PSA: Halloween is basically here, so the time to figure out your costume is right TF now. And if you're anything like me, you're probably thinking of skipping that big, elaborate costume this year (2020 has been a bit much, YFM?) and instead going for something you can easily DIY. So allow me to introduce you to a genius idea you'll absolutely love: half-face Halloween makeup.
Like, yes, half-face makeup definitely requires a bit of skill and patience, but they're an easy alternative to the more traditional Halloween costumes that require a ton of bells and whistles (i.e. outfit, shoes, hair, the whole nine yards). And considering Halloween is going to look a whole lot different this year—socially distant Zoom parties, anyone?—half-face makeup feels like just enough effort for staying home. So if you need a little inspiration, you're in luck. Ahead, I rounded up the 21 coolest half-face makeup ideas that are guaranteed to look perfect for October 31. Keep scrolling and screenshot your faves.
1. This foundation half-face Halloween makeup
This cute half-face makeup gives the illusion of foundation dripping down your face. And if that wasn't cool enough, this look also features a pink smokey eye, perfect brows, and a hint of mauve lipstick. You can't really go wrong with this one.
2. This black-and-white half-face Halloween makeup
One of the best things about half-face makeup for Halloween is that you can get super creative, as evidenced by this cool black-and-white version. A face paint palette is a must for recreating this look, along with a few fine-tip brushes for nailing those detailed edges.
3. This gory half-face Halloween makeup
I get it: Sometimes it just feels right to wear gory makeup on Halloween. This half-face makeup—which focuses on the bottom half of the face—is the perfect combo of gore and glam, thanks to the rainbow eyeshadow and fluttery fake eyelashes.
4. This glitchy half-face Halloween makeup
Isn't this half-face makeup so trippy? You'll definitely need a steady hand—and some, IDK, artistic abilities—to recreate this one, but the end result is so beyond worth it. Psst: I'd also suggest picking up a neutral eyeshadow palette if you don't already have one.
5. This joker half-face Halloween makeup
Hot tip: Half-face makeup doesn't mean you're required to leave one side of your face totally blank. This creative approach still has a lot going for it on the "bare" side, and it looks so cool against the checkered face paint.
6. This wolf half-face Halloween makeup
Why dress up as a boring animal this Halloween when you can try this ridiculously pretty half-face wolf makeup? I personally love the intense contrast of the detailed face paint and the ultra-smokey eyeshadow.
7. This magic half-face Halloween makeup
The combination of rainbow eyeshadow and super-cool detailing (is that lightning?!) makes this half-face Halloween makeup look so incredibly inspo-worthy. Who cares what outfit you even pair it with—the makeup totally carries this look.
8. This Spider Man half-face Halloween makeup
Sure, you could totally just run to the costume store and pick up a Spider Man outfit, but you could also just perfect this cute half-face Halloween makeup instead. I vote the latter.
9. This lion half-face Halloween makeup
Skip the cat ears this year and show up to your Halloween party wearing this half-face lion makeup. Even though most of the action is on the left-hand side of your face, I love the idea of evening out the opposite side with brushed-up brows and a dramatic cat eye.
10. This pumpkin half-face Halloween makeup
This half-face Halloween makeup is equal parts pretty and spooky—the creepy Jack-o'-lantern grin will definitely freak people out at your friend’s party, but the cute smokey eye evens things out a bit.
11. This unique half-face Halloween makeup
Halloween doesn’t have to be obvious, folks, as proven by this unique half-face makeup. Feel free to play around with the vibrant eyeshadow palettes and intense highlighters you usually push to the back of your makeup bag.
12. This Wicked half-face Halloween makeup
I’m obsessed with this creative interpretation of Elphaba from Wicked—it’s a totally fresh take on the classic costume, thanks to the thoughtful half-face makeup design.
13. This alien half-face Halloween makeup
Would this even be a Halloween roundup if there weren’t at least one Area 51 mention? Def not. This cute half-face makeup look is super on theme but still fairly creative (aka it’s a win-win).
14. This colorful half-face Halloween makeup
Skip out on the blood and gore, and instead opt for this super-colorful makeup look for Halloween. Again, this look will definitely require some artistry, but if you’ve got a little face paint and a lot of patience, it’s totally worth a try.
15. This skeleton half-face Halloween makeup
It doesn’t get more classic than a skeleton costume for Halloween, so switch things up by only painting half of your face. Pair your look with (half of) a red lip for just a touch of color.
16. This funny half-face Halloween makeup
I love the combination of bubble-gum pink face paint and peachy lips in this sweet Halloween makeup look. It’s lighthearted AF but also incredibly well-done.
17. This subtle half-face Halloween makeup
Half-face makeup doesn’t mean you have to go all out. Take inspo from this subtle look, which features a cute spider detail on one cheek and a red smokey eye.
18. This mermaid half-face Halloween makeup
This costume is kinda like The Little Mermaid but wayyyyy cooler, thanks to the glitter eyeshadow, blue face paint, and rhinestones (what a combo!).
19. This pop-art half-face Halloween makeup
Want to take things to the next level this Halloween? Try out this freakishly cool, pop-art-inspired makeup look. It’s the perfect excuse to wear that black-and-white wig you’ve been holding on to! (JK, but really, you should buy a black-and-white wig.)
20. This skeleton mouth half-face Halloween makeup
Give some special attention to the lower half of your face with this cool skeleton makeup. You can finish off the rest of your face with any damn look you please, but I’m especially into this combo of brushed brows, falsies, and silver eyeshadow.
21. This spider half-face Halloween makeup
Go extra as all hell this Halloween with this cool and intense spider makeup. Yet another reason to invest in an inky-black lipstick!
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
