We have barely packed away our summer clothes, let alone bought anything pumpkin-spiced, and already Halloween is upon us. It is exciting — who doesn’t love an excuse to eat candy corn in costume — but let’s be real, there is also a little pressure to come up with a costume creative enough to make all your friends say damn, that’s cool.
You don’t have to go full Heidi Klum, unofficial Queen of Halloween, to pull it off. Instagram is full of insanely cool Halloween makeup inspiration from makeup artists and Halloween fanatics alike — no matter your skill level with an eye pencil.
Check out this killer Halloween makeup looks from some of Instagram’s best makeup artists. The best part? They are so good on their own, you won’t even need an actual costume.
1. Euphoria Makeup
Even if you missed the HBO show starring Zendaya, “Euphoria makeup”— think glittery, neon eye makeup embellished with tiny pearls or gemstones — is everywhere. It was even one of the biggest trends on the runways at New York Fashion Week.
Credit: @kirinrider
2. Black Panther
There is a reason Black Panther won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. Those looks were magnificent. Luckily, you don’t have to be an Oscar winner to pay tribute to Wakanda — some of the film’s makeup looks are surprisingly simple.
Credit: @tailo_g
3. Maleficent
This past year could make any woman feel downright villainous. Embrace your vengeful side with this simple but epic maleficent look. Bonus points if you add prosthetic cheek implants as Angelina Jolie wears in the film.
Credit: @hollierose.mua
4. God Is a Woman
Ariana Grande’s beauty look is iconic even on a grocery run but her body paint in the “God Is a Woman” video was truly next level. Recreate it for Halloween (no nudity required).
Credit: @hollyjademua
5. Face App
When Face App — the app that instantly aged a photo — came out this year it seemed like no one was immune from looking into their future. Embrace your inner great grandma with a few strategically placed wrinkles for Halloween.
Credit: @hollyjademua
6. David Bowie
David Bowie’s cultural impression isn’t likely to fade anytime soon. The lightning bolt — one of his most memorable looks — is easy to do and makes one hell of a tribute.
Credit: @vladaae
7. Sugar Skull
Any search for Halloween makeup will turn up endless skull makeup tutorials, most of which are insanely cool — and insanely difficult to pull off if you are not a pro. This look is cool and creative without being agonizingly hard to recreate.
Credit: @Makeupbykace
8. Minnie Mouse
Who can resist a classic? This Minnie Mouse look is cute, simple, and totally appropriate for work.
Credit: @sincerely_mels
9. Stranger Things Lights
There are bound to be a ton of Stranger Things costumes out there this year but you will get street cred for this look inspired by those eerie lights. Plus, you can recreate it for the holidays.
Credit: @makeupbyalinna
10. Instagram Likes
The best Halloween looks are simple but witty, requiring minimal effort to pull off but calling for maximum respect from everyone else at your Halloween party. This look that riffs on Instagram’s “like” icon will get you all the…well, you get it.
Credit: @laratilley
11. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Sharon Tate’s signature look embodied the beauty aesthetic of the 60s. This year, Margot Robbie brought it back. Pair this super simple look with a blowout and black turtleneck and you have got the costume contest in the bag.
Credit: @dryaedis
12. Game of Thrones
Want to pay tribute to Game of Thrones without going full-on White Walker? This Children of the Forest look is spooky, pretty and a good challenge if you want to test out your makeup skills.
Credit: @hollyjademua
13. Hot pepper Halloween
Move over Hot Girl Summer. It’s hot pepper Halloween.
Credit: @hollierose.mua
14. Unicorn makeup
Unicorn makeup will forever and always be a staple of the best Halloween costume looks. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this one. Throw on some glitter, rainbows, or iridescent eyeshadow and call it a (magical) day.
Credit: @yourhostlala
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