29 Jaw-Dropping Halloween Makeup Ideas to Try

There’s nothing I love more than seeing all the creative makeup on Halloween! If you want to switch things up this year, why not let your makeup be the entire costume?

I’ve pulled together some of the coolest looks out there that you can totally recreate for an unforgettable night.

1. Pop Art Look

This comic book style is such a popular choice, and for good reason! It’s my go-to for a last-minute Halloween idea because it’s surprisingly simple to do.

The best part? It looks like you put in a ton of effort, which is always a win in my book.

2. Cracked Doll

You have to admit, some dolls can be seriously creepy. For this look, the big eyes are the absolute key, so you’ll want to make them the focal point.

Just a heads up, if you go with this makeup, maybe try to steer clear of anyone with pediophobia (a fear of dolls).

3. Medusa

Ready to get creative for a night? I am obsessed with this Medusa look! The black contacts really take it to a whole new level.

A fair warning to everyone at the Halloween party: Don’t look into her eyes unless you want to be turned to stone!

4. Catwoman Makeup Look

Catwoman has always been one of the most popular costumes for Halloween. But I love that this version is totally different since everything is created with just makeup. So stunning!

If you’re doing a couple’s costume, have your partner dress up as Batman.

5. Cute Deer Makeup Look

Oh, deer! I mean, how cute is this take on deer makeup? If you’re stuck on what to be, you can definitely pull this look together.

All you’ll need is some bronzer, brown eye shadows, a white pencil or eye shadow, black eyeliner, and two pairs of false lashes. I’d finish the outfit with a cute tan dress and a floral headband.

6. Bride of Frankenstein Look

Here’s a quick guide to recreating those amazing stitches:

Step 1: Grab a dark red lip liner and map out where you want the stitches to go. Once you’re happy with the shape, just deepen those lines.

Step 2: Draw a line on each side of the stitches, making sure to leave a little space in between. Then, use a pencil brush to blend the outer lines. This is the secret to making the stitches look three-dimensional and super real.

Step 3: Using a white pencil or eye shadow, highlight the inner stitches. This simple trick makes them look even deeper!

7. Unzipped Zipper Skeleton Look

Since Halloween only happens once a year, why not put a little extra effort into your look instead of going the easy route?

This unzipped zipper is such a cool way to spice up your skeleton makeup! I’d complete the whole vibe with a single white contact lens.

8. Double Vision Makeup

Okay, this makeup look is giving me a headache just looking at it! So creative.

9. Jigsaw Puppet

I feel like this look just has to come with the line: “I want to play a game…”

10. Half Skeleton Face

Hoping for a spooky makeup idea that still has a touch of glam? You should totally give this one a try! For the outfit, I’d reach for a black off the shoulder dress, some black heels or booties, and a black leather jacket.

11. Maleficent

Thanks to Angelina Jolie’s movie, there’s no doubt this gorgeous villain is going to be a huge hit this year. For this look, heavily over-lined red lips and those amazing cheekbones are definite must-haves.

12. Ripped Skin Makeup Look

If you love scaring people, this is the look for you! It’s guaranteed to make them scream.

Sure, anyone can use black and white paint, but can you make your skin look like it’s ripping off? It just takes some SFX makeup, a little time, and some effort.

13. Mr. Grinch

When you show up to a Halloween party with a green face and a red Santa cap, nobody will have to guess who you are. The look is so iconic!

14. Spooky Ripped Face

Searching for a makeup look that’s truly disgusting? This one might be it! It’s all kinds of scary and will definitely make you the star of any Halloween party.

15. White Walker (Game of Thrones)

While most people might want to dress as Daenerys for Halloween, I know some would much rather go as a White Walker. Such a cool choice!

16. Spider Web Look

Believe it or not, you only need three products to pull off this look: a black, a white, and a grey eye pencil. It’s that easy.

17. Grayscale Makeup

This Halloween, why not go black and white? This is such a unique and clever costume idea, and you can totally pull it together at the last minute.

18. Half Infected Woman

This look just proves you can create a completely jaw-dropping Halloween mask using nothing but makeup. So impressive!

19. Kitty Cat Look

I’d add some fun accessories like ears, paws, and a tail. You’ll be hard to resist, just like a real kitty. Meow!

20. Marilyn Monroe Skull Face

Marilyn Monroe is always a super popular idea for Halloween, but this one is on another level. The must-haves for this look are Marilyn’s iconic white dress, her blonde hair, red lips, and that classic beauty mark.

21. Pop Art Zombie

When you mix pop art with zombies, you end up with a pretty unique makeup look! I love a good creative combo.

22. Colorful & Scary Clown Look

This year, you could ditch the classic Halloween costumes for something a little more interesting and creepy.

23. Sugar Skull Look

I love that this sugar skull makeup is the perfect blend of scary and sexy. And what’s not to love about a look you can create with makeup you probably already have in your bag?

24. Spooky Witch

Those contact lenses are just awesome, and her makeup is pretty amazing, too!

25. Cool Skeleton Look

Let your scary side out with this absolutely stunning skeleton look. To recreate it, you’ll need black and white cream makeup and a few makeup brushes.

I can guarantee you’ll be the hottest skeleton at the Halloween party!

26. Double Face Makeup

Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double! It’s just that good.

27. Skeleton Face

This year, forget the cute and sexy Halloween costumes and be one of the few with a totally badass skeleton look.

28. Spooky Vampire Look

If you don’t mind looking a little scary and undead this Halloween, you could transform yourself into a blood-thirsty vampire!

29. Pencil Nose Injury

Simple Halloween ideas with a scary twist are my absolute favorite! A “pencil through the nose” is definitely one of them.

For this one you will need: a pencil (of course), scar wax, eyelash glue, and some fake blood.