October 31st is right around the corner, and IDK about you, but I’m ready to go all out on my Halloween costume this year. I love Halloween parties, decking out my home in Halloween decorations, and buying a big ol’ bag of candy for trick-or-treaters and then gleefully eating it all myself. This year, I’ll be leveling up my Halloween game with some incredibly Insta-worthy (we got the perfect captions for ya, too, btw) Halloween makeup tutorials. From zombie makeup to mermaid makeup and everything in between, I’ve rounded up the season’s best Halloween makeup looks to try.
And don’t worry if the idea of a Halloween makeup tutorial sends your beginner heart into a spiral—you don’t have to be a pro MUA for any of these looks because these tutorials range from the just-bought-your-first-palette level to the advanced I-know-my-way-around-some-face-paint. So keep scrolling to check out the 65 (!) best Halloween makeup tutorials for your spookiest season yet.
1. This colorful Mad Hatter Halloween makeup
If you aren’t afraid to experiment with bright pops of color, I’d highly suggest giving this Mad Hatter look a try. The classic Alice look is so “been there, done that,” so when you pull up with this bold alternative, be prepared to get hella compliments.
✨Try it with: Anastasia Beverly Hills NORVINA® Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 6
2. This retro alien costume
Category: Bad b*tch!! Couldn’t make it to the Renaissance tour? No worries! And, if you did, I’m v jealous. Whichever way you fall, this look is the perfect way to channel your inner alien superstar in a modern, unique take on an extraterrestrial…which btw, are totally real.
✨Try it with: Mehron Makeup iNtense Pro Pressed Pigment Palette
3. This glam Barbie look
Okay, we get it—Barbie is going to dominate Halloween this year, but after this year’s box office hit, who wouldn’t want to hop on the bandwagon? While there are so many Barbie eras and costumes to choose from, may we suggest this classic glam look with a strong winged eyeliner (thank u liquid liner), pink eyeshow (duh), and bold pink lip.
✨Try it with: At The Borderline Eyeliner Marker and NARS Audacious Lipstick in Marisa
4. This Coraline Halloween makeup tutorial
When Halloween season comes along, people usually opt for traditional scary movies like Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, and stuff like that, but those who have Coraline on repeat truly get it. This mix of adorable and just downright creepy can be created with eyebrow powder, rosy blush, and a few freckles for good measure.
✨Try it with: Freck The Original Freckle
5. This Bridgerton makeup look
Fact: Bridgerton makes a pretty damn good costume. To channel your inner Daphne, soft nude and pink eyeshadows should be your go-to. Finish it off with a v curly updo and a Regency-style dress.
✨Try it with: Glossier Essential Eyeshadow Trio in Monochromes
6. This Barbie zombie makeup look for Halloween
Mark my words: This Halloween will be the year of the Barbie and Ken costumes, thanks to the new Barbie movie featuring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. So to cash in on the Barbiecore trend with a Halloween twist, try this spooky take.
✨Try it with: Graftobian Blood Gel
7. This fairy Halloween makeup tutorial
My favorite thing about this fairy makeup tutorial is that it gives you an excuse to play around with the colors in your palettes that you usually ignore (think: neon greens, vibrant purples, the works). And even though this look has a few elements that are pretty ~out there~ (hiii, green eyebrows), the end result is super pretty.
✨Try it with: Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Freak
8. This glam Joker Halloween makeup look
FYI, this Halloween, you can dress as the Joker without looking scary. In fact, this tutorial by YouTuber Jasmine Brown is a totally elevated and glamorous spin on the classic character. Some red, white, and blue face paint is pretty much everything you need for the look—oh, and ofc finish off with some temporary green hair dye.
✨Try it with: CCbeauty Professional Face and Body Paint
9. Jack Sparrow pirate makeup tutorial
One of the easiest Halloween makeup ideas that isn’t super played out already? Pirate makeup. It’s got classic elements like smoked-out eyeshadow and inky black eyeliner, and it’s v easy to customize to your exact vibe (and, IDK, the products you already have in your makeup bag). Don’t forget the face glitter for a fun touch.
✨Try it with: NYX Face and Body Glitter
10. This butterfly Halloween makeup
So scary isn’t necessarily your thing, eh? No prob because adorable makeup tutorials like this one by Victoria Davette exist. If you’re really feeling like going all out and have a steady hand, challenge yourself by drawing a butterfly wing near your eye. If that seems too challenging (hi, it me), simply create a smokey eye with orange, yellow, and red eyeshadows. Pop on a butterfly headband, and you’re good to go.
