our ears by attaching black foam ears to a headband, but you can easily find a readymade option at just about any store this time of year. Get the full Black Cat makeup tutorial right here.

Witch

Don a black witch hat and follow this makeup tutorial for this spooky cool green witch.

Black Swan

The hair hack here is that slick top knot and the crowning tiara, though the key to the whole scene is obviously those crazy eyes. Here's a great tutorial right herefor gals who want to go all out.

Minion

Learn how to get the look of the cutest minion costume ever!

Katy Perry circa 2014

Or go for any of Katy Perry's Dark Horse video costumes with these Brit + Co DIYs.

\

Mad Hatter

This Mad Hatter costume is pretty easy to replicate. Grab a brown jacket from your closet, orange wig and top hat. The thread holster is made by stringing thread spools onto yarn and draping it over the shoulder. The makeup is an understated version inspired by the original, but really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes as eyebrows!

Mime

You can just stay on mute!

Pippy Longstocking

Recreate Pippy's completely insane pig tails with this easy DIY trick.

Barbie

Your co-workers will immediately get the idea once you show up with your pink visor, watercolor swimsuit and bike shorts outfit! They may even get a little jealous!

Poison Ivy

"That girl is poison" best describes former botanist turned green seductress Poison Ivy. See how you can DIY this costume here!

Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy

Maybe you prefer to be a bada**, take no prisoners green goddess like Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. For fun, you can try your hand at method acting by acting like her during your virtual Halloween party. Just try to keep the sarcasm on the lighter side.

Minions

To make things more fun, you and a few co-workers can dress up as Minions! It's a DIY-costume that's inexpensive and funny.

The Sanderson Sisters

Hocus Pocus is basically life for the Brit + Co team so it only makes sense to show up to your virtual Halloween party wearing one of the above costumes!