13 Makeup Ideas to Save For Halloween 2026


Imagine this: It’s three days earlier than Halloween, your folks have simply coerced you into late-night plans on October 31, and you do not have a semblance of a dressing up to talk of. Sure, you may sacrifice an previous maxi gown to a bag of pretend blood and name your self Carrie, or you may select to let your make-up do the speaking. They each require a little bit of legwork, however no less than one is washable.

I’m a agency believer that make-up is greater than half the battle in the case of an excellent Halloween costume, whether or not your outfit has been deliberate for weeks otherwise you’re simply beginning to consider it now. From reverential references to among the season’s most iconic movies (Rocky Horror Picture Show, in honor of the late, nice Tim Curry) to recreations of pop stars’ iconic make-up appears (Zara Larsson! Charli XCX! Adéla!), I discovered the perfect Halloween make-up concepts for when your ‘match simply is not slicing it. Keep scrolling to find the nostalgic, chronically on-line, and downright area of interest appears that magnificence editors would commend you for.

13 Makeup Ideas for Halloween 2026

1. Spider-Glam

No costume is critical once you’re carrying a murals in your face. Take an editorial method to a spider costume this 12 months by pairing your favourite all-black outfit with this dewdrop-adorned make-up look, full with webbed duochrome artwork and glistening winged eyeliner.

Latest Videos FromWho What Wear

2. ’70s Cher

Cher attends the Grammy awards wearing a large butterfly pin in her hair on March 2, 1974 in Los Angeles, California.

(Image credit score: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

While Cher stays an indeniable style icon, her eye-catching ’70s make-up outlined an period—making it the last word reference for an elegant Halloween look. Imitate her dreamy retro glam with sparkly lavender eye shadow, feathery false lashes, plus mauve blush and matching lip gloss. Extra factors for silky, pin-straight hair and a butterfly clip.

3. ’60s Twiggy

Twiggy in Max Factor make-up wearing flowered crepe dress by Michele Rosier.

(Image credit score: Bert Stern/Condé Nast by way of Getty Images)

Another style icon you’ll be able to pay homage to with make-up is Twiggy, the English mannequin who set the tone for the ’60s model set. Recreate her trademark make-up with contemporary pores and skin, shimmery eye shadow on the lid, and a little bit of endurance with liquid eyeliner—including a thick wing over the lashline, portray on decrease lashes, and opening the eyes much more together with her signature arc over the crease.

4. Zendaya’s “Odyssey” Glam

Zendaya attends Universal Pictures "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere at Le Grand Rex on July 08, 2026 in Paris, France.

(Image credit score: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)

Yes, we’re nonetheless desirous about Zendaya’s stream of striking premiere looks for the The Odyssey press tour in October. If you wish to channel goddess vitality (and appeal to conversations about movie and Law Roach) all night time, emulate this gorgeous look with an all-white outfit, blue eye shadow, and milkmaid braids.

4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

(Image credit score: Alamy)

After dropping cinema and theater legend Tim Curry this 12 months, it is extra significant than ever to decorate up as Halloween’s most glamorous character, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, from the cult-classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Backwards corset and fishnets apart, you’ll be able to recreate this iconic look with a charcoal-gray smoky eye, outlined brows, overlined pink lips, and an inky magnificence mark.