I find that a good makeup look really makes a Halloween costume pop. When I saw some of these ideas, you guys, I was equally as excited as I was terrified.
From gory to ghostly, I’ve got you covered with some of the best scary makeup ideas out there. Take a peek if you dare!
1. Scary Pumpkin Makeup
Source: @sadie.shill_makeup
I’m seriously crushing hard on this next pumpkin makeup idea because it is just so creepy.
The artist uses some amazing illusion techniques with black and other shades to make the pattern look like it was actually carved into her skin. This would be so scary at a party or out at night. I am obsessed!
2. Unique Frankenstein Makeup Idea
Source: @zee_guerrero
Frankenstein is such a classic Halloween go-to, but this next idea feels so fresh and unique. It’s a version of Frankenstein’s monster that will make you totally stand out from the ghoulish crowd.
The artist created that stitched-up look we all know, but used different shades of green and even some purple tones. I love that she added a star shape on her chest, too. It’s such a cool and creative idea.
You can totally recreate this entire look or just focus on the face paint.
3. Scary Voodoo Doll Makeup
Are you looking for a totally unique Halloween idea? Then this next one is definitely for you. Here we have some Voodoo doll inspired makeup.
For those who don’t know, Voodoo dolls are little figures that can be used for good or for bad. This makeup has the classic stitches and heart details.
ou can take inspiration from this look or make it even scarier by adding some creepy contact lenses and darker makeup.
Video tutorial for the look is here:
4. Demon Makeup Idea
Source: @desiperkins
Next up, we have another scary Halloween demon concept. This one has black horns, white contacts, and some seriously good illusion makeup.
This looks absolutely amazing, and if you’re not a professional, it will definitely take some practice, but I think it would be so worth it. You could get inspiration from this and add some fake blood or even try using different colors.
Check out Desi’s YouTube tutorial for this amazing Demon makeup look!
5. Terrifying and Bloody Illusion Makeup
Source: @gemmabks.sfx
Okay, this next makeup idea is probably the most terrifying one on the list! The artist created an illusion that half of her face is completely gone, revealing a bloody skull underneath.
It is so gruesome and horrifying! Makeup like this will give people a serious fright when they see it.
6. Terrifying Horned Demon Makeup
Source: @embergrim
This next idea is just perfect for anyone looking to horrify people at Halloween. The artist has created a look that features white eyes, blood, an upside-down cross, horns, and more.
It honestly looks like a nightmare pulled straight from a movie. You can recreate this makeup or try a simpler version if you’re short on time.
7. Gory & Scary Halloween Makeup
Source: @karolinagriciute
First up on my list is this gory masquerade mask makeup. This is such a unique and horrifying idea that would look amazing at a party.
You can check out the YouTube tutorial by Karolina Griciute here:
8. Demon Makeup with Horns
This next idea was inspired by Black Phillip from the movie The Witch. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know that the goat Black Phillip was believed to be Satan.
It’s a super unique and scary take on the goat, complete with horns, blood, and contact lenses. I think this would also be great demon makeup. So, whether you want to be a devil or a demon, this look has you covered.
9. Face Mask
Source: @baadgalbeauty
Wearing someone else’s face is total nightmare fuel, thanks to movies like Face/Off and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which makes it absolutely perfect for Halloween!
Here we have a creative makeup idea where the artist made an outline around her face to suggest it’s a mask. You can create something that combines scary and glam like this one, or you can add blood for an even more horrifying look.
10. Makeup Inspired by The Nun
Source: @fx.gore.monkey
The Nun was one of the scariest movies to come out, and this next look is inspired by the film. For this version, the artist has created makeup that’s similar to the movie poster.
It features a good and evil design, with half of her face looking like the scary demon and the other half looking like the person trying to stop it. It’s such a cool and creepy concept, perfect for anyone who loves the movie.
