From Cute to Creepy: 23+ Halloween Makeup Ideas You’ll Obsess Over

Discover the cutest and creepiest Halloween makeup ideas for every aesthetic, from simple to dramatic.

Source: @reitxmakeup

Ready to make this Halloween your most iconic yet? Let’s be real, no costume is complete without the perfect makeup moment. Whether you’re feeling bold and spooky or playful and cute, Halloween makeup is where the real transformation happens.

Think about it: A swipe of black lipstick can turn you into a vampy queen, and a little glitter can have you channeling fairy-core magic in seconds. There’s just something so fun (and addictive) about experimenting with face paint, rhinestones, or haunting eyeliner looks, especially when you know your phone’s about to fill up with “Wait, let me see your makeup!” selfies all night.

If you’re searching for inspo that’s equal parts eerie, enchanting, and totally doable (even if you’re not a pro), you’re in the right place. Scroll on for Halloween makeup ideas that eat every time; trust, you’ll want to save these for years to come.

3D Spiderweb & Black Widow

Source: @itsvallnichols

Okay, obsessed… If you want everyone to do a double take, this 3D spider illusion is pure art. Black and red widow details crawl from face to neck, while smoky lids and shimmering webs create a full transformation moment. Don’t forget the matching manicure.

Modern Vampire Glam

Source: @sunnyame1ia

Picture soft, romantic eyes and blurred red lips, suddenly turned sinister with dripping vampire blood. It’s giving vintage goth meets “I could bite you”—no prosthetics needed. Pair with lace for that true undead aesthetic.

Psycho Killer Chic

Source: @hannahstew

If American Psycho was a beauty influencer… This look is pure camp: glossy red splatter on flawless skin, killer red lips, and a fake axe for bonus effect. It’s scary, sassy, and guaranteed to win best costume at any Halloween party.

Bloody Tears Makeup

Source: @trylbb

Nothing says “haunted” quite like these glossy red tears streaming down from smoky, rimmed eyes. The bold, dripping effect gives instant drama—just add a red lip for that chilling, main character energy. Easy to recreate, but impossible to ignore.

Wolf Transformation

Source: @vivi.from.99

Ready to howl at the moon? Muted brown shadows sculpt the face, with yellow contacts and faux fur details taking things next-level. Scratches and blood smudges add to the feral effect—your inner wolf just got a glam upgrade.

Glam Joker

Source: @whitneycornettbeauty

A glam Joker moment is always in style. Rainbow shadow, exaggerated red smile, and those signature cheek lines? It’s chaotic, fun, and surprisingly wearable—especially with glossy hair and bold hoops for a femme twist.

Stitched Doll Effect

Source: @klaudiacelary

Tired of basic looks? Go full stitched doll—white-out eyes, bloody lines, and bold stitches wrapping the face and neck. It’s unsettling, cool, and a total conversation starter. Bonus points for the black choker.

 Cosmic Witch Energy

Source: @reitxmakeup

Who says spooky can’t be enchanting? This witchy look features a bold crescent moon, icy blue under-eyes, and dripping dark lips. Add colored contacts for even more mystery. Feels like you just stepped out of a midnight spell.

Half-Face Skeleton

Source: @mx.nayanika

Skip the full face paint, this chic half-skull design lets you flex your blending skills and your glam at the same time. Bold black lines carve out cheekbones and teeth for a minimalist, high-impact Halloween makeup vibe.

Red Rhinestone Devil

Source: @nicoole_mua

Feeling a little extra? Go full rhinestone devil, red gems trace a sparkling skull over one side of the face. Add devil horns and a red corset for a look that’s glam, devilish, and totally unforgettable on the dance floor.

Poison Ivy Transformation

Source: @sarahnewsfx

If your plants could talk, they’d definitely stan this Poison Ivy moment. Think lush green brows made of real leaves, coppery-red waves, and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. Bonus: it doubles as a killer beauty and costume combo.

Gothic Vamp Muse

Source: @

Dark, moody liner, sculpted brows, and a wine-stained lip; this look screams gothic queen with a side of vintage romance. Layer on black beads and lacy details to take your Halloween makeup into main character territory.

