Scary-cool Halloween makeup you can rock without a costume

This Halloween season, I’ll be sharing two costume ideas that require no more than some makeup and accessories, so not even full costumes. Beyond the makeup, you can probably find everything you need for these looks in your closet and accessory drawer. I’m a firm believer that some makeup and a little know-how can go a long way! So let’s do this.

The Lady Werewolf

This look is incredibly versatile and can be used with a number of animal-themed costumes. Replicate the technique on your arms, legs and chest if you feel that you want to look more wolf-like. Or, you could team this look with some fangs, an animal-ear headband, and faux-fur accessories. But even if you just go with the makeup, you’ll look fabulous (and quite ferocious)!

Steps: 

1. Add sharp, pointed eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes to create an animalistic look. I used MAC Cosmetics Fluidline gel eyeliner in Blacktrack.

2. After you have applied your primer and base, take a small eyeshadow brush and some bronzer or light brown eyeshadow and draw an outline around your eyes of where you want the ‘fur’ to be. Blend out with a fluffier blending brush. I used Illamasqua Powder Eyeshadow in Vernau.

3. Take an angled brush and three different shades of brown, black, or gray eye shadows. Create strokes outwards and away from your face. I used the shades Penny, Truffle and Smoke from the Makeup Academy Ever After Matte Palette.

4. Use a clean angled brush and a white or light silver eyeshadow, and add a few strokes. This creates a moonlit effect. I used MAC Cosmetics eye shadow in White Frost.

5. Add a nose using black pencil eyeliner. I used Makeup Academy Intense Color Eyeliner in Jet Black. Using the aforementioned technique, and create fur around the nose.

The Broken Doll

If you’re drawing a blank on a costume idea this Halloween, try this! This makeup tutorial aims to create the look of a porcelain doll with a cracked face (a little creepy and a lot cool). Add a pretty dress and some ribbons, and you’re good to go! Or wear whatever you want and leave everyone you meet feeling mildly spooked.

1. Apply your foundation and eye makeup as normal. I added false eyelashes for a fluttery, wide-eyed look, so it’s something that you might like to consider incorporating. I used Kiss ‘Looks So Natural’ Lashes in Vamp.

2. Using a fairly narrow blush brush and a bright pink blush, create small circles of color on the apples of your cheeks.

3. Take a lip liner and create exaggerated, rosebud lips. Use concealer to cover the outer corners of your own lips.

4. Take a black eyeliner and create the initial ‘missing piece.’ Draw a star shape and fill it in.

I used a combination of pencil and gel eyeliner. Pencil eyeliner for the thicker lines and filling in, and black gel eyeliner and a small eyeliner brush for finer lines. I used Makeup Academy Intense Color Eyeliner pencil in Jet Black and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink.

5. Add a few semi-circular elements to create the illusion of porcelain that has been struck, and has cracked after the initial impact.

6. Use a white eyeliner pencil to add shading to the inside of some of the cracks. This adds depth to the look.

7. Finish off the look by adding doll-like braids or pig tails.

Do you like these looks? Are you going to try them out this Halloween? If so, send me a picture on Twitter or Instagram! Find me at @chloe_cmpbll!