What is Halloween without decking out in a costume?

And what finishes off the look better than Halloween makeup?  Planning out the way your face will look is almost as important as the costume. Especially nowadays when masks are being discouraged more and more for safety reasons. The face becomes the mask when you use Halloween costume makeup.

A main tip when it comes to Halloween makeup ideas is to plan ahead.

A few trial runs behind closed doors isn’t a bad idea so you get it right.   Many costumes come with Halloween makeup kits so you have everything you need.  But if you don’t, spend some time looking on the web or through costume catalogs and magazines. See how the professionals did their Frankenstein, Super Heroes or Princesses faces.

One big decision is do you need to put on the makeup before or after the costume?

If anything has to go over your head, get the costume on first, then use a towel or paper towels to keep the makeup off the costume.  Using a sheer powder or sealing agent is another great tip to lock in the makeup so it doesn’t run.

Take your time and let the base dry before you add wrinkles, scars, fake blood or other scary Halloween makeup touches. Runny makeup may be a fright, but not in a good way.

If you want to look ancient, use a very light foundation, then draw the dark lines on with an eyeliner or eyebrow pencil. Next, use your finger tip to blend in the wrinkle lines. It will look more authentic that way.  Don’t forget to draw lines on your hands for those popping out old veins.

Vampires and Witches can also have a white base or be greenish in complexion. A darkened V on the forehead blended into the foundation adds a sinister scowl.   Reddish brown liner works really well for wrinkles or making the brows accented. Red and green always go nicely together, don’t you think?

For bruises and swelling, you can get some Halloween Makeup wax  and Spirit Gum. Make sure your face is cleaned with an astringent such as Witch Hazel ( no pun intended- it really is mild and alcohol free).  Shape the wax to the size and shape you want, then apply it with the Spirit Gum. Blend foundation around it, then color blend the bruising with blues and plums. You can add oozing red fake blood if you really want people to back off.

Never use markers, even washable ones or paints that are not designated as Halloween makeup or stage makeup.

Otherwise, you may get a rash or allergic reaction. You don’t want to spend Halloween in the ER. Even if you are a guy, make sure your face is clean and moisturized ( if you have to steal it out of the bathroom cabinet, we won’t tell).

The best time for Halloween makeup pictures is of course when everyone’s is freshly applied. No matter how well you seal Halloween Makeup, it will come off, get into creases and smudge as the night wears on. And the costumes will get their share of the ‘paint’ as well. But hey, that’s part of the fun.