By adding fake blood around the lips you can turn your glam or daytime makeup into a Halloween look. Photo: Instagram/Ellie Pahlavan
Halloween has its roots in Samhain (pronounced “Sah-win”), an ancient Celtic festival held to welcome the harvest at the end of summer.
People would light bonfires and to ward off ghosts, they would dress up in masks and scary costumes.
Centuries later, this is still in practice (minus the bonfires), with one of the more fun aspects of Halloween being makeup.
There are tons of ways to experiment with different looks, whether you want to show up looking super spooky or chic with a subtle hint of terror.
Going all-out
Every year, people get inspiration from fictional characters in pop culture – TV series, movies, comic books and video games – to come up with their desired look.
“For those drawn to eerie aesthetics, expect characters from horror series like Wednesday to inspire gothic, dark eye makeup with a modern twist,” says makeup artist Ellie Pahlavan of Parkcitymakeup.
“Celebrity-influenced looks will also be big. Taylor Swift’s iconic red lips from the Eras Tour and Doja Cat’s edgy, avant-garde looks might inspire bold, experimental designs. Gen Z favourites like the TV show Euphoria could fuel a continuation of vibrant, glittery, and neon designs for a futuristic vibe.”
Pahlavan notes that social media trends will play a role in popularising creative, DIY looks that focus on extreme contouring, face painting as well as prosthetics for those wanting a more dramatic transformation.
“This year, the cracked doll makeup is super viral,” she adds.
As this year's Halloween period coincides with Deepavali, the spooky celebration will get a Bollywood twist. Photo: Chinie'sFounder of multi-brand beauty store Chinie’s, Kanchan Ratnani predicts that this year’s Halloween celebration will get a Bollywood twist, as it coincides with Deepavali.
“Social media is already buzzing, with trends being set to the iconic Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham film’s background score,” says Kanchan.
Glitter is a party staple, and this year she predicts this trend will be paired with bold, grungy eye makeup.
“We’re moving beyond subtle bronze tones – this year is all about making a statement with dramatic, expressive eyes,” she says.
Making a comeback in the lips department are cherry cola lips, a trend that was huge last year but is set to return in a big way.
“This look features a rich, deep-toned lip outline, with the inner part filled using a sheer, glossy texture that lets the natural beauty of the lips shine through. It’s a perfect blend for both Halloween and Deepavali vibes,” says Kanchan.
Read more: Need a last-minute Halloween costume? Here are some standout ideas
Mellow-ween
Don’t want to go all out this Halloween with hollowed-out eyes and fake blood streaks all over your face?
There are many ways to get into the spirit of the season without scaring your kids and pets, and only involve a bit of fake blood.
According to Pahlavan, just a few drops will do the trick.
“By adding few drops of fake blood around the lips you can simply turn your glam or even daily makeup into a Halloween look,” she says.
For an impactful look without being too extra, graphic eyeliner in bold hues and geometric designs can add flair to a basic look, as will face jewels.
“Applying strategically-placed face jewels or rhinestones along the cheekbones or brow bone for a touch of glam will enhance your features,” says Pahlavan.
Other options that allow for creativity while keeping your overall look chic and refined are bold blush and metallic eyeshadow.
“Opt for a bright blush in unexpected shades, like fuchsia or tangerine, to give your cheeks a pop of colour that stands out. With metallic eyeshadow, use a single wash across the lids. Gold, silver, or jewel tones can add depth without complicating the look,” says Pahlavan.
Experimenting with creative eyeshadow shapes is also a great way to draw attention to your makeup – do this by cutting out your desired shape on a piece of paper and dust your eyeshadow all around it.
For a more classic look (after all, Halloween looks don’t have to be scary), Kanchan suggests using Audrey Hepburn as inspiration.
“Think winged liner, white eyeliner on the waterline, arched brows, thick mascara and, of course, bold red lips. It’s timeless, elegant, and effortlessly chic,” says Kanchan.
To elevate this look, she has a few suggestions.
“Ombre lips and double winged liner. Experiment with ombre lips in bold shades like red, pink, or brown, regardless of the lipstick finish. Pair this with a double-winged liner for a striking yet refined twist,” she says.
“Opt for a winged eyeshadow look infused with glitter, keeping the lips soft with just a touch of gloss. This combination ensures you’ll feel comfortable, look radiant and avoid overpowering your features while embracing the Halloween spirit.”
Read more: The appeal of dressing like a villain: Bold colours, edgy fashion designs
Making it last
While there won’t be bonfires causing heat to melt your makeup, parties or gatherings in crowded venues or outdoors may potentially ruin your painstakingly-applied look.
To make your Halloween makeup last longer, start by cleansing and moisturising your face before smoothing on a primer.
“This creates a smooth base and helps makeup stay in place,” says Pahlavan.
Also, to make your look last as long as possible, use products like long-wear foundations and waterproof eyeliners that are formulated to withstand sweat and humidity.
“After applying foundation and concealer, use a translucent setting powder to lock everything in place and reduce shine,” says Pahlavan, who adds that layering your makeup is also a good trick.
“Instead of applying one thick layer, use multiple thin layers. This helps with blending and longevity. Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.”
Finally, finish your look with a makeup setting spray designed for long wear to ensure your look stays intact throughout the night, and avoid touching your face to keep your makeup from smudging.
