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Sian Victoria © - Halloween Makeover at Debenhams, Bullring, Birmingham

Quick & Easy Guide to Subtle or Scary Halloween Makeup Face Looks

With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to get creative with your costume and pay some attention to the makeup as well. Your choice of makeup can improve your look and give your character a more realistic feel.

Whether you're going for the conventional Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad look, a classic ghost face or aiming for something more intricate like a vampire, witch, or zombie, the options for Halloween makeup are endless. I’ve researched tried and tested techniques and put together a guide to help you achieve a show-stopping look this spooky season.

So, get ready to take your Halloween experience up a notch with these captivating makeup ideas that are sure to make a statement.

How to Get Started with Basic Supplies

To bring your Halloween makeup ideas to life, there are some essential supplies you'll need to invest in. First, get yourself a high-quality makeup primer, as it will ensure that your masterpiece stays in place throughout the night.

A versatile makeup palette is also essential, providing you with a variety of colours and textures to experiment with. You'll want to use reliable makeup brushes and sponges, as these can have a significant impact on the precision and finish of your application. I find that the poor-quality sponges and brushes in Halloween makeup kits don’t do the look justice so using professional makeup tools will make a difference in the overall look and be more enjoyable to apply.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider special effects items such as fake blood, liquid latex, and face paint, as they can take your costume to the next level of realism and horror. Don't forget waterproof makeup, particularly if you plan to host a party or stay out all night. Finally, be sure to have a gentle yet effective makeup remover on hand when the night is over. Best of all, remember to have fun and let your creativity flow!

Sian Victoria © - Urban Decay Halloween Makeover at Debenhams, Bullring, Birmingham

Ways to Prepare Your Skin for a Spooky Makeover

Before getting into the eerie realm of Halloween makeup, it is necessary to prepare and prime your skin. Remember, the key to flawless makeup application is healthy, well-cared-for skin. From my own experiences, neglecting skin preparation can lead to undesirable makeup mishaps. Therefore, it is key to prepare your skin before starting your spooky transformation.

Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to eliminate any impurities or residue. A mild cleanser that preserves your skin's natural oils is recommended followed by a liquid exfoliator to remove dead skin cells.

Next, a hydrating toner can help stabilise your skin's pH levels, resulting in a flawless canvas for makeup application. Moisturising is an essential step that cannot be overlooked, even if you desire a ghoulish look. Opt for a light moisturiser that moisturises without leaving a greasy residue. This ensures your skin remains smooth, allowing for makeup that lasts longer.

If like me you have sensitive skin, a high-quality barrier cream can be a game-changer, particularly when using heavy or special effects makeup. It offers an additional layer of protection, minimising the likelihood of any irritation.

Finally, remember to apply a primer, as it helps your makeup remain in place and creates a smooth surface for a simpler makeup application. I've noticed that a high-quality primer helps achieve that hauntingly perfect look that endures throughout the night. Now that your skin is prepped and ready, you're prepared to create your eerie masterpiece before taking part in all those fun Halloween activities!

1. Creepy Skeleton

Crafting a spine-tingling skeleton look for Halloween can be both simple and creatively satisfying depending on how far you want to take your look. I feel that anyone can achieve a bone-chilling skeletal appearance with the right techniques and some patience.

First, use high-quality face paint to apply a white base to your face. Then, with black makeup, create hollows and contours that mimic the eerie depth of a skeleton's features. Focus on the areas around the eyes and the hollow of the cheeks for added realism. Fine brushwork can add cracks, which add to the illusion.

Experimenting with shades and textures is also encouraged. Using a blend of grey and black eyeshadows will give a three-dimensional look. Keep practising and perfecting your technique until the big night. With a bit of effort and imagination, your creepy skeleton makeup will be unique and worth the effort.

Sian Victoria © - Debenhams Urban Decay, Illamasqua & Make Up For Ever cosmetics

2. Bewitching Witch

A captivating witch-inspired appearance for Halloween never fails to impress and was one of my first Halloween looks many moons ago. The secret to perfecting this iconic makeup style is to focus on the eyes and lips, ensuring that they radiate mystery and enchantment. Start with a pale foundation to achieve that otherworldly witchy vibe, then use smoky eyeshadow to create a mystical effect by blending shades of green, purple, and black, as if you've just brewed a potion. I love adding a touch of glitter around the eyes for a magical sparkle, which is my twist on this classic look.

As for the lips, I prefer a bold, dark shade like plum or even black to make a statement. No witch ensemble is complete without a pointed hat and perhaps a fake mole for a touch of authenticity. Previously I experimented with wigs, opting for a deep green shade that surprisingly complemented my overall witchy appearance. It's all about allowing your creativity to shine and embracing the mystical witch within. Trust me, with some practice and imagination, your witch-inspired makeup will be truly spellbinding.

3. Ghoulish Zombie

Creating a frightening zombie look for Halloween may seem like a scary task, but with a few techniques and some creativity, it can be a manageable and entertaining attempt. To begin, start with a pale base to mimic the legendary lifeless complexion. Then, apply shades of green, purple, and yellow with a sponge to create a realistic decayed effect.

For me, learning the art of creating faux wounds can be a game-changer. Liquid latex is your new best friend in this department; apply it in layers and then tear it apart to achieve lifelike gashes and bites. Improve the look of these injuries' by adding horror and depth with some red and black face paint. Finally, remember that sunken, dark eyes are crucial to the undead look. To achieve this, blend black and grey eyeshadow around your eyes for an authentic post-mortem vibe.

