Is there anything more classic for a costume party than a pirate? I think not! But if you’re looking to take your look up a notch from the usual, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve put together a list of the absolute best pirate makeup ideas, whether you’re going for spooky, sexy, or something in between. You’re going to want to try every single one.
1. Sexy Pirate Makeup & Costume Idea
Source: @annalingis
Who says a pirate costume has to be all spooky skulls and Jack Sparrow vibes? I’m personally obsessed with this more glam take. It has this fortune teller feel that you can absolutely rock as a pirate look.
The makeup is this gorgeous blend of purple and gold, and it’s finished off with coins and a bandanna. It’s such a fun idea that’s a total showstopper for any party.
2. Pirate Makeup with a Cute Anchor
Source: @dudaferismakeup
If you’re aiming for that cute-but-glam pirate aesthetic, this is the one for you. I just adore the dark, smokey eyes that have a little bit of silver sparkle. Paired with a rich red lip and a sweet little anchor detail, it’s just perfect.
The color palette just screams autumn and Halloween. All you need are a few pirate accessories, and you have a fool-proof look. I am so into this one!
3. Half Skull Makeup Design
Source: @ziina.cosplay
I’ve been seeing these half-and-half makeup looks everywhere lately, and this pirate version is just so cool. She’s literally split her face down the middle with two totally different styles.
One side is a simple and pretty pirate, while the other is a super spooky skeleton. It’s such a clever concept that lets you be both chic and scary with a single costume. It’s a total win-win.
4. Glitzy Makeup Idea with Accessories
Source: @keglazebrook
Up next is another look that has some Jack Sparrow inspiration going on. She has these dark eyes with a hint of silver sparkle, which I love, plus a really unique nose ring.
This gives off an edgy pirate vibe and is a great option for anyone who loves to accessorize and try something different. The makeup itself is simple to pull off, making it a no-brainer for parties and any last-minute plans.
5. Horrifying Makeup Idea
Source: @t.h.e.c.h.a.m.e.l.e.o.n
Want to look like you’re part of Davy Jones’s crew? Then you have to check out this Pirates of the Caribbean makeup. The artist created this effect of shells embedded in her skin and a missing eye.
It’s such a one-of-a-kind idea and is seriously horrifying if you have Trypophobia or a fear of small holes. You can find tutorials for the small holes effect online, just by searching for Trypophobia makeup.
6. Simple and Pretty Pirate Makeup
Source: @alix_creations
If you’re not looking to go over-the-top and just want a simple, pretty pirate look, this one is for you. As you can see, her eye and lip makeup are both neutral.
But she added a little pop of glam with some gold under the eyes. A cute bandanna completes the costume. This is just the thing for those who want to dress up but still feel gorgeous.
7. Pirates of the Caribbean Inspired Makeup
Source: @dans.un.autre.world
Here we have another idea inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. For this one, she has regular pirate makeup on one side, while the other side is green with shells. It makes her look like a member of Davy Jones’s crew.
I think this is such a fun concept, and it’s perfect for fans of the movie. There are tutorials out there that can show you how to stick shells onto your face.
8. Creative Pirate Skull Makeup
Source: @rachelduffyartistry
Next up is some illusion makeup that takes its cues from a dead pirate. For this look, the artist painted her face and body green, creating the effect that the green skin is peeling away to show the skeleton underneath.
She rounded out the look with contact lenses and a cool outfit. You can find online tutorials for skeleton illusions like this.
9. Pirate and Mermaid Makeup
Source: @witch_hazel_x
Can’t make up your mind between being a pirate or a mermaid? Well, why not be both?! You could totally try something like this look.
As you can tell, she has mermaid scales on her face, along with gorgeous purple eye makeup and some rhinestones. She also incorporated pirate accessories, hair, and makeup designs.
It’s such a unique concept that will definitely make you stand out from the spooky crowd.
10. Skeleton Pirate Illusion
Source: @dropdeadgorgeousartistry
If you’re ready to go all out for Halloween this year, then this makeup idea is definitely for you. The makeup artist made it seem like the skin on her face and neck has been peeled away, revealing a skeleton underneath.
The costume gets its finishing touches with a pirate hat and an eye patch. It’s such a spooky idea, and you can find online tutorials for skeleton makeup illusions like this one.
11. Simple Pirate Makeup
Source: @licamtapictures
This first pirate makeup concept is simple and so easy to wear. For this particular look, she has dark eye makeup balanced with a neutral lip color. The makeup is paired with a cute pirate outfit.
