Halloween is around the corner, and TikTok has been forward-planning costumes and Halloween makeup inspo in a major way. The hashtag #halloween2023 already has just shy of a billion views with users declaring which trends they're getting behind and the key costumes they “better see this year.”
As for us? We're invested. Because, for many beauty lovers, Halloween is the makeup highlight of the year. And, it's the main occasion where it's permissible (coughs preferable) to decorate our faces with clever designs, special effects and layers of face paint.
Whether you want yours to be creepy, gory and covered with fake blood, or cutesy and adorable, we've got all the inspiration you need.
As for this year's headliners, our obsession with Wednesday Addams is only about to get deeper, which is fair, given the Netflix series missed Halloween last year and released at the end of November, so everyone's fave spooky sis deserves the limelight.
If pink is more your colour, Barbiecore is going strong, and thanks to Margot and pals, we've been topped up with loads more inspo – including Disco Barbie, President Barbie, Mermaid Barbie and Weird Barbie. There's plenty of Kenergy floating around, too, so you could try being Just Ken for a look that's a little more lols.
Elsewhere the Little Mermaid remake will see Ariel trending and last November's Wakanda Forever release has given us some dreamy Shuri inspo. The ‘90s is still an awesome playground for finding cute references (see: bandanas, butterfly clips and baby braids) and some of this year’s biggest beauty trends – like the Balletcore and Strawberry Girl aesthetic – play perfectly into Halloween makeup trends.
Take a look at some of the best Halloween makeup ideas this year that will turn any outfit into a total masterpiece — no matter your skill level.
Here's our fave halloween makeup looks to get you started
Wednesday Addams Halloween Makeup
All you need is a pair or pigtails, a lip stain and some dark shadow for your under eye bags.
@noordabashh just a lil tutorial #wednesday ♬ original sound - 𖤐
Barbie
Superficial, weird or mermaid, there's tonnes of ways to be a Barbie girl.
@caeliya Decided to embody black barbie energy in light of the new barbie movie💖💖💖 @lancomeofficial taint idol ultra wear foundation @nyxcosmetics_uk can't stop concealer @halfmagicbeauty pink lipstick as blush @benefitcosmeticsuk brow pencil @isamayabeauty wild star eyeshadow @halfmagicbeauty lip liner @maxfactor 2 in 1 masacra @urbandecayuki all nighter setting spray #barbie #barbiegirl #blackbarbie #makeuptutorial #barbiemakeup ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] - Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua
@maureennaudts2 Barbie Makeover 🩷 my 8 yo self would DIE right now 🥵 #barbie #barbiemakeup #maureennaudts #vlaamsemua #makeuptransformation #barbiemovie #vlaamsetiktok ♬ Barbie Girl - jharna bhagwani
Ken
Or you could always be the Ken to your mate's Barbie. Or go solo as… well… Just Ken?
@liliavilamakeup 👱♀️💖BARBIE & KEN💙👱🏻♂️#viral #parati #fyp #barbie #barbiethemovie #barbiemakeup #barbiegirl #kencosplay #kenmakeup #barbieandken #cosplay #makeupartist #makeuptrend #barbietrend ♬ sonido original - Lili Avila Makeup
The Little Mermaid Makeup
We love seeing all the renditions of Ariel.
@glambymykaila Little Mermaid but make it glam 🧜🏾♀️ ✨ Who’s ready for the movie? ☺️ series ib: @olivia__makeup! #littlemermaid #mermaidmakeup #makeuptutorial #makeupinspo ♬ Part of Your World - From "The Little Mermaid" - Halle
@anastasile Ariel ❤️ @halle @Disney @Disney Studios @Disney Music #thelittlemermaid #ariel #disney #makeuptransition #tiktoksalon ♬ Part of Your World (Reprise) - From "The Little Mermaid"/Trailer Version - Halle
Ursula Halloween Makeup
Break out an ombré purple wig, blue eyeshadow, ginormous eyelashes, crimson lipstick and a crown for this fun Ursula look.
Balletcore
Balletcore, only more committed. We love playing up a trend that's already in our locker.
Strawberry Girl
Exaggerating the aesthetic we already know and love.
@colormehally Revamped Strawberry Shortcake Halloween Costume! 🍓😝🍓 #shadestix #hallyhair #spookymonth #hairmakeup #temporaryhaircolor #halloweenhair #strawberryshortcake ♬ original sound - strawberry shortcake
Cottagecore Makeup
If soft makeup and dresses is your thing then the Tumblr now TikTok famous aesthetic, cottagecore, might be for you. This tutorial is both helpful and hilarious.
Unzipped Skeleton Makeup Tutorial
Step up your skeleton makeup with this unzipped look. Grab your zip of choice, black and white paint and makeup brushes for this carefully painted look. This beauty enthusiast breaks it down into easy to follow chunks so you can master the look for the spooky season.
This article was originally published on Glamour UK.
