5 Fun Costume Makeup Ideas

The quest to find the perfect Halloween costume is different for everyone. Some start thinking about it the moment they wake up on November 1 the year before, while some throw something together the night of. Wherever you usually fit in this spectrum of people, this year can be your year to stun the masses.

But you know what makes a great outfit even better? Great makeup. If done right, makeup can add a wow factor to any costume. Check out these five ideas for fun Halloween makeup looks to rock this year!

1. Someone from the Capitol

Hunger Games-inspired costumes are sure to be everywhere this year. From the many outfits of Katniss, to Rue, to Prim, there are several different options for you to choose from.

But if you want a look that will really set you apart from the crowd, try dressing up as Effie or any of the other eccentric characters from the Capitol. Your costume will not only be a hit, but will also let you show off your skills as a talented makeup artist.

Once you’ve chosen a color theme for your costume, you’ll be ready to go! Start by covering your face in white foundation (the more the better – the Capitol look is all about extremes). From there, it’s pretty much up to you to figure out what crazy look you’re going to create, but in case you need some help, here’s one tactic:

Choose a neon eye shadow that comes in three different shades (a base, a highlighter and a main color). Apply the base to the entire eye up to the brow bone (and under the eye if you so choose), the main color to the lid and the highlighter to the crease. Feel free to be pretty heavy-handed and to play around with how far the color extends past the corner of your eye. You can also use colorful eyeliner to make an intricate design. Next, take a blush in a similar color and brush a thick layer over those cheek bones. In terms of lipstick, you can apply it normally or you can use it to create a design like Effie’s heart-shaped pout. Finish with some ridiculous fake eyelashes and you’ll be looking just like a Capitolist in no time!

2. Lisbeth Salander

If you’re looking for an edgier costume that still requires a lot of makeup to pull off, Lisbeth Salander is your girl. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is not only a hit book and movie, but also has one of the most interesting title characters ever. With her brooding looks and offensive t-shirts, Ms. Salander is a great pick for a Halloween costume this year. Here’s how to pull off her extreme makeup:

Lisbeth’s look is really just all about a lot of dark eye shadow and liner. You’re going to want to pick out the darkest shades of eye makeup you can find. Use the shadow to create a smoky eye and then heavily apply black eyeliner on both your top and bottom lids. The eyeliner should be winged on top. This look is not a subtle one, so use as much makeup as you want.

Finally, if you’re truly feeling the Halloween spirit, bleaching your eyebrows will give you a perfect Lisbeth look. If you’re not so into that, just cover them in white eye shadow for a more temporary fix.

3. Peacock

Although it’s not specifically a 2012 costume, if you’re good with makeup, then dressing up as a peacock is the perfect choice for you. Unless you’re willing to drop a ton of money at one of those Halloween stores, the costume seems like it will probably take quite a bit of work. But if you do it right, the finished product will totally be worth it. Taking a cue from The Hills star Audrina Patridge (who rocked this costume last year), here’s one way to do peacock-perfect makeup:

Brush a light pink eye shadow all around your eye as a base. Apply some white eye shadow to the inner corner of each eye to brighten the look and then get ready for the hard part. Choose a light blue and a turquoise shade of eye shadow that blend well together. Apply the blue all along the bottom lid and wing the shadow on both the outer and inner corner. Do the same thing with the turquoise shade on the top lid. The two colors should meet but still both be distinct on the wings. Attach long fake lashes on both your bottom and top lids and you’ll be good to go.

4. Sailor Moon

Who didn’t love watching Sailor Moon on Saturday mornings as a little kid? Bring back our favorite magical heroine this year with a costume that will earn you the complete adoration of anyone who grew up in the ‘90s. To achieve Sailor’s signature wide-eyed look, getting your makeup right is essential. Check out these tips:

Start by applying a line of white eye shadow all around your eye. The inner corner should have a small wing and the outer corner a larger one. Next, take black eyeliner and trace all around your eye and then all around the white shadow. Draw small eyelashes coming off the bottom arc of the lowest liner line and two side-by-side freckles under each eye on both sides of your face. Put on some fake upper lashes and a light pink lipstick for the final touches.

5. Zombie anything

Let’s face it; you can pretty much turn anything into a good Halloween costume by tacking on the word zombie to the front of it. Zombie bride, zombie prom queen, zombie school girl – the list goes on. It’s a classic that can always be a go-to if you’re not feeling the creative juices flowing. Here’s an idea for how to do the makeup:

Lightly apply a white powder foundation all over your face to give yourself that deathly pale vibe. Then take some gray eye shadow and smear it lightly under your eyes to make it look like they’re caving in. Invest in some fake blood to create a few face wounds and you’re done! It’s simple, yet incredibly effective.