Skeleton makeup season is right around the corner (come through, 31st October)! You know… that time of the year when a large chunk of the population scrambles to find the spookiest yet the sexiest of 'fits. Depending on which Halloween tribe you sit on, you’re either going all out and trying to be as creative as possible, or you’re the camp that wants an effortless, draw-n-dash situation that looks like you've actually made an effort.
Realistically, skeletons are amongst the most timeless Halloween looks, so if you want to bet on something classic and reliable, then look no further. We scoured the most creative space on the internet when it comes to Halloween makeup - TikTok, of course – and these are the best tutorials for the most epic, most alternative, (and relatively easy) skeleton makeup looks this year.
Before we dive in, here are the main products and tools you’ll need for the coolest, easy to do yet spookiest skeleton makeup looks.
The essential Halloween skeleton makeup kit list:
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Face paint palette
- Eyeliner
- Black eyeshadow
- White eyeshadow
- Grey eyeshadow
- Eyeshadow brushes
Your ultimate step-by-step guide for a basic Halloween Skeleton or skull makeup look:
Step 1: Prep and PrimeFirst thing's first, make sure your face is clean and well moisturised. Applying a primer will help your makeup last longer and create a smooth canvas. Don't forget to set your base with translucent powder to prevent smudging.
benefit The POREfessional Face PrimerLaura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting PowderStep 2: Base makeupApply a foundation that matches your skin tone to even out your complexion. For supernatural looks, consider using a shade lighter or even a special FX makeup base. Blend well and set with powder.
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation BalmMaybelline Super Stay Hybrid Powder FoundationStep 3: Focus on the eyesEyes are often the centre piece of any good Halloween makeup. Whether you're going for a dramatic smoky eye, spooky skeleton sockets, or the enchanting gaze of a mythical dead creature, make your eyes pop with bold eyeshadow colours, winged eyeliner, and layers of mascara or XXL false lashes.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette The Rock ChickNYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Semi Permanent Liquid LinerStep 4: Add depth with contouringUse contouring to enhance facial features or create hollows for a more ghastly effect. For vampires, witches, or otherworldly beings, use cool-toned contour shades to sculpt your face, accentuating cheekbones and adding shadows.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour StylusMilk Makeup Sculpt StickStep 5: Create magic with face paintFace paint can transform your appearance completely. From sugar skulls to fantasy creatures, use face paint to add intricate designs, patterns, or textures. Remember to use skin-safe paints and brushes for this step.
Snazaroo Classic Face and Body Paint in BlackSnazaroo Clown White Creamy Water Based Face PaintStep 6: Play with colour and glitterHalloween is the time to experiment with bold, vibrant colours. Don't be afraid to use unconventional shades to create a unique and attention-grabbing look. For fantasy characters, consider applying colourful glitter or iridescent pigments for that ethereal touch.
Uoma Beauty Black Magic Colour PaletteBy Beauty Bay Bright 2.0 42 Colour PaletteStep 7: Don't Forget the LipsLips can make or break a Halloween makeup look. Depending on your character, opt for deep, vampy shades, metallics, or even black lipstick for a gothic touch. Lip liners can help define your lips and prevent colour from feathering and bleeding.
e.l.f. O Face Satin Lipstick All NightNARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Paint It BlackStep 8: Bling it outAlso, consider adding fake blood, gems, or other accessories to elevate your look.
Special FX Pro Fake BloodNail Crystals Nail Jewels Black RhinestonesStep 9: Set the faceA good setting spray should stop you leaving a train of black ink all over walls and you're mate's lapels post-hug. A great one will ensure it will all last throughout the festivities. Spray, spray, spray.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ’Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting SprayUrban Decay All Nighter Setting SprayNow for some inspo:The classic skull
This is a classic skeleton look, which won’t require much from you other than a clean base, black water-activated face paint, and a steady hand. The creator curves and flicks to add a more quirky and idiosyncratic finish. To tidy things up, try using a wet cotton bud. Add cobwebs on the earlobes for a little extra-extra.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible More Than ConcealerMakeup By Mario SurrealSkin Liquid FoundationNatasha Denona Mini Xenon Eyeshadow PaletteKVD Beauty Tattoo Liner Trooper BlackBarbie Skull
Channel your inner Barbie by making the skull contours' beige (that's to make the top colour pop) and add hot pink eyeshadow over them. Contour the pink lines with black eyeliner to really make them stand out and finish off with glitter all over. Spooky – but make it cute.
By Beauty Baby Berries 16 Colour PaletteHemoer Holographic Chunky Glitter in PinkHuda Beauty #FauxFilter Liquid FoundationDior Backstage Rosy Glow BlushAmerican Horror Skull
To achieve something close to this AHS-inspired skeleton look, you need to void your face of any pigmentation. Use your palest foundation or white face paint as the base. Adding shadows will make the look appear more technical and advanced. Adding lines over the ears will also create that illusion of cobwebs which will make the finished look feel more detailed.
Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel EyelinerRimmel Wonder'Ink Liquid Eye Liner in BlackFenty Beauty Precision Definition Brush 220Maybelline Super Stay Hybrid Powder FoundationDead clown
The secret for this clown x skeleton fusion is blending, blending, blending. By keeping one part of the face black and white and the other pink and white it gives it a fun and unique effect. Add detailing of bone cracking around the skeleton side by drawing black squiggly lines and to create that pop art effect on the pink side, add white shadows on the contours of the squiggles.
Halloween Zombie Daily Contact LensesFenty Beauty Snap Shadows in RoseMolain Multi-layered Lashes False EyelashesNYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner Stick in WhiteDark glamour skull
What makes this look so unique and oh-so-fun is truly the bling. Keep the black lines that represent the hollows of the skull thin and add black rhinestones, face gems, or glitter to really make them stand out.
MAC Cosmetics Chromaline Gel LinerNanshy Precise Ultra Fine Thin Tip Bent Eyeliner Makeup BrusNail Crystals Nail Jewels Black RhinestonesWoke Up Like This Flawless Base FoundationSkull Doll
With this look, all you will need is your usual out-out makeup but with harsher and more exaggerated lines (i.e clean base, contour, blush, lashes), and a steady hand. For that doll-like finish, use curved lines and contour around the curves of your face structure to emphasise brow bones and cheekbones.
Beautyblender RosieRimmel Wonder'Ink Liquid Eye Liner in BlackCharlotte Tilbury Instant Look In A PaletteCalligraphie De CHANEL Longwear Intense Cream Eyeliner in HyperblackSiren Skull
For the ultimate siren skull, goth-girl skeleton makeup look, make sure you use the blackest and most opaque face paint and go over it with a highlighter to add that glowy finish. For extra dimension, add white eyeshadow and highlight the points of the bone structure you want more accentuated, like the contours of the eye socket.
R.E.M. Beauty At The Borderline Eyeliner PencilSnazaroo Metallic Face and Body Paint in Electric BlackGucci Eclat De Beauté Effet LumièreL'Oréal Paris Superliner Perfect Slim Liquid Smudge-proof EyelinerSubtle skeleton
For a more understated and simple skeleton, you can simply add an exaggerated contour down the cheekbones that meet at the chin, and a dark shadow on the temples of your forehead. Easy, spooky, breezy…
NARS Cosmetics Voyageur Eyeshadow Palette in SuedeSephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Black LaceKiss Lc Triple Push Up - Xl CollectionVieve Power Ink LinerZombie Skull
Indecisive about whether to go for a zombie makeup look or a skeleton one? How about you go for a mashup of both? Just make sure you include the hues of green and purple, don't forget to draw on a pop art like ‘exposed’ brain. The hollows of the skull must of course also be black. Create that 3D effect by playing around with white shadows.
Snazaroo Classic Face and Body Paint in PinkSnazaroo Face Paint in Bright Greene.l.f. Glitter Melt Liquid Eyeshadow Black MagicPat McGrath MTHRSHP Mega: Celestial NirvanaDevilish skull
This skeleton design embodies everything people love about Halloween. We're talking the devilish energy, glam, and that eerie looking skull. Use a red liquid pen to draw on the skull hallows, red lipstick for the most glamorous pout, and a couple of red face gems to add extra glitz to the finished look.
Face Gems StickersDior Diorshow On Stage Liner Eyeliner in Matte BurgundyJones Road The Face PencilAbout Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint in Scream of ConsciousnessSkeleton Fest
There is an obvious way to upgrade your skeleton makeup and that is of course using crystals decals, rhinestones and fake skull tattoos. These make the finished look so easy to achieve, as all you will need to do is the finishing touches using black eyeliner, and you can amp up the lookup with vampy eyeshadow.
Halloween Face Body GemsBlack Halloween Face GemsTom Ford Eye Defining Pen EyelinerNYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Utopia PaletteThe ethereal better half
For this look, your kit will look a little different, and the finish will be more ethereal and mermaid-like. Use hues of blue for the eyeshadow and for the hollow of the cheek. Place a gold face sticker over the eyebrow and once you draw the skeleton lines, cover them with face gems and pearls. To make it even more feminine add a loud set of lashes.
Mixed Colours and Size Flat Back PearlsArdell Wispies False Lashes MultipackHuda Beauty Color Block Obsessions in Blue and Green150 PCS 4 mm Face Gems Stickers Temporary Tattoo1000 gems
This tutorial is most certainly not for the faint-hearted. If you have 1000 gems and 12 hours of your day free for some messing around though, we’d heavily suggest giving this a go as it looks absolutely insane… When you do, send pics!
Godlovem 450 Pieces Rhinestone StickersRhinestone StickersOutus 3 Pieces Replacement Stylus Magnetic Drawing PenBobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel EyelinerFor more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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