11. Gruesome Halloween Makeup
Source: @karolinagriciute
Next up, we have a gruesome makeup idea to share with you. This look features a ripped mouth, which is so gory and scary—perfect for Halloween. You can find the tutorial on the featured artist’s page.
12. Zombie Illusion Makeup
Source: @sarablood
If you are a big fan of zombies, then this makeup idea is for you! Here we have some amazing zombie makeup that’s complete with an illusion mouth and nose.
This will definitely scare everyone at a Halloween party. You could recreate this look as is or add extras like fake blood. There are tons of tutorials online for zombie illusion makeup if you need some help!
13. Mummy Makeup Idea
Source: @caitmarks
This next idea is another Halloween classic. Here we have a mummy makeup look. The artist wrapped most of her face in bandages, leaving her eyes and mouth free.
She created this stunning Ancient Egyptian style makeup with gold eyeshadow and black eyeliner. But what makes this look really scary are the white contacts. We are obsessed with this mummy idea!
14. Scary Ghost Makeup
There is honestly nothing scarier than a classic Halloween ghost, so this next makeup look is perfect for giving people a real fright.
The artist has created a white, ghostly face with red eyes and lips. This look is finished off with some creepy contact lenses. Makeup like this is pretty easy to recreate and wear, so it would be great for any last-minute events.
15. Scary Clown Makeup
Source: @giuliannaa
Clowns are a total Halloween classic, and this next idea features a seriously scary circus clown.
The artist used the fun and bright colors that clowns usually wear, but with the addition of fake blood and contact lenses, which gives her a very sinister look. You could recreate similar clown makeup or choose your own color palette.
Luckily, we have a YouTube tutorial for this look also! It’s created by the talented Giulianna Maria.
16. Scary and Gory Halloween Makeup
Source: @bangtsikitsiki
The next makeup idea we have to show you looks like it’s straight out of a nightmare! This makeup artist created a very grisly version of Snow White.
She has the classic black hairstyle with the red bow and is even holding an apple. The big difference is the mouth! She has a gory, ripped mouth.
This is a truly terrifying look that’s perfect for a Halloween party since it will scare everyone. There’s a full list of the products used on the makeup artist’s page.
17. Slash Halloween Makeup Idea
Source: @theangelmakeup
Next up, we have a scary Halloween makeup idea that features some serious slash wounds. Her face has slashes, and there’s one on the top of her wrist, too.
Not only that, but one side of her face is more bruised and has a white contact lens. This half-and-half style makeup is so grisly, and you can recreate it in a couple of ways.
Maybe wear two contact lenses for a ghostly look or add some fake blood for a more gory vibe. Either way, you’ll have some ghastly Halloween makeup.
18. Mystical Fortune Teller
You can bring some mystical magic to Halloween this year by choosing fortune teller makeup like this. This makeup is complete with a third eye, creepy contact lenses, and amazing eye and lip work.
This is perfect for anyone who wants to wear something a little different and more unusual for Halloween. It’s a very cool look and honestly one of my favorites.
19. Scary Stitches Makeup
Source: @rebecca_tracey
Next on my list of scary Halloween makeup is this creepy stitch design. You can use makeup like this for Voodoo dolls, zombies, and other dolls.
There are plenty of tutorials available online to help you create stitches just like these. To make the look extra gory, you can even add some blood around the stitches.
20. Gory Clown Makeup
Source: @ctl.specialfx
This next idea is perfect for those who are loving the clown makeup looks. This time, the makeup artist has created a very gory version of a clown.
The classic design on the eyes and mouth is there, but this time they are all bloody. This is a very terrifying makeup idea. Just complete your costume with a wig and a clown outfit and get ready to give everyone a major fright!
21. Scary Witch Halloween Makeup Idea
Source: @illumin_arty
Next, we have an idea inspired by a doll the artist had seen called Hecate. Hecate is the Goddess of witchcraft, ghosts, and more. The look features white eyes with blood around the nose, eyes, and head.
This is a very scary look that will definitely frighten the whole Halloween party.
