10 Halloween Makeup Essentials

Halloween is the one night a year when you can pick a new identity, no questions asked. Undoubtedly, costuming is the main part of this identity, but makeup is a great tool for making your look cohesive. People tend to forget makeup is an art, and that is exactly the key to its versatility. However, you definitely don’t need to consider yourself an “artist” to complete your transformation! The products themselves can be the bridge between your skill and the result, so here are ten products that should be in your bag of tricks this Halloween:

1. Primer– The key to any lasting makeup is good preparation. A gel primer is best for Halloween because of its gripping properties hold face paint and special effects makeup strongly. The e.l.f. Power Grip Primer is an excellent choice because its sticky formula provides a strong hold. In addition to primer, mist a light layer of setting spray to add extra grip and lock in your products. I recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray because it is extremely lightweight and waterproof. It provides just enough coverage to seal in your prep while still feeling weightless. It’s also very important to let all of your prep dry before you start applying products!
2. Body/Face paint–This is such a simple–almost obvious–tool,but it can really elevate your costume if you dress it up right. It can be quite difficult to find a cheap, strong, pigmented palette. An easy solution is to mix some of the paint with your foundation; that way you can control the exact shade. It also prevents the crackle texture often seen in cheap face paint and makes your costume feel more lifelike. To make it even more realistic, you should always have at least 3 shades for skin tone or any painted-on accessories–a base, a highlight, and a shadow. Adding midtones creates even more depth. 
3. Fake Blood–A true staple in Halloween makeup. However, buying the right kind can make or break its effect. Mehron Makeup offers a wide assortment of fake blood, including coagulated, splatter, 3D, and stage, all in venous or arterial colors. Whether you want a small, static stain to be Dracula, or a continuous splatter to be Carrie, Mehron has it all. And most importantly, they are very budget-friendly, starting at $5.95 and have a long shelf life!
4. Sharp waterproof eyeliner–Not only is eyeliner necessary to create a razor-sharp wing, but it can also be useful for making other designs. Eyeliner is to makeup as a pencil is to drawing. Cobwebs, mini bats, spiders–you name it, and it can definitely be done! Liquid liner is good for outlining, such as the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye, which is waterproof too. Pencil eyeliner is great for creating shadows or tightlining, like the Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil. 
5. Eyeshadow Palette–Another obvious choice that can be extremely resourceful. A palette with a wide assortment of well-pigmented colors is a game changer. Any Blend Bunny palette is perfect if you’re looking for a long-term investment, since they are extremely vibrant. If you’re looking for something more affordable, getting a small palette with only primary colors–like the J.Cat Master Class/Fx Palette–is a great alternative! This allows you to mix your own shadows and create realistic bruises, add depth to scars, etc. 
6. Vaseline/Aquaphor–Any petroleum jelly base, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, is a great prep to put under fake blood to prevent staining. It also gives the blood a shiner “fresh” look. You can also make scar wax by mixing Vaseline or Aquaphor with flour or cornstarch and your foundation. This is a great alternative if you’re allergic to latex or want to use things you already have!
7. Body/Hair glitter–The perfect touch for mermaids, angels, or twilight vampires. It may not be necessary for every costume, but it definitely adds  fun flair. It looks amazing in pictures and gives your costume a little more personality. Certain options, like Bath & Body Works Shimmer Diamond Mist or Victoria’s Secret Shimmer Mist, come with perfume, which adds a bit of fun and the chance to layer scents. 
8. Versatile brushes–Having a size range of brushes is crucial to producing the exact look you want. The e.l.f. Professional Brush Kit includes tiny brushes for fine detail, medium fluffy brushes for blending, and large full-coverage brushes for base makeup. 
9. Oil blotting sheets–Another major contributor to lasting makeup is touch-ups! Keeping Erinde Oil blotting sheets in your purse is a great way to keep your makeup looking fresh. They even come with a mirror and a puff  designed to pick up the oil sheets. Whether you’re running around catching candy or partying with friends, these oil blotting sheets have you covered!
10. Setting Spray–The closer for all makeup is a quality setting spray. On Halloween, you especially need it with layers of face paint and blood! The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte and Urban Decay All Nighter are top-notch investments that will keep you looking drop-dead gorgeous on Halloween.

• beauty
• college
• costumes
• halloween
• makeup
• makeup tips