Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your costume and makeup look. Whether you want to go full glam or horrifyingly scary, makeup is key to nailing your Halloween vibe. Here are the top makeup trends for Halloween 2024 that will have you standing out at any party!
1. Barbiecore Meets Horror
The Barbie trend has been everywhere this year, and it’s making its way into Halloween. Think pastel pinks, bright blues, and blonde curls—but with a twist. Add a touch of horror by blending blood splatters, creepy doll eyes, or cracked porcelain skin into your Barbie makeup. It’s cute with a side of creepy.
2. Neon Nightmares
Neon makeup continues to be a massive trend, but for Halloween 2024, it’s going dark—literally. Use neon body paint or UV makeup under blacklights for a look that glows eerily in the dark. Combine it with skeleton designs, alien features, or cyberpunk details to create an unforgettable neon nightmare.
3. Otherworldly Aliens
Alien-inspired makeup is taking off this year with a focus on futuristic, intergalactic designs. Go for metallic hues, iridescent powders, and sharp contouring to create an ethereal, out-of-this-world look. Add bold eyeliner, glitter, and even prosthetics to create antennas or an elongated forehead.
4. Gore Glam
Why choose between glamour and horror when you can do both? This trend blends striking makeup techniques like smoky eyes and bold lips with realistic horror effects like open wounds, stitched-up scars, or oozing blood. The contrast between flawless glam and gruesome gore is striking and perfect for Halloween.
5. Vampy Sirens
Vampires never go out of style, but this year they’re getting a seductive makeover. Think dark, berry-stained lips, smudged black eyeliner, and glowing, pale skin. The look is completed with a touch of glitter and highlighter to give it a slightly ethereal, almost hypnotic effect. This twist makes vampires more alluring than ever.
6. Pastel Goth
The pastel goth aesthetic continues to grow in popularity, and it’s hitting Halloween hard. This trend combines soft, pastel colors like lavender, baby pink, and mint green with traditional goth elements like heavy eyeliner, dark lips, and spooky motifs (think skulls, bats, or spider webs). It’s cute, spooky, and oh-so-trendy.
7. Bleeding Hearts & Broken Dolls
Classic creepy doll makeup is evolving into more artistic, eerie renditions. This year, think exaggerated eyes, stitched mouths, and bleeding hearts painted onto the face. Use white contacts to create lifeless eyes and incorporate cracks into the makeup for a true broken doll vibe. You can blend this with delicate lace or Victorian-inspired touches to take it to another level.
8. Fantasy Creatures
From fairies to mermaids, fantasy makeup is still a major player. The difference in 2024? The focus is on the details—think intricate facial designs, body glitter, and even elaborate prosthetics for horns, scales, or fairy wings. Iridescent makeup is key to pulling off these magical looks. Adding flowers, pearls, or jewels will enhance the ethereal quality.
9. Zombie Apocalypse
Zombies remain a Halloween classic, but now we’re seeing more apocalyptic, detailed zombie makeup. With textured latex scars, decaying skin effects, and darkened eyes, the key to this trend is making your zombie look ultra-realistic. Add some dirt, fake blood, and ripped clothing, and you’re ready for the undead takeover.
10. ’80s Retro Horror
Taking inspiration from classic ’80s horror films, this trend plays on big hair, neon colors, and over-the-top makeup with dramatic contours and exaggerated eyeshadow. It’s a mix of vintage slasher film vibes with modern makeup techniques. Think of this as a homage to movies like Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th.
Bonus Tips:
- Use Prosthetics: Prosthetic wounds, horns, or even additional facial features will make your look stand out. Try liquid latex or silicone molds for a more realistic effect.
- Invest in Special FX Makeup: Go beyond your regular eyeshadow palette with special FX makeup like fake blood, wax, and face paints to create a professional-looking finish.
- Practice Ahead: Some of these looks take time to master, so give yourself time to experiment with new makeup products and techniques.
Halloween 2024 is all about blending beauty with the bizarre. Whether you’re aiming to turn heads with glam or scare everyone around you, these makeup trends will have you covered! Which trend will you be rocking this Halloween? Let your imagination run wild!
Halloween Alley is proud to be 100% Canadian owned and operated. Our many store locations across Canada open for the season in early September. Shop in-store, where you can find the perfect costumes, accessories and decorations to make this Halloween one for the books.
