Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your spooktacular look. Whether you’re a professional preparing your menu for a booming season, an adult looking to turn heads at a costume party, or a parent getting your little ones ready for trick-or-treating, face paint can be the key to creating the perfect Halloween ensemble.
In this Halloween face paint inspiration gallery, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of designs for all ages!
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Halloween Face Paint for Kids
Aliens
Bats
Cats
Clowns & Scary clowns
Cobweb Crowns & Dark Fairy
Ghosts
Monster
Pirate
Pumpkin
Scarecrow
Skulls
Spider
Vampire
Witch
Zombie
Halloween Face Paint for Adults
Alien
Cat
Cobwebs & Flowers & Spiders
Popular Characters:
Harley Quinn
Joker
Jack Skellington and Corpse Bride
Clown – IT Pennywise
Fairy – Elf
Ghost & Ghost Bride
Glamoween
Vampire & sexy vampire
Witch & sexy witch
Zombie
Sugar Skull face paint for Day of the Dead
Women
Men
Couples
Kids
New to face painting? Our Beginner’s Guide to Face Painting has everything you need to know about supplies and techniques in one place!
Halloween Face Paint for Kids
Halloween face paint is the ultimate dress-up experience for kids. They are quite literally transformed by the art. These designs will inspire you with a range from simple to complex, giving a variety that works even for painting young or wiggly children. From cute and spooky animals to classic monsters, there’s something for every child’s taste.
Alien face paint
Let your future astronauts and space enthusiasts celebrate this Halloween with alien face paint. Bright colors, big eyes, and antennae will make them look like they’ve come from another planet.
Here are some great beginner-friendly Alien face paint designs for kids:
Have a little more time for details? These designs are next-level!
Bats face paint
Bat face paint is so classic Halloween, and it can pair with nearly any costume or Halloween outfit. Many artists love the ease of one-stroke painting for impressive results! Check out many fun bat designs using one-stroke below.
For Beginners, an easy-peasy design can include a rainbow cake and bat stenciling.
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More Bat face paint video tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
Cat face paint
Cats are popular all year long, but why offer your same old cat when you can make it a Halloween Special with a few fun tweaks? Here are some spooky and adorable cat face paint designs that will help you create a spectacular themed menu.
Don’t be at all surprised when boys are asking for cat face paint too. The skull and zombie designs are especially good options for tough kids who love felines.
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More Halloween Cat Face Paint Video Tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
Clowns & Scary Clown face paint
Kids love clowning around! Whether they want to be a friendly circus clown or a scary one, face paint can bring their vision to life.
IT Clown face paint is a very particular request and should look like the character from the popular book and movies (examples by Simona Rad and Stellar Body Art in collage above).
For clown requests, the joy is in being creative, colorful, and fun! A white base and lots of color around the eyes is a good starting point. Use these ideas for lots more inspiration!
Cobweb Crowns, Spider Princess, & Dark Fairy face paint
From girly to gothic, cobweb face paint designs are popular with everyone, young and old, girls and even boys!
For a face painting menu, these designs can be called so many things: Halloween Crown, Cobweb Queen, Halloween Fairy, Spider Princess, etc.
Many of these designs are fast and simple, especially the ones that have a simple color base with black line work. After a bit of practice, you’ll be able to whip these out quickly as an impressive linebuster!
These designs also work great for Witch face paint!
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More Spider Princess face paint video tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
Ghost face paint
For a simple yet classic look that doesn’t cover the face, transform your child into a ghost with face paint! A white sheet isn’t necessary but you can find all the tools you need to create Professional-level face paint for Halloween here…
Ghosts can be easy or complex depending on your mastery level and the time you have to complete a design. Choose designs that you like, and adapt as necessary to fit the time you have.
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More Ghost face paint video tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
Monster face paint
Monster face paint can be pretty much anything you want it to be! If you’re a seasoned painter you’ll probably have some horned creations that you offer all year. If you don’t, check out this collage of wonderful monster designs you can offer in any season!
You can also add variety to the fall season by offering Halloween classics like Frankenstein’s monster, mummies, and other undead.
More Monster face paint video tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Monster High Frankie Stein face paint by Lisa Joy Young
- Monster Mask by Ashlea Henson
- Frankenstein mask by Lisa Joy Young
- Creepy Ripped Monster/Zombie Mask by Lisa Joy Young
Pirate face paint
Arrr, matey! Sail the high seas with pirate-themed face paint. These ideas will take you beyond a simple eye patch and a few scars with looks that will really wow and amaze everybody at the party.
Want a pirate face paint design that takes the concept even further? These large designs are worth a whole loot of gold. ;)
Want to paint highly detailed designs with realistic contours and shading? This design is taught in our Professional Course!
Our students come from every skill level, and even the total beginners are having phenomenal success with this design after our in-depth training on tools, techniques, and more.
Is everything you wish you knew about face painting here in our Professional course curriculum?
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Pumpkin face paint
Just like a homemade jack-o-lantern can be customized to any taste, you as an artist can make these designs fit any mood. We’ve gathered ideas in this pumpkin patch of designs that are cute, scary, funny, elegant, and absolutely WOW!
These designs definitely make it on the list of quick offerings that work as great line-busters! But if you need to paint at supernatural speed, you can make them even faster by using stencils.
Milena Stencils are some of the best on the market. You can see how she’s used them to create fast and fun Halloween face paint designs in her artwork pictured above. Learn the best Stencils for Epic Face Painting, including must-haves for QUICK Halloween face painting!!
Pumpkin face paint made our Top 8 Must-Learn Designs for Halloween Face Painting! as an absolute essential for this season. Can you guess the other seven?