✨Try it with: NYX Ultimate Color Palette in Phoenix
11. This deer Halloween makeup tutorial
white eyeliner
✨NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eyeliner Pencil in Milk
A cute upgrade from your usual cat costume, this deer Halloween makeup is sweet, subtle, and very easy to recreate. Make sure you finish off your makeup with black and on your eyes to really mimic the look.
Try it with:
12. This Queen of Hearts makeup look
A Queen of Hearts costume is one of those looks that’s totally classic but not overdone. This tutorial by Victoria Davette looks super complicated, but it’s actually relatively simple to do if you follow the tutorial step-by-step. Oh, and you’re def going to need a TON of red tones.
✨Try it with: Danessa Myricks Colorfix Eye, Cheek, & Lip Cream Pigment in Primary Red
13. This ’90s Gwen Stefani makeup tutorial
Okay, yeah, hi. This ’90s Gwen Stefani is a total mooood and fits this year’s aesthetic to a T. Channel the pop princess with a blue wig, skinny brows, lots of face jewels, and a red lip.
✨Try it with: OUTUXED Clear Rhinestones
14. These last-minute Halloween looks
S/O to all those peeps out there who leave planning their costume to the day night of (🙋)!! Luckily for you (and me), YouTuber Ashley Quiroz demonstrates three last-minute Halloween looks that are quick and very easy to do—just make sure you’ve got some liquid eyeliner on hand.
✨Try it with: Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof Black Liquid Liner
15. This BRATZ Halloween makeup
Think: Pink and blue eyeshadow, ’90s-esque full lips, and the cutest (and super) pink outfit. I think that makes one pretty cool and ~glam~ Halloween costume, huh? Just don’t forget to add an iconic BRATZ beauty mark with some liquid eyeliner.
✨Try it with: Huda Beauty Life Liner Double-Ended Eyeliner
16. This Carrie Halloween makeup
Four words: Lots of freakin’ blood. Start by creating a super dark, smokey eye, and then really glam up the rest of your makeup. Put on a white dress (that you’re not afraid to ruin), and for the kicker, pour fake blood alllll over.
✨Try it with: Bobisuka Fake Blood Halloween Makeup Kit
17. Scarecrow makeup for Halloween
Scarecrow makeup can be recreated in so many different ways, but this is one of my faves. This scary Halloween makeup tutorial will show you all the right products they use to get this super realistic and three-dimensional scarecrow, including the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner.
✨Try it with: Make Up For Ever Flash Color Palette Multi-use Cream Color Palette
18. This glam Frankenstein monster Halloween makeup
If “glam” + “Frankenstein” are two words you never thought you’d hear together, check out this Halloween makeup tutorial. Jennifer Chang creates the cutest Frankenstein monster for Halloween, complete with a bold red lip and purple eyeshadow or face paint (they used Mehron Makeup Color Cups in Purple).
✨Try it with: Mehron Makeup Fantasy F/X Water Based Face & Body Paint in Green
19. This Bride of Chucky Halloween makeup tutorial
This scary Halloween makeup tutorial for the Bride of Chucky will require a matte black lipstick, a gel or liquid eyebrow pen, and black eyeshadow. Pay special attention to how this makeup artist contours under their cheekbones to get that really gaunt, haunted look (hint: contour with some black eyeshadow and blend it out really well).
✨Try it with: Milk Color Chalk Multi-Use Powder Pigment
20. Vampire demon makeup for Halloween
This vampire demon is actually so cute while still being creepy. The trick to striking that balance? Make sure to glam up your eyes (with volumizing mascara or false lashes) and create a bold lip before adding in all the spooky parts (think: red eyeshadow around the whole eye and red vein lines underneath).
✨Try it with: NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lipstick Lightweight Vegan Lipstick
21. This melting makeup tutorial for Halloween
The graphic style makeup in this Halloween makeup tutorial is kind of unreal. But it’s not as hard to recreate as you’d think. Just make sure you have a black liquid eyeliner that will create those crisp, vibrant lines and give it the pop-art vibe.
✨Try it with: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
22. This devil Halloween makeup tutorial
Red face paint will be your main ingredient when recreating this devil look. This is a great scary Halloween makeup tutorial that’s also really pretty. BTW: Don’t forget to grab some yellow face paint to highlight your brow bone.
✨Try it with: U Can Be Athena Face Body Paint Oil Palette
23. Tiger makeup for Halloween
Nya Grace Temple will teach you how to seamlessly blend orange and white together to make a really cute tiger for Halloween. This look literally only requires three colors (orange, black, and white), so it won’t require a major haul at Ulta to recreate.