Living Doll Effect

Source: @isabellrrose

If dolls had a haunted phase, it’d look just like this. Matte, porcelain skin, smoky mauve eyes, and eerie red contacts create that classic, slightly-creepy vibe. This is high-effort Halloween glam for beauty lovers.

Femme Joker

Source: @makeupbyjessica_xo

Meet the Joker, but make it high fashion. Green streaked hair, emerald brows, and that signature red smirk take center stage. “Ha ha” tattoos and bold lashes seal the deal. Who says villains can’t be glam?

Stitched Gothic Doll

Source: @joannamoioli

Go for major stitched-up drama with this gothic doll look. Black stitches wind across the face, paired with dramatic eyes and a fierce red lip. It’s part Tim Burton, part runway, perfect for Halloween night out.

Woodland Elf Fantasy

Source: @reitxmakeup

Okay, I love this. Feathered brows, shimmering skin, and pointed ears bring this woodland elf fantasy to life. Add a few mini braids and ethereal highlight for an enchanted forest vibe you’ll want to wear all year.

Saw Doll Chic

Source: @lsgmakeup

Dare you to pull off this Saw-inspired makeup, smoky black eyes, swirling red cheeks, and crisp black lines create that signature puppet look. Red accessories give it a fierce, playful twist.

Modern Clowncore

Source: @indiarose_makeup

Like a vintage circus poster, but make it high fashion. This modern clown makeup features graphic black lines, diffused red blush, and an exaggerated lip. Try pairing it with silver jewelry for a surreal, editorial Halloween look.

Neutral Spider Illusion

Source: @leilanigreen

Want to creep people out…subtly? This neutral-toned spider illusion is genius. The contouring creates the look of a spider crawling across your face, all in soft brown hues. The result: spooky, but make it wearable.

Bratz Doll Glam

Source: @xhoanaruci_

If you ever wished you could step into a Bratz box, this is your sign. Defined cut-crease eyes, sculpted cheeks, and those overlined doll lips—all in taupe and brown. The perfect “pretty, but uncanny” Halloween transformation.

Skeleton Smile

Source: @daniellemarcan

Go for goth chic with a skeleton smile, black stitches drawn from lip to cheek, sculpted black nose, and that fierce cat eye. Pair it with a wispy blonde fringe and you’ve got Halloween makeup that’s spooky, but still a little glam.

Witchy Moon Priestess

Source: @sara_benayas

Dare to go dark? This look is pure witchcore; black crescent moon, sharp liner, and haunting whiteout contacts. Freckles, blush, and that velvet-black hat complete the moonlit magic.

Cat Eye Siren

Source: @reitxmakeup

Sometimes, it’s all about a killer cat eye. Ultra-winged liner, highlighter, and glossy brown lips keep it simple but totally striking. Pair with a black fit for siren energy on Halloween (and beyond).

Frosted Spider Queen

Source: @sarinanexie

Channel your inner spider queen with icy white webs spun across the face, dramatic lashes, and a bold plum lip. Frosted platinum hair and a jeweled choker make this the most glam take on “creepy-crawly” ever.

Bloody Dollcore

Source: @soy_elamont

Mix soft pinks with vivid gore for a look that’s both cute and terrifying. Scarlet smears, crystal blood drops, and pink shadow frame the face, because sometimes Halloween makeup is all about the shock factor.

Cartoon Pin-Up

Source: @reitxmakeup

Imagine Betty Boop with a TikTok filter. Big graphic eyes, exaggerated brows, and high-gloss lips nail that cartoon pin-up energy. A perfect throwback Halloween makeup look with just the right amount of drama.

That’s a wrap on the coolest, creepiest, and cutest Halloween makeup ideas to try this season. Whether you’re going full glam or leaning into spooky details, these looks are guaranteed to turn heads (and maybe a few stomachs, in the best way).

Remember, Halloween is your moment to experiment, play, and show off your creative side. Don’t be afraid to mix, match, or add your own twist—just have fun with it and snap all the selfies. Happy haunting!