We tend to think of Halloween as “costume season,” and may look forward to the feeling of getting creative and dressing up.
But for those who either need or prefer a last-minute alternative to a full costume, here are a few suggestions for skeleton makeup (that won’t take a lot of time).
1. Sparkling Skeleton Makeup
Source: @_megatron_
I am loving the vibe of this look that brings together scary and sparkly. The design is super dark, and the contacts definitely up the creepy factor, but it’s all finished off with the most beautiful gems.
It’s such a cool contrast of Halloween and total glamour. You could absolutely recreate this with your own gem design and maybe even try out some different colors to make it your own.
2. Cobalt Skeleton
Source: @makeupbyphilippag
A perfect way to make your skeleton look truly stand out is to play with different colors. This makeup artist created a “Cobalt Skeleton,” and I am so here for it.
Using blue tones makes this a super vibrant costume idea that will definitely wow everyone. You could totally recreate this concept in any color you love.
3. Orange Tone Skeleton Makeup
Source: @sndrmakeup
This next skeleton makeup look has brought in some amazing autumnal orange tones. Orange is such a popular color this time of year and just feels perfect for Halloween.
You could recreate a version of this or go for a simpler skeleton design. I’d definitely try to add in the orange though for a Halloween look that’s both bold and vibrant.
4. Autumn Inspired Skeleton Makeup
Source: @jess_blends
Searching for pretty skeleton makeup ideas? Then this one is definitely for you. The artist was inspired by fall and created a skull makeup look that’s full of warm, earthy tones.
I love that she also added some cute glitter around the eyes and mouth. With makeup like this, you get the best of both worlds. You can join in on the Halloween fun but also look absolutely stunning.
5. Cute Skeleton Makeup
Source: @xmakeupbylindsay
Last up on our list is this adorable skeleton makeup idea. Let’s be real, just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean you have to be super scary. You could go for something pink and sparkly like this look.
Not only is it a totally different take on skeleton makeup, but you will also look so pretty at all the parties. If you recreate this at home, I’d try to add the gems for that extra glam finish.
6. Fierce Skeleton
Source: @makeupfiend369
First up, we have this seriously spooky skeleton. The artist created such awesome skeleton makeup that extends onto the body, not just the face.
She finished the whole thing off with contacts and a totally fierce floral headband. A look like this will be amazing at any party. There are tutorials you can find online to help you get the look.
7. Floral Skeleton Design
Source: @amyrichardsmakeup
This next makeup idea uses flowers for a really pretty skeleton design. The artist has created these beautiful purple blooms and used those same purple tones for the eyes and lips.
Using flowers is such a good way to make your skull makeup feel unique. You could try this with any flower; maybe add some drama to your look with roses. You can find tutorials online to help you create makeup flowers.
8. Gypsy Skeleton
Source: @ _jodielynnmakeup_
Our next pick is so cool because it combines two costumes in one! It features half a skeleton design and half a gypsy/fortune teller design.
This is such a great idea, and you could definitely recreate a double look with a skull and tons of other characters. I know a look like this will take some practice, but it will be so worth it.
9. Skeleton Clown Makeup
Source: @cirquelady_87
Next up, we have a makeup idea that mixes two of the most popular Halloween costumes out there. This makeup is a combination of a skeleton and a clown.
It’s a very creepy look, and I just love the clever twist on these two costumes. You could recreate this in so many different ways, so have fun experimenting to find your absolute scariest look.
10. Spooky Skeleton Makeup
Source: @_tally_
This next skeleton idea is both shimmery and scary. The artist somehow managed to add glitter to the look without taking away any of the creepiness.
I’ll admit it’s a more intricate design, but with a little time and patience, you could totally recreate something like this. Makeup like this is guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween event.
11. Scary Skeleton Makeup
Source: @itsisabelbedoya
Next, we have a skull makeup design that is sure to give everyone a fright. The makeup is very dark, and it’s extra scary because of the contact lenses. There is a lot of detail and shading going on with this makeup.
Need a tutorial? Isabel Bedoya made a quick but super useful Instagram tutorial that will help you transform into a scary skeleton in a hot minute.