✨Try it with: Mehron Makeup Cream Blend Stick
24. This Violet Beauregarde from Willy Wonka tutorial
This may be one of the easiest makeup looks on the entire list. If you remember anything from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it’s that Violet Beauregarde was a w-i-n-n-e-r, and that’s exactly what you’ll be when you pull up to the Halloween party decked out with purple eyeshadow on your nose. To really step the ‘fit up, pair your makeup look with a blonde wig, tracksuit, and her signature accessory: gum.
✨Try it with: Juvia’s Place The Violets Eyeshadow Palette
25. This Genie Halloween makeup tutorial
If you were looking for an excuse to wear a gold scrunchie and just a ton of blue makeup, welcome to your ideal Halloween makeup tutorial. Mari Bajari makes the Genie from Aladdin so pretty—I mean, how cute are their blue matte lips and sparkly blue eyeshadow?!
✨Try it with: Inc.redible Lid Slick Eye Pigment in Dose of Ego
26. This robot Halloween tutorial
Don’t want to mess around with a lot of colors? Opt for this robot Halloween tutorial, where all you need is black face paint or liquid eyeliner to create these robot lines. This is a super easy Halloween idea to do at the last minute—lookin’ at you, procrastinators.
✨Try it with: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Black
27. The Lion King Halloween makeup tutorial
I honestly did not know that Scar from The Lion King could look this cute. This Halloween makeup idea is perfect for when you have a half hour to get ready and don’t really want a full face of paint. All you need is black eyeliner, black face paint, black lipstick, and a concealer that’s a couple of shades lighter than your skin tone to recreate this makeup tutorial.
✨Try it with: Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer
28. This alien Halloween makeup
Looking for something easy you can pull together at the last minute that isn’t a cat or vampire? This alien makeup tutorial is a great option, and it’s genuinely easy. All you’ll need is green eyeshadow, white eyeliner, and a couple of basics (think: foundation, eyebrow pencil, etc.) to really nail this costume.
✨Try it with: Juvia’s Place The Zulu Eyeshadow Palette
29. This mermaid skull makeup for Halloween
Half-face Halloween makeup is always one of my favorite costume ideas, thanks to the fact that you can go super OTT with one side of your face and more relaxed and chill with the other. This look combines pretty mermaid detailing with classic skull makeup for the ultimate Halloween vibe.
✨Try it with: Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette
30. This lowkey Halloween makeup
Not down to go all out with your Halloween makeup? This glam tutorial is the perfect middle ground—you still get a couple of spooky elements with the dark, vampy lip, but the sparkly smokey eye really softens it up a bit. The best part about this look is that it’s super customizable, so don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own.
✨Try it with: Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick in Toni Purple
31. This cow Halloween makeup
It’s no secret that cow print is everywhere right now, so why not take the trend to the next level with this Halloween makeup? You’ll need a solid amount of face paint to recreate this look, along with a couple of detailing brushes to get the edges of your spots super precise. And, IMO, the blue eyeshadow really gives the whole thing a glam vibe.
✨Try it with: Mehron Makeup Paradise Face and Body Paint
32. This glittery makeup for Halloween
If you need a reason to bring out your prettiest eyeshadows and sparkliest glitter, consider this Halloween makeup tutorial it. Tons of gold glitter will really bring this makeup to new heights, so don’t hold back. Bonus points for finishing off the whole look with a goddess-like costume to match.
✨Try it with: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Trophy Wife
33. This Catwoman makeup for Halloween
This is one of those makeup looks that will require a costume to match, so keep scrolling if you’re looking for something more last-minute. If you’re willing to plan out a whole-ass mood, though, you’ll absolutely love this Catwoman makeup for Halloween, which combines a classic red lip with a sultry eyeshadow look.
✨Try it with: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson
34. This mad scientist Halloween makeup
TBH, I just love how quirky this Halloween makeup is—like, who else is going to show up to the party in a mad scientist costume? I mean, you’re basically guaranteed to stand out. And thanks to the bold red lip and the subtle smokey eye, it’s actually really cute, too. BRB while I go start practicing this one now.
✨Try it with: Uoma Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick
35. This Euphoria ‘Jules’ Halloween makeup
Here’s an idea: Go super meta this year by recreating Jules’s costume from the Euphoria Halloween episode. The costume, which, BTW, is actually a nod to Claire Danes in Romeo + Juliet, is all about red eyeshadow and hella glitter, so make sure you’re fully stocked before giving it a try.