22. Scary Red Riding Hood Makeup
Source: @natashajanewood
Our next idea is a much scarier take on Little Red Riding Hood. As you can see, she has been clawed by the wolf.
I know this isn’t as terrifying as some of the others, but I think it could be. You can take inspiration from this and create a super scary, gory Little Red Riding Hood look.
Just add more blood, maybe some flesh like what we saw in our first idea, some bruising, and you will have one horrifying Halloween costume.
23. Spider Makeup
Spiders are so scary! So, why not create some Halloween makeup inspired by them? Here we have a makeup idea that features multiple black eyes and fangs.
You can recreate this for Halloween or even add some fake cobwebs to your hair to complete the whole look. As for an outfit, you can go all out and make an eight-legged creation or just wear a simple black outfit.
24. Half Skeleton and Half Muscle Makeup
Are you a fan of illusion makeup? If so, you need to check out this idea. Here we have another half-makeup design, but this time, half of her face is skeletal and the other half is covered in muscles.
This is such a creative and kind of gruesome idea! You can recreate the whole look with body paint or just paint your face.
25. Devilish Demon and Skeleton Makeup
Source: @typical_white_girl_sfx
Next up, we have a unique Halloween makeup idea that combines two scary creatures together. This makeup features both a skeleton and a demon design.
The horns were actually created by the artist. You could do both looks or just the red one for a truly devilish Halloween costume.
26. White Ghost Makeup with Blood
Source: @ghoulfang
This next makeup idea was inspired by a Banshee. A Banshee is a ghost that screams and cries, and she is an omen of death.
The makeup artist created white makeup with white hair and used red on her eyes and lips. This look is complete with ghostly contact lenses and blood. It’s a very creepy and unique idea that would be pretty simple to recreate.
27. Blair Witch Voodoo Doll
Source: @natashajanewood
This next idea is a really unique take on The Blair Witch Project. If you’ve seen the movies, you might know that some of the iconic wooden dolls are actually Voodoo dolls.
This artist created a Voodoo doll look inspired by this. It features the classic stitches with the addition of the Blair Witch doll symbol on her head. This is perfect for anyone who loves horror movies as much as I do.
28. Creepy Circus Clown
Source: @letsfaceit.mua
Next up, we have another clown idea. This time the makeup is white with dark and sparkly clown features. We love this makeup because it looks so creepy and sinister.
This is another makeup idea that is easy to create, but also very scary. It would be a great last-minute makeup look because all you really need is white and black makeup; the glitter is totally optional.
29. Creepy Clown Makeup
Next up, we have another clown idea. This one uses darker makeup and white contacts to create a truly terrifying look. We love this idea because you can recreate a similar look just from the image.
It’s scary and perfect for Halloween, but not too difficult to create at home. You can also use any colors you want for your clown.
To recreate the look, just follow the easy steps from Gaby’s YouTube tutorial.
30. Creepy Nun Makeup Idea
Source: @marioncameleon
Earlier in this post, we shared a makeup idea inspired by the movie The Nun. If you loved that, then you might like this makeup too. This version features a different type of nun.
The artist has created stitches, ghostly pale skin, and is wearing contact lenses. This is just another scary way to wear nun makeup. You can view a makeup tutorial and see all the products used on the makeup artist’s page.
31. Broken Doll Makeup
Source: @natashajanewood
Cracked face makeup is a great technique to learn because it can create such a scary look. You can use this technique for dolls, ghosts, and so much more.
Here we have an example of broken doll makeup. It just gives the already creepy doll makeup an extra spine-chilling look for Halloween.
32. Ouija Board Inspired Makeup
Source: @christinamarieartistry
Next, we have makeup with a mystical Ouija board design. The makeup artist has painted her body to look like a Ouija board, and the planchette looks like it’s sticking out of her eye.
This look is finished off with cracked makeup, red lips, and a black contact lens. It’s such a scary and unique idea! You can check out what products were used on the page below.
