13 DIY Halloween Makeup Tips From An Expert That'll Take Your Costume To The Next Level

    Tips to inspire your Halloween costume that you can do yourself.

    Christina Baez
    by Christina Baez

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Attempting your own Halloween makeup this year?

    Comedy Central / Via giphy.com

    Fret no more!

    We talked to skin and makeup expert Kris Baranco who shared basic tips and fire inspiration to help you nail your holiday look.

    1. Smokey eyes are foundational and universal.

    foundation halloween cracked makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    "A smokey eye is a great starting point for most Halloween makeup," Kris told BuzzFeed. "Blow out your favorite dark shadows from lid to crease. For crease proof all night wear, use your favorite pencil liner as a base for your eyeshadows. This technique will intensify the impact of your smokey eye."

    2. Bring the drama and go for the bold lash.

    halloween as a painting colorful makeup eyelashes
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    "During spooky season you can find some fun and over the top lashes to amp up your makeup," Kris says. She continued, "Experiment with colorful lashes, animal print lashes, and even feathered lashes. They’ll be the perfect finishing touch."

    3. Paint the mask onto your face instead of buying one.

    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    Kris makes a good point about masks, saying, "It can be difficult to breathe in those bulky plastic Halloween masks, and when you remove them to eat and drink the concept of your costume gets lost." Instead, "utilize your favorite cream or water activated face paints and tap into your artistic side."

    4. Unleash your inner animal.

    animal eye makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    "Halloween is the perfect time of year to embrace your wild side," Kris said. "Disguise yourself with fun and funky animal prints. With such a wide variety of animals and prints to choose from, this is the perfect Halloween makeup to do with a group of friends. Bring the jungle or safari to your Halloween parties and festivities."

    5. Extreme graphic liner for the win.

    eyeliner halloween spider eyes makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    Kris says, "It’s Halloween, the perfect time to ditch your “everyday” liner for something more exciting. Elevate your liner into spider legs, spider webs, ghosts and ghouls. Bring your graphic liner to life!"

    6. Skulls are a timeless Halloween makeup staple.

    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    Per Kris, "With infinite styles of skulls you can easily create one that corresponds to your level of artistry. Every Halloween season I’m a blown away by all the creative ways people are able to reinvent the classic skull."

    7. Use fangs, plus blood, and BOOM: you’re a vampire.

    halloween vampire blood and fangs and eye makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    "With so many depictions of vampires to draw inspiration from the costume and makeup possibilities are endless," Kris told us. "Fake blood and fangs are readily available at your local drugstores, making this the perfect costume when you’re in a pinch."

    8. Be original and put your own spin on the cult classics.

    cult classic makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    "Reinvent the classics by incorporating iconic elements and details into your own style," Kris says, adding that you can "elevate your costume with a refreshing modern twist."

    9. Master brow blocking to expand your costume options.

    little mermaid ursula makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    If you want to take your makeup to another level, try brow blocking. Kris admits it's not the easiest, though, saying, "While brow blocking can be a tedious task, having a truly blank canvas gives you even more real estate to work with. Unlock the freedom to truly transform yourself with Halloween makeup."

    10. Iconic 'staches and facial hair can really transform a look.

    frida khalo makeup halloween fake mustache unibrow
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    To really go all-out on a costume, Kris suggests that try zeroing in in facial hair. She said, "Focus your Halloween makeup around iconic 'staches and facial hair from artists like Frida Khalo and Salvador Dalí. Or even recognizable characters like Gomez Addams or Captain Hook. Creating these signature looks can be easily achieved with eyeshadows, eyeliner, or your favorite brow products. "

    11. No matter your level of expertise don’t hesitate to experiment with SFX makeup — any mistakes can be disguised with blood.

    SFX makeup blood blades and heart carved out
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    Kris explained, "The great part about SFX makeup is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. And any imperfections can easily be disguised with additional blood." And what if you can't find them anywhere? "If you can’t get your hands on professional products, lash glue, tissue, and cotton balls can go a long way. "

    12. When in doubt follow a Halloween tutorial on YouTube.

    @Kweencado / YouTube / Kris Baranco / Via youtube.com

    "YouTube is the perfect destination to pick up innovative tips and techniques, while also minimizing the troubleshooting on your end. There’s a plethora of tutorials to give you the inspiration, spark, and guidance you’re looking for."

    13. Don’t limit your self expression. It’s Halloween!

    pop comic makeup
    @Kweencado / Instagram / Kris Baranco / Via Instagram: @kweencado

    Don’t let rules restrain your creativity. Experiment with your makeup, don’t be afraid to try something new. Let loose and have fun! 

    For more beauty tips, you can follow Kris on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube!

    Psst! Did you hear that Tasty has its very own Halloween TV special? Snoop & Martha's Very Tasty Halloween is streaming now on Peacock. Check it out!

    BuzzFeed / Peacock