Above all, imperfection is key to a successful zombie facade. Asymmetry and uneven textures add to the authenticity of the look. So, let your creativity run wild, and don't be afraid to make a mess! After all, when else can you celebrate looking as horrifically decayed as this?

Sian Victoria © - Debenhams, Bullring, Birmingham

4. Enchanting Fairy

For a magical and whimsical touch this Halloween, creating an enchanting fairy makeup look is a must. The base of this appearance is luminous, glowing skin achieved by mixing highlighter with foundation to give a radiant fairy-like shimmer. Pastel shades of lavender, mint green, and soft pink shimmering eyeshadows intensify the eyes and create a magical appeal.

For a mesmerising effect, fine glitter applied on the cheeks and temples catches the light beautifully. To enhance the dreamy vibe, a sheer pink lip gloss is perfect for a glossy finish. Lastly, the elegant wings of a fairy are mimicked with delicate, winged eyeliner that extends beyond the eyelids, resulting in a fascinating and charming makeup choice perfect for any Halloween gathering. This look allows you to experiment with colours and shimmer, transforming you into a creature of fantasy.

Tips for Ensuring Your Makeup Lasts All Night

Achieving flawless Halloween makeup that stays intact throughout the night may seem challenging, but with some handy tips, you can rock your spooky or enchanting look with confidence. Firstly, do not skip the setting powder as it is your makeup's best ally. Applying a light dusting of the powder can prevent your makeup from sliding off your face. Setting spray, on the other hand, has made all the difference for me. A few sprays of this solution on your finished look will not only add an extra layer of hold but also keep your makeup looking fresh.

It can be tempting to touch up your makeup during the night, particularly if you're at a party or out trick-or-treating. However, blotting papers can come to your rescue in such cases. Instead of applying more products that can make your makeup look heavy, gently blot away any oil from your face it will help prevent your pores from blocking. Trust me, this trick works like a charm.

Another helpful tip is to keep a small makeup kit handy for emergencies. It doesn't have to be an elaborate one, but carrying essentials such as lipstick, small powder, and concealer can help fix any mishaps without starting from scratch.

I have had my share of Halloween makeup disasters, but these tips have helped me to keep my look intact well into the witching hour. Always remember that the goal is to have fun and showcase your creativity, without worrying about your makeup fading away.

Halloween Makeup at Debenhams Birmingham Blogger Event

Debenhams' Bullring store in Birmingham hosted an evening of spooky fun for Halloween, where Birmingham beauty bloggers from the city were invited to enjoy some bubbly, cupcakes, and spooky makeup tutorials with brands Makeup for Ever, Urban Decay and Illamasqua. The #DebsGlamoween event was a blast, and it gave us the chance to meet some fantastic new people, including fellow West Midlands based blogger Grace from LoveEllenaGrace.

The night started with a skeleton makeup tutorial from Makeup for Ever, where Katie from Havas PR was given a stunning Halloween look. We received a goody bag of fab Make Up for Ever products, which included the Smokey Extravagant Mascara, Black Aqua eye pencil and the HD Powder - perfect for dramatic black smokey eyes.

We then moved on to the Illamasqua concession where Chetna told us about their high-pigment products and the Halloween looks you can create with their new range. The brand is all about self-expression, and it's amazing to know that they support the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which raises awareness for hate crimes against subcultures.

We were thrilled to receive some of their goodies, including the 'lip lure' lipstick in Nebulus and the lipstick rouge a'levres in Apocalips. Their range of lipsticks includes everything from gloss, satin, dewy and matte shades.

The evening ended with a cute mouse tutorial from Urban Decay, and the makeup artist was kind enough to share her Halloween makeup secrets with us. Out of all the Halloween looks, the unicorn tears stood out the most - glittery eyes that were just gorgeous! We also received the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Heroine, which is a lovely matte dark blue.

Overall, the beauty event was fantastic, and we all had a great time trying out new products and learning about the latest Halloween makeup trends. For more inspiration, be sure to check out my review of the KVD lipsticks, which Debenhams gifted me after the event, they are another great addition to my makeup collection and best of all some of these high-end beauty cosmetics are from vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands.

To conclude

Whether you’re spending Halloween at home or going to a Halloween party, as we conclude our guide on Halloween makeup looks, I hope you are inspired and prepared to create some spooky makeovers just for the fun of it. Remember, the key to a truly unforgettable Halloween appearance is found in the combination of imagination, attempting to be daring, and the thrill of experimentation.

Whether you're drawn to the gloomy appeal of a witch, the disturbing charisma of a skeleton, or the magical radiance of a fairy, each option presents a unique canvas for your imagination to flourish. With your makeup kit in hand, embrace the Halloween spirit and set out to captivate, terrify, and enchant all those around you.

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Take your Halloween costume to the next level this season with a special effects makeup course or photoshoot. Want to experience the chills? Snag tickets to a haunted house experience and for a hauntingly beautiful look, we recommend a long-lasting liquid lipstick for the perfect blood-red pout, an eyeshadow palette for a variety of eye-catching colours and a high-coverage foundation to create a flawless canvas. Get the supplies and be ready to spook your friends with your terrifying skills!

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