✨Try it with: Juvia’s Place The Berries Eyeshadow Palette and NYX Professional Makeup Metallic Glitter
36. This Euphoria ‘Maddy’ Halloween makeup
You didn’t think that was our only Euphoria makeup idea, right? An equally cute option, this makeup tutorial inspired by Euphoria’s Maddy is so pretty you’ll want to wear it year-round. I mean, is there anything cooler than holographic eyeshadow and rhinestone decals? Def not.
✨Try it with: ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadow and Karizma Beauty Iridescent Crystal Face Gems
37. This glam mermaid makeup for Halloween
IMHO, mermaid Halloween makeup is never a bad idea. There are so many ways to interpret the look, whether you want to go super glam (like this tutorial) or more lowkey. I’m personally a fan of the extra details in this costume, like the shiny purple lipstick and the holographic scales.
✨Try it with:
MAC Cosmetics Amplified Lipstick in Violetta
38. This Dua Lipa makeup for Halloween
This Halloween, I’m going all in with this Dua Lipa makeup tutorial, which perfectly nails the singer’s sculpted brows, sparkly eyeshadow, and, obvs, signature hairstyle. Catch me rolling up to the Halloween party blasting “Don’t Start Now.” Like, Dua, is that you?
✨Try it with: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Shape & Define
39. This last-minute Halloween makeup
I get it: Even if you start thinking about Halloween way in advance, it’s still hard to actually get your shit together by October 31. That’s why I love how easy (and cute!) this last-minute Halloween makeup is. All you’ll need is a black gel eyeliner, a neutral eyeshadow palette (preferably something with dark and smokey colors), and 10-ish minutes to watch the video. Easy enough.
✨Try it with: Natasha Denona Glam Eyeshadow Palette
40. This pumpkin Halloween makeup
Would this really be a Halloween makeup roundup without at least a few creepy AF options? I like that this tutorial has a little bit of everything—it’s got gore (the melted skin), color (the pumpkin detailing), and glam (the ultra-dramatic smokey eye). It def requires a decent amount of skill, so try watching the tutorial a couple of times before you get started.
✨Try it with: Snazaroo Classic Face and Body Paint in Orange
41. This clown Halloween makeup
Yes, everything about this Halloween makeup tutorial is scary, but that red smokey eye is actually ridiculously pretty. The best of both (terrifying) worlds?
✨Try it with: Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Silky Cream Lipstick in Violette
42. This Harley Quinn makeup for Halloween
Sure, Harley Quinn’s makeup looks messy AF, but recreating her signature look actually takes skill (and some blue and red eyeshadow). This Halloween makeup tutorial lays out everything you’ll need to become a member of the Suicide Squad by October 31.
✨Try it with: Morphe Abby Roberts Pan Artistry Eyeshadow Palette
43. This fairy Halloween makeup tutorial
If scary, gory-as-hell Halloween makeup isn’t totally your aesthetic, you need to bookmark this fairy tutorial right now. Highlighter, glitter, and more glitter will really take your costume to the next level.
✨Try it with: NYX Professional Makeup Metallic Glitter in Lumi-Lite
44. This spider Halloween makeup
This spider Halloween makeup tutorial definitely requires a steady hand—and a thin face-paint brush—but the payoff is beyond cool. Oh, and that vampy lip should 100 percent be worn post-Halloween, too.
✨Try it with: Nicpro Micro Detail Paint Brush Set
45. This Wednesday Addams makeup
I used to think Wednesday Addams was a cop-out costume, but this Halloween makeup tutorial has convinced me otherwise. Super-defined brows are crucial to this look, along with a ghost-white base and purple eyeshadow.
✨Try it with: Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Kit
46. This Khaleesi Halloween makeup
Did you glance at this YouTube tutorial and see Emilia Clarke? Yeah, same—that’s how good it is. You’ll be slaying more than dragons with this fiery Halloween makeup.
✨Try it with: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo
47. This unicorn makeup for Halloween
A little unicorn dust never hurt anyone, right? Right. This Halloween makeup tutorial is perfect for anyone who isn’t into blood and guts.
✨Try it with: Unicorn Snot Biodegradable Holographic Body Glitter Gel for Body, Face, Hair
48. This Snow White makeup tutorial
This Snow White makeup is guaranteed to be a hit at your Halloween party. Consider yourself the fairest of them all with these candy-apple red lips.