You can recreate the whole look or just paint your body or face to look like a Ouija board.
33. Gory Demon Makeup
Our next idea is a very gory demon look. The artist has created bloody horns and a pentagram on her chest. She has also used dark makeup with fake blood on her hands.
This is some terrifying makeup that might make everyone afraid of you at a party, but it is a scary Halloween look that will definitely be remembered.
34. Demon Makeup
If you really want to give everyone a scare this Halloween, then this is the makeup idea for you! Here we have makeup inspired by demons.
She is wearing large horns, and the makeup is dark with black drips, and it’s all finished off with scary contact lenses! You can buy horn headbands online, and then all you need to do is recreate the makeup.
You can wear any outfit with this makeup, just make sure to wear something dark.
35. Mummified Makeup
Another popular costume for Halloween is a mummy, and next, we have a creepy mummy makeup look. For this, most of her bandages are actually painted on, and she has grey and green skin.
The makeup is complete with contact lenses. We just love this scary mummy makeup idea. You can recreate this or just paint your face. You can also add extras like real bandages.
36. Illusion Pumpkin Makeup
Source: @mila__mua
We absolutely love illusion makeup because it can completely transform your face. Here is an amazing example of illusion pumpkin makeup. Black makeup has been used to create the classic carved pumpkin look.
The artist has also used black and orange on her eyes, too. There are lots of tutorials online that can help you achieve a similar look to this one.
37. Scary Devil Halloween Makeup
You can even use your hair to add to the scariness of your makeup. Here we have a devilish makeup idea that features dark eyes, an upside-down cross, and fake blood near the mouth.
Her hair has been styled into two red horns. You can see that her hair has become part of the makeup and the overall look. This would be perfect for a party.
38. Bloody, Sliced Makeup Idea
Source: @almafloresxo
Next up, we have another gory makeup idea. This time, it looks like her mouth was covered in skin and then sliced open. It is such a gruesome and gristly design!
When you’re recreating makeup like this, make sure you leave enough space for your mouth to move so you can talk, eat, and drink. However, if the makeup is just for some cool photos, then this won’t be a worry!
39. Scary Halloween Clown
If you liked the clown ideas featured earlier, then you might like this one too! This clown idea uses black, white, and silver to create a ghostly clown look. The contacts and the color palette used look amazing and will totally scare everyone! You can recreate makeup like this at home with a little practice.
40. Scary Halloween Makeup with Spiders
Source: @cicirincon
Spiders are so scary, and those little arachnids are the inspiration behind this next idea. The makeup artist created bold eye makeup and used a black lip color. This look is complete with sharp teeth, contact lenses, spiders, and webs.
It is such a creative and creepy idea. It will definitely scare anyone who is afraid of spiders! You can check out all the products used to create this look on the page below.
41. Scary Sugar Skull Makeup
Source: @cirquelady_87
I couldn’t have a Halloween list without mentioning sugar skulls. Here we have a sugar skull makeup idea that is quite scary but could be made even more so.
You can use this look as inspiration and use creepy contacts and lighter tones for the skin. Also, make the face look more skeletal with some shading.
This idea has the potential to be truly spine-chilling!
42. Missing Eye Illusion
Source: @gemmabks.sfx
This next makeup idea is so gruesome, gory, and perfect for Halloween. For this look, the makeup artist has created the illusion that her eye is missing!
Makeup like this will take some practice, but the end result will be so worth it, as it will give everyone who sees it a major fright!
43. Red Skeleton Illusion
Do you like skeleton makeup but want to look more unique? If so, this makeup idea could be perfect for you. Here we have skeleton makeup with a peppermint design.
The makeup artist posted this around Christmas time, so that’s where the peppermint colors came from. Even though the inspiration behind it was Christmassy, I think it looks a little gory, like muscles.
It is such a cool idea, and I think it would be perfect for Halloween.
We hope you have found some scary Halloween makeup ideas!