I’m getting some Jack Sparrow vibes from this, and something on the simpler side like this is amazing for any last-minute events. You could even toss in other elements, like contact lenses, if you wanted to.
12. Ghostly Pirate with Treasure Map Design
Earlier in this post, we showcased a makeup look featuring a treasure map design. If you were a fan of that idea, then you have to see this one. Here’s another take on it.
For this look, she placed the treasure map design on her body, while the upper part of her face has a spooky pirate look. This is a cute and scary concept and it shows another way to incorporate the treasure map.
13. Stylish Pirate with an Eye Patch
Source: @riccierids
Do you love the simple and stylish pirate makeup ideas? If that’s a yes, then check this out. Her eye has dark makeup and her lips are a deep red shade. It’s a gorgeous makeup idea, and the dark, rich colors really suit Halloween. T
he whole look is completed with an eye patch and some nautical-inspired clothing. This is a trendy pirate concept that would look good on everyone.
14. Dead Pirate Look
Source: @makeupbyclo.rd
The next makeup idea is a mashup of zombie-style makeup and a pirate, giving you a dead pirate look. A large part of her face has simple makeup, but the area around one eye is green and zombie-like.
She’s also wearing a white contact lens on the green side. This is such a unique idea and it’s a home run for any zombie fans out there.
15. Pirate Makeup with Gold Coins
Source: @sinairuelas
If treasure and pirates are your thing, then this look is for you. The makeup artist put together a glam pink and red eye makeup look, complete with rhinestones and a red bandanna.
She also attached gold coins to her body. It’s such a fun concept and it really shows that you’re a treasure-hunting pirate. You can find skin-safe glue online, typically from special effects stores.
16. Mystical Pirate Makeup
Source: @jessuhbug
This next makeup look has another one of those mystical vibes. This pirate style has a blue theme, and she has a stunning eyeshadow blend of blue and purple.
The costume is pulled together with a dark, rich lip color and some blue pirate-inspired accessories. This is a really unique and pretty take on the pirate. It’s almost got an ocean mermaid feel to it.
17. Unique Skeletal Treasure Map
Source: @candice.mkp
If you’re searching for something truly unique, then this is perfect. Here we have some skeleton makeup, but the artist gave it a pirate’s treasure map design!
This is so unbelievably cool and clever; I haven’t seen anything quite like it before. You could recreate this or add in some pirate accessories like a hat or a bandanna.
18. Bloody Pirate Look
Source: @tinka_remad
If you plan on wearing your pirate makeup for Halloween, you could go with something a bit more gory, like this. Here we have a bloody pirate.
She has a bleeding wound on her neck, and the makeup is finished with a small anchor and different colored contact lenses. This is one spooky idea that is sure to give people a little fright.
19. Hairstyle and Makeup Idea
Source: @fkate_makeup
Next, we’ve got some gory pirate makeup. She’s created an illusion where the top part of her face looks normal, but the lower section looks like a skeleton. There’s also a bloody line.
This is a spooky makeup idea that you could wear with any pirate costume. I’d try to keep the hairstyle too, because that is an awesome pirate hairdo.
20. Glam Pirate with an Eye Patch
Source: @ellasmakeupbrushes
This last makeup idea is both simple and glam. For this one, she has a beautiful smokey eye paired with a rich red lip color. The costume is completed with a glitzy eye patch and headband.
I’m a big fan of this because the makeup and the unique eye patch are just perfect for parties. This look is a breeze to create and wear.
21. Pirate Makeup with a Wound
Source: @esther.p2797
If you’re a fan of the gory makeup ideas, then take a peek at this. She has glam eye makeup that’s finished with a bloody wound on her face. The costume is completed with a pirate-inspired headband.
This look really checks all the boxes. It’s a little glitzy, spooky, gory, and stylish. You can find tutorials online for creating fake wounds just like this one.
22. Pirate Makeup with a Mystical Design
Source: @luciavdw_
This next idea carries more of a mystical vibe. For this look, the makeup artist has created white patterns on her face, and the makeup is finished off with silver sparkle and blood.
This is a great choice for those who want a look that’s stylish but also a little spooky. It’s another awesome last-minute look since you can use makeup you already own and pull the costume together with accessories you have at home.
23. Skeleton Illusion Idea
Source: @jullypizzorymakeup
This next pirate makeup idea features another illusion. For this, she has pink and red makeup on her eyes and lips. However, one eye and a section of her mouth have a skeleton appearance.
This is such an awesome idea, and you’ll end up looking like a spooky and ghostly pirate. You can find tutorials for this kind of makeup online.
We hope you have found a cool pirate makeup look to try!