Halloween is here, like, pretty much now. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been waiting for Halloweentown marathons and brainstorming costumes since November 1 last year. Last Halloween’s festivities saw plenty of handmaids and badass Riverdale ladies, and this year, we’re continuing that trend of powerful women. 2018 saw women everywhere kicking ass and changing the world—and these pop culture icons featured below are certainly no exception. If you want to exude confidence, here are seven makeup looks to empower you and elevate your costume.
1. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande has had an emotional year. From the release of her highly rated fourth album Sweetener to the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, she has radiated strength anyone can aspire to have. If you want to feel heavenly this Halloween, you can recreate Grande’s flawless makeup from her hit song ‘God is a woman’.
2. Mulan
Everyone is hyped for the live-action version of Mulan, coming to theaters in 2020. If you want to get ahead of the game, do your makeup like everyone’s favorite warrior princess this Halloween. Besides looking like you’re ready to take on the world—or, at the very least, the entire Hun army—you’ll also showcase that you don’t need to be a man to be tough. You can be whoever you want to be, just like Mulan.
3. Cardi B
She’s everyone’s new favorite rapper, and Cardi B just couldn’t seem to stay out of the headlines in 2018. She broke the Internet with the birth of her baby Kulture and released multiple smash hits. Her recent brawl with Nicki Minaj at a New York Fashion Week Event proves that Cardi B doesn’t put up with B.S.—and honestly, neither should you.
4. Gamora from Infinity War
If you’re looking for a more daring, powerful costume this Halloween, this is 100 percent it. Not only do you paint your entire face green, but you also get to practice your contouring and rock some glittery brows. Let’s just hope (SPOILER ALERT) you don’t get wiped out by Thanos before Halloween.
5. Kylie Jenner
Love her or hate her, Kylie Jenner had one of the biggest years of her career. Not only did she make the cover of Forbes Magazine for apparently being the “youngest self-made billionaire” (there are debates as to whether she qualifies), she also ran her successful makeup company all while raising her newborn baby, Stormi. If you want to inspire a little controversy this year, spice it up and be Kylie Jenner.
6. The Black Panther
In what became the third highest grossing movie of all time, Black Panther stunned audiences this year with its focus on authentic storytelling and representation. If you want to stun at a Halloween bash this year, you can recreate this beautiful eyeshadow look inspired by the Black Panther. Wakanda forever, indeed.
7. Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the classic Halloween staple to represent female empowerment, but why not upgrade your look this time around? YouTube celeb Nikkie de Jager puts a Pop Art twist on the classic superhero, and you’ll be standing out no matter what party you attend. Stand tall and stand proud this year as your own unique Wonder Woman!
If you’re striving to feel empowered this Halloween and feel like your regular costumes just aren’t cutting it, these looks above will make you simply unforgettable. Never forget to accent your costume with the best accessory possible: confidence!