Halloween Makeup Trends for 2025
This year, there are some viral looks from movie references to pirated skeletons that are perfect—and just as easy—for your 2025 Halloween makeup. Celebrity makeup artists share their top tips for the hot looks you should try this year.
Gothic Glamor on Wednesday
Pop culture has a way of controlling our costumes. With Netflix returning to screens this fall, expect gothic-inspired glamor to dominate. "Matte skin, sharply defined eyeliner, dark berry or brown gothic lips, and sculpted cheekbones contribute to this moody aesthetic," says a beauty expert. Celebrity makeup artist Bryony Blake also believes this season will lean into old-school horror. "I think Wednesday Addams’ makeup look is one of my favorites to recreate at home," she says. "Most of us have a dark matte eyeshadow and black eyeliner somewhere in our drawer. Then all you need is a slightly paler foundation than normal and a gorgeous brown lip."
Wicked Witch
Few looks are as versatile as the witch – but it doesn’t have to be boring. "Witchy glam is easy to achieve at home. All you need is black eyeshadow, eyeliner, red or berry lips, and a bit of glitter," says celebrity makeup artist Mira Parmar. For her, it’s an accessible way to embrace the moody and punk trends seen on the runways this season. Parmar points to Wicked’s Elphaba or Glinda as sources of inspiration.
Flirtatious Clown
Not all 2025 trends are inspired by the big screen. The bows, ruffles, and “flirty core” of TikTok are also influencing our Halloween looks. This year the “Coquette Clown” will be the cool new interpretation of the classic scary clown. "The spooky pastel aesthetic, sometimes called ‘Pinkween,’ is still going strong," says a beauty expert. To create the "flirty clown," start by finding a flattering shade of pink blush, either in powder or liquid form, and build your look around that. Apply a blush to the bridge of your nose and cheeks, then blend it down to your temples.
Shimmering Skeleton
Metallics also appeared on Fashion Week runways this season, from Roberto Cavalli’s Gilded Age show to Louis Vuitton’s dazzling front row. It’s no surprise that trendy Halloween looks have found inspiration – and this year it’s the skeleton. For the base of the look, focus on gradual shading. “Follow the lines of your cheekbones, temples and jawline to create the hollows and mark them like an outline,” advises a beauty expert. To complete the look, facial gemstones are an easy way to enhance the entire look. A beauty expert recommends opting for “futuristic metallics and pearlescent colors.” The studs around the eyes, on your cheekbones and around your lips mimic the high points of your face where a skeleton would normally protrude.
