It’s hard to believe Halloween is just around the corner - where has this year gone? Whether you’re holding a small Halloween party with 6 of your besties, or getting involved in an online do, here are two simple makeup looks you can try on Saturday 31st.

THE VAMP

This look is all about the drama - bold eyes and lip are traditionally a no-no in the makeup industry. But for this one night it’s not only acceptable, but encouraged! Once you’ve nailed your base, up the ante by following the below steps ...

STEP ONE

Take a black pencil liner and roughly line the top and bottom lids. Honestly, it doesn’t matter how messy you are at this stage - just go for it. I like the MAC Kohl Pencil in Feline, as it’s got a green base rather than the usual blue, meaning you won’t lose the integrity of the black as you blend.

STEP TWO

Using a blending brush, buff out the pencil all the way up to the socket on the upper lid, and down to where the lashes end on the lower lashline. This pencil acts as a strong base for your colour to be pressed in on top. My favourite blending brush is the MAC 217s brush. 

STEP THREE

Using a flat shader brush, press in a dark colour over the upper lid, up to the crease. Choose a rich deep purple or go for it with a matte black. Do the same to the lower lash line. A great all in one palette for this look is the NYX Phoenix palette. Again try not to worry about being neat - this is a good time to embrace that sultry, vampy, been-up-all-night look!

STEP FOUR

Going back to your blending brush, buff through the socket and lower lash line in order to smooth out any hard edges. If you’re feeling daring, add a pop of terracotta or red through the socket and lower lash line for added drama. I love the MAC Coppering eyeshadow for this.

STEP FIVE

Reach for your darkest lip liner - I’ve used a black eye liner before! - and line the lips starting from the outside of the top lip, heading inwards. This will ensure a nice even line and helps with symmetry too. Colour in the whole lip with the lip liner (this ensures the lipstick stays on as long as possible) and then finish with your darkest, vampiest shade of lipstick on top.

THE DEER

Makeup artists everywhere apply countless skulls, masquerade masks and Harley Quinn makeup looks every Halloween. Since our plans are slightly restricted this year, here is a pared back version of a deer you can do yourself. After you’ve applied your usual base makeup, have a go at turning yourself into a real life Bambi.

STEP ONE

Take a warm matte bronzer and a large fluffy bronzing brush. Warm up the areas you would normally contour - the hollows of the cheeks, temples and the forehead. For light to medium skin, try the NARS Matte Bronzer, and for darker skin tones, use a warm matte brown eyeshadow that blends easily, such as the colours in the Morphe Second Nature palette.

STEP TWO

Using a cotton bud dipped in Micellar water (steer clear from oil-based makeup removers), make small dots in the bronzed areas. Try the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water. You can then press in a white or cream eyeshadow over those blank areas, using a pencil brush, like the MAC 219s.

STEP THREE

With that same white or cream eyeshadow, take a small fluffy blush brush and brighten the areas under your eyes and up on the cheekbones, where you would normally place highlighter. We want to create as much contrast between the dark and light areas.

STEP FOUR

Using a black gel liner and a fine liner brush, paint the tip of your nose, and draw a straight line from your nose to in between your cupid's bow. Then line the top lip with the same black liner, but leave the bottom lip unlined. My favourite is the Inglot Gel Liner. Apply a dark brown matte lipstick to the top and bottom lips.

STEP FIVE

Apply your normal eye makeup, making sure to add plenty of mascara - or false lashes - for that real doe-eye effect. I like to extend my winged liner into the inner corner of the upper lid, in order to enhance the doe look. 

Whatever your plans are this Halloween, have some fun with one of these looks and let us know how you got on by tagging us on Instagram! 

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Written by: Claire Bullen

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