12. Funky Green Skeleton
Source: @anouk_artistry
Here’s another great example of how you can create a vibrant skull. Halloween is the perfect time to experiment with makeup that’s bold and daring.
So, you should totally use it as a chance to create something unique. This half skull look uses green tones. I’m obsessed with this bold look; you will absolutely stand out from the crowd at any Halloween party.
13. Half Skull Makeup
Source: @imsamlong
This next skeleton look is a total statement maker. Instead of just using the classic black to create the look, she has also brought in gold. The contacts are totally optional.
14. Rainbow Skeleton
Source: @ssssamanthaa
Halloween is seriously the perfect time to get creative and go bold with your makeup. This next skeleton features a vibrant rainbow design.
Makeup like this finds a great balance between creepy and cute. You could recreate the rainbow makeup or do something similar.
You can also add some glitter like this makeup artist did to create a fun look that really stands out.
15. Black Neon Skeleton Makeup
Source: @cut4jarjar
Next up, we have a half skull makeup look made with black and neon colors. This look is pretty, unique, and easy to achieve.
The full tutorial for this look is on YouTube. Jarry The Worst did such an amazing job, so be sure to check it out!
16. White & Gold Skeleton Makeup
Source: @rawbeautykristi
If you want to join in on the fun of dressing up for Halloween but don’t want to look too scary, then this next pick is for you.
The makeup artist, Raw Beauty Kristi, created a skull look but instead of using classic black for the design, she used white with brown and gold details. White makeup gives the skull makeup a softer, more delicate look.
To make it even prettier, you could even add some pearls or gems. Luckily, the tutorial for this look is on Kristi’s YouTube channel. Make sure you check it out.
17. Part Skeleton Makeup
Source: @nataschap
If you like the half skull makeup trend, then you might just love this next pick. This artist created a half skull look in a really unusual way.
Instead of going from the nose up or down, she created a skeleton look on both sides. The design just starts below the eyes. We are obsessed with this unique look and have a feeling you’ll be searching for a tutorial!
Obviously, Natascha is a very talented MUA, but with her step-by-step YouTube tutorial, you can easily recreate this amazing skeleton makeup.
18. Fall Skeleton Makeup
Source: @makeupfunbymeg
Next, we have a skeleton that was clearly inspired by the fall season. The skull design features orange tones, and it is finished off with a gorgeous autumn leaf headband.
You could recreate makeup like this and make it either scarier or cuter. Whichever way you design your skull, you have to include the orange tones. A leaf headband would be such a fun DIY project, too!
19. Glitter Skeleton
Source: @JadeDeacon
Why not jazz up your skeleton makeup with a little glitter? As you can see from this idea, skeletons look so good in glitter.
Just create your skull makeup and then finish it all off with a dusting of glitter in a color of your choice. You could choose any color of glitter for this, but I think gold gives it a perfect party look.
20. Glam Skeleton
Source: @batsycreations
If you’re looking for something that’s more glam than scary, this pick might be for you. In this makeup idea, the artist has created the skeleton look with glitter and gems.
The shimmering design is so cool, creative, and will look absolutely amazing at a party. There are tutorials online that can help you achieve this design.
21. Half Skull Illusion Makeup
Source: @_jodielynnmakeup_
Do you like the illusion makeup? Then you might like this one, too. It’s a very unique take on the half a skeleton design.
Instead of the skeleton being from the nose up or down, it just covers one side of the face. It actually looks like it is attached to her skin. We love this quirky Halloween makeup idea.
22. Melting Skull
Source: @georgiaharbridge
Halloween makeup is just so fun! This artist has created the illusion that her face is melting. It is such a creative idea. I know something like this will take practice, but it will be so worth the effort in the end.
23. Creepy Skeleton Makeup
Source: @stefanijamakeup
Our next skeleton looks very creepy! It’s different from the classic skeleton look because purple shades have been used, and the design has a definite clown vibe to it.
Makeup like this will definitely need some practice, but you could recreate this into a very scary costume. Something like this would be a total hit at any party.
We hope you have been inspired by our skeleton makeup ideas.