Halloween makeup tutorials can be terrifying—but not in a fun way.
You choose a “beginner-friendly” video, and suddenly, they’re using prosthetics, liquid latex, and fancy contouring.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a pro for a great Halloween look.
All you need is good ideas, a few basic products, and a clear plan. This way, you won’t be crying over your makeup wipes.
I’ve been there too. One year, I tried a “simple” skeleton look and ended up looking like a raccoon that fought a chalkboard.
So, I made this list of 11 Halloween makeup ideas for beginners that are easy, affordable, and truly doable.
1. Classic Cat — The 10‑Minute Lifesaver
Perfect for when you forgot it’s Halloween until 5 PM.
You’ll need:
- Black eyeliner (pencil or liquid)
- Mascara
- Nude or pink lipstick
Step by step:
- Base: Apply your usual foundation or BB cream.
- Eyes: Draw a winged eyeliner — go a little bolder than usual.
- Nose: Fill in the tip of your nose with black eyeliner.
- Whiskers: Draw 3–4 whisker lines on each cheek.
- Lips: Use black eyeliner to outline your top lip, fill in with lipstick.
Why it’s beginner‑friendly: No fancy blending, no special tools. Just eyeliner magic.
2. Scarecrow — Cute, Not Creepy
Think “pumpkin patch chic.”
You’ll need:
- Orange eyeshadow or blush
- Black eyeliner
- Pink blush
- Nude lipstick
Step by step:
- Base: Keep it natural — light foundation or just concealer.
- Cheeks: Apply pink blush in big circles.
- Nose: Color the tip of your nose orange, outline with black eyeliner.
- Mouth: Draw stitches from the corners of your mouth outward.
- Eyes: Add a little orange eyeshadow to your lids for warmth.
Pro tip: Pair with a flannel shirt and straw hat for instant recognition.
3. Vampire — Drama Without the Drama
Because fake blood makes everything better.
You’ll need:
- Black eyeliner
- Red lipstick
- Fake blood (or red lip gloss)
Step by step:
- Base: Go pale — use a lighter foundation shade.
- Eyes: Smudge black eyeliner around your eyes for a smoky effect.
- Lips: Apply deep red lipstick.
- Blood: Dab fake blood at the corners of your mouth.
Why it works: It’s dramatic but forgiving — smudges just make it look better.
4. Deer — Soft & Sweet
Perfect if you want cute over creepy.
You’ll need:
- Brown eyeshadow
- White eyeliner or face paint
- Black eyeliner
Step by step:
- Base: Warm bronzer all over your cheeks and forehead.
- Eyes: Use brown eyeshadow for a soft smoky look.
- Nose: Black eyeliner on the tip of your nose.
- Spots: Draw white dots on your cheeks and forehead.
Extra: Add a flower crown or antler headband.
5. Skeleton — The Beginner’s Version
No full‑face paint required.
You’ll need:
- Black eyeliner
- Black eyeshadow
Step by step:
- Eyes: Black eyeshadow all over the lids and under the eyes.
- Nose: Fill in a triangle shape on the nose with eyeliner.
- Mouth: Draw vertical lines over your lips and onto your cheeks.
Pro tip: Keep it messy — it adds to the effect.
6. Witch — Classic for a Reason
Easy to glam up or keep simple.
You’ll need:
- Green eyeshadow (optional)
- Black eyeliner
- Dark lipstick
Step by step:
- Eyes: Smoky black or green eyeshadow.
- Lips: Go for black, purple, or deep red lipstick.
- Extras: Draw a small spiderweb near one eye for flair.
Pair with: A witch hat and you’re done.
7. Zombie — Messy on Purpose
The less perfect, the better.
You’ll need:
- Grey or pale foundation
- Black and purple eyeshadow
- Fake blood
Step by step:
- Base: Apply pale foundation.
- Eyes: Smudge black and purple eyeshadow around eyes.
- Details: Add fake blood near the mouth or on the neck.
Why it’s great: You can’t mess it up — imperfections make it scarier.
8. Fairy — Glitter Galore
For when you want magical, not monstrous.
You’ll need:
- Shimmery eyeshadow
- Glitter
- Pink lipstick
Step by step:
- Eyes: Apply shimmery eyeshadow on lids and under eyes.
- Cheeks: Add glitter to cheekbones.
- Lips: Soft pink lipstick or gloss.
Extra: Add a flower crown or wings.
9. Leopard — Fierce but Easy
Animal print without the sewing.
You’ll need:
- Gold eyeshadow
- Black eyeliner
- Brown eyeshadow
Step by step:
- Eyes: Gold eyeshadow on lids, brown in the crease.
- Spots: Draw small black circles with eyeliner, fill with gold.
- Nose: Black tip with eyeliner.
Pro tip: Works with a black outfit and cat ears.
10. Doll — Creepy or Cute
Your choice.
You’ll need:
- Pink blush
- Black eyeliner
- Red lipstick
Step by step:
- Cheeks: Heavy pink blush in circles.
- Eyes: Draw exaggerated lower lashes with eyeliner.
- Lips: Overdraw a small heart‑shaped mouth.
Extra: Add freckles for a cute version.
11. Mermaid — Shimmery & Stunning
Looks complicated, but isn’t.
You’ll need:
- Blue and green eyeshadow
- Highlighter
- Fishnet tights (for the scale effect)
Step by step:
- Base: Place fishnet tights over your face.
- Color: Dab blue and green eyeshadow over the nets.
- Highlight: Add shimmer to cheekbones and temples.
Result: Instant mermaid magic.
Beginner Makeup Tips That Save Time & Sanity
- Test products first — no one wants a Halloween rash.
- Use what you have — eyeshadow doubles as contour, lipstick as blush.
- Practice once before the big night.
- Keep wipes handy for quick fixes.
Why These Looks Work for Beginners
- Minimal products — you don’t need a 50‑shade palette.
- Forgiving designs — smudges often make them better.
- Quick to apply — most take under 20 minutes.
Conclusion — Your Face, Your Rules
Halloween makeup doesn’t have to be stressful.
With these 11 beginner‑friendly, step‑by‑step ideas, you can look spooky, cute, or downright magical without spending hours in front of the mirror.
So grab your eyeliner, pick your vibe, and remember — if all else fails, there’s always the classic cat. 😉