✨Try it with: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in On Fire Red
49. This pop art Halloween makeup tutorial
This Halloween makeup is beyond realistic—recreate it, and you’ll legit look like you stepped out of a comic book.
✨Try it with: Charmcode Face and Body Painting Palette
50. This Little Red Riding Hood Halloween makeup
This Halloween makeup tutorial is your classic Little Red Riding costume, but edgier. Fake scars are a nonnegotiable for this look.
✨Try it with: Coobbar Halloween Zombie Scars Tattoos with Fake Scar
51. This queen bee Halloween makeup
Perfectly executed face paint takes this queen bee Halloween makeup from cutesy to cool. And who doesn’t love an excuse to wear black lipstick?
✨Try it with: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Night Bird
52. This Frozen makeup tutorial for Halloween
A lot of blush, a white wig, and falsies make this Halloween legit so cool, you’ll feel like you literally could work at Disney World.
✨Try it with: Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in Pink
53. This zombie queen Halloween makeup
Can’t decide if you want to go regal or creepy this Halloween? Get yourself a look that does it all, like this zombie queen makeup.
✨Try it with: Smooth-On Ultimate Zombie Makeup Kit
54. This golden goddess Halloween makeup
Just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean you need to put aside your love of highlighter. This Halloween makeup tutorial glow is everything.
✨Try it with: Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit
55. This lioness Halloween makeup
Pro tip: Recreate this entire tutorial for Halloween, then copy the eye look for every other day of your life.
✨Try it with: Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette
56. This cat makeup for Halloween
You can never go wrong with a cute cat makeup look for Halloween. Also, I wasn’t aware that I wanted a pair of neon-green contacts until right now?
✨Try it with: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
57. This snow angel Halloween makeup
This angel Halloween look is basically what I aspire to emulate on a daily basis. I mean, look at her frosted lids.
✨Try it with: Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil
58. This werewolf look for Halloween
Animal Halloween costumes don’t need to be cute, okay? Proof: This werewolf makeup tutorial, which is the perfect excuse to take your look to spookier heights.
✨Try it with: Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Last Night
59. This vampire Halloween makeup tutorial
If you want to be the scariest person at your Halloween party, you need to recreate this vampire makeup tutorial. Costume or not, your look is bound to give everyone the creeps (in the best way possible, obvi).
✨Try it with: KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow, & Brow Pigment in Scarlet
60. This half-skull Halloween makeup
This skull makeup is the perfect last-minute Halloween costume. Your makeup really carries the look, so you won’t even need to worry about what you’re wearing.
✨Try it with: Amscan Black and White Makeup Kit
61. This Batwoman Halloween makeup
The best part about this Halloween makeup tutorial is that you paint your mask (which is glittery, btw), so you won’t need to keep track of your costume accessories at that crowded party.
✨Try it with: Moon Glitter Holographic Face & Body Glitter Gel
62. This demon Halloween makeup tutorial
Full disclosure: I literally gasped when I watched this Halloween makeup tutorial. If you’re going for the fear factor, you’ll want to take notes on this one.
✨Try it with: Mehron Makeup Paradise AQ Pro Face Paint Palette
63. This Poison Ivy Halloween makeup
Who knew green eyeliner and red eyebrows could look inspiration-worthy? This Halloween makeup tutorial is perfect for anyone who wants to feel on theme and pretty.
✨Try it with: Juvia’s Place Rebel Quad Eyeshadow Palette
64. This moonchild Halloween makeup tutorial
This makeup tutorial is the reason I wish Halloween was a monthly thing. That gray lipstick is so damn cool.
✨Try it with: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick in Concrete Jungle
65. Dripping candy makeup for Halloween
Your Halloween costume doesn’t have to be an actual character, IMO. You can do something really fun and unique, like this candy Halloween makeup tutorial. Even better: This look only covers half of your face, so you can still add some ~glam~ to your other half.
✨Try it with: NYX SFX Face and Body Paint in Dreamweaver
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories like the Day of the Dead makeup tutorials and witch Halloween makeup tutorials, and feels especially knowledgable on Halloween makeup tutorials for beginners thanks to years of dressing up. She regularly tries out new Halloween makeup tutorials on herself while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to experiment with new techniques.
Sami Roberts was previously the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing health, social media, and beauty-related stories, including the best 2022 makeup trends and the coolest Halloween hairstyles. Her Halloween makeup picks were chosen after watching numerous tutorials.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including skeleton makeup ideas and the best zombie makeup tutorials. Her beginner Halloween makeup tutorial picks were based on video reviews and ratings.
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC’s newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you’ll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.