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More great Pumpkin Designs on Youtube and Instagram:
- Pumpkin arm or cheek design by Nadine Davidson
- Spooky Pumpkin mask by Radiant Art Inspirations
- Pumpkin arm or cheek design by Lodie Up
- Pumpkin arm or cheek design by @akvagrim_maskarad
- Talking Pumpkin mouth design by Fairy Fox Designs
Scarecrow face paint
Bring the charm of the harvest season to Halloween with a scarecrow face paint. Straw details, a stitched-on smile, and rosy cheeks are perfect for this friendly look.
Skulls face paint
For a spookier vibe, consider skull face paint. It doesn’t need to be gruesome to be spine-tingling. Skull face paint is a great option for older teen and tween boys who might think face paint is too young for them. It isn’t! But some designs can be. These skull designs are winners for boys and girls of all ages!
Don’t be limited to a classic white-and-black palette. There are ways to incorporate bright colors in your creative skulls!
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Spider face paint
Spider face paint can be a fun and simple design any time of the year, but with a little extra shading and detail you can make a super impressive 3D illusion. No need to settle for bland when you can dress up your spider face paint with these great designs and tutorials!
These next designs show some fun ways you can add color to spider designs.
Last, but not least, those impressive 3D illusion designs that are so popular with kids, teens, and adults too.
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More Spider face paint videot tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Cute Spider arm design by Elodie Ternois
- Quick OTJ Spider design using one-stroke by @Akvagrim_sbor
- Cute fluffy spider design by @Akvagrim_sbor
- Rainbow spider by @Akvagrim_sbor
- 3D Realistic Spider by Elodie Ternois
Vampire face paint
Vampires are not just for adults; kids can be pint-sized Draculas too. Sharp fangs, pale skin, and a cape will make them look positively fearsome! Or paint an animated Dracula for a fun twist on a classic.
Witch face paint
Conjure up some Halloween magic with witch-themed face paint. Whether you’re looking for cute or wicked, face paint is a wonderful way to dress up any witch costume!
Want more witchy designs? Our cobweb queen and spider princess section has great looks that double well as witch face paint too!
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More Witch face paint videot tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Easy Witch scene by Emily Jayne FX
- Witches cauldron Halloween design by Ana Claudia Parisotto de Moraes
- Witch Halloween scene design by Ana Claudia Parisotto de Moraes
- Wicked Witch by Fairy Fox Designs
Zombie face paint
Whether you go for green and cartoony or something more gruesome, zombies are a pop culture favorite! This is another wonderful offering to get older kids involved in the fun! Check out these zombie face paint ideas for some truly frightful transformations.
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Halloween Face Paint for Adults
Halloween face paint for adults is a time to embrace your inner creativity and indulge in more complex and sophisticated designs. These designs often feature more detailed and intricate elements that can make your Halloween costume truly stand out. From classic characters to terrifying horrors and seductive creatures, the options are endless.
Alien face paint for adults
Unleash your inner extraterrestrial with an otherworldly alien face paint. Shading can add wonderful dimension even for a simple design. Alien face paint is a great option if you want to play around with body art optical illusions!
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More Alien face paint video tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- The Orville glam alien by Lauren Ward
- 3D Illusion Alien face paint by @cedoviste
- Beginner-friendly Alien by Anna Grace
- Glam Alien tutorial in French with English subtitles by MarionCameleon
Cat face paint for adults
Transform into a sleek and mysterious feline with a cat-themed face paint. Whiskers, a cute button nose, and dramatic eyes are all you need for this classic Halloween look, but you can make it even more wow by creating a dynamic base.
Lots of these cat face paint designs for adults pair well with cat ears.
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Other Cat-Themed face paint Tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Catwoman by Maritza Alis
- Cheshire Cat by Lauren Ward
- Easy Leopard by Olga Murasev
- Realistic Lion Makeup by Olga Murasev
- For more cat face paint tutorials and ideas you may love, check out the kids section above!
Cobwebs, Flowers & Spiders face paint for adults
For those who appreciate nature, cobwebs, flowers, and spiders can be combined to create a hauntingly beautiful face paint design. It’s both spooky and elegant.
More Cobweb, Flower, & Spider face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Halloween Butterfly by BlingManiaBling
- Fall Leaves crown by Lisa Joy Young
- Quick little cobweb by Andrea K.
- You can view even more great ideas in the Cobweb Queen kids section.
Popular Characters face paint for adult costumes
Here are some of the most popular characters for adult face paint costumes every year! These characters are so fun to embody and face paint is essential to get the look.
Harley Quinn face paint
Get into the spirit of chaos with a Harley Quinn-inspired face paint. Red, blue, white, and black are all the colors you need for these designs, though it can be fun to trade red in for a neon pink or magenta.
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Joker face paint
The Joker face paint gets redesigned with every new actor who plays him, so there are many ways to style this insanel popular character face paint!
Jack Skellington and Corpse Bride from The Nightmare Before Christmas face paint
Bring Tim Burton’s magic to life with face paint inspired by these beloved characters. Whether you choose the Pumpkin King, the ethereal Corpse Bride, or both you’re sure to captivate.
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More Nightmare Before Christmas face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Jack Skellington face paint illusion by Ruby Mitchell
- Half Sally / Half Jack face paint by Drew
- Jack Skellington face and body paint by Lia Spragg
Clown & IT Pennywise face paint for adults
Clowns are always a popular design for Halloween, and a colorful clown can also be quite striking.
Take a trip to the circus of nightmares with a Pennywise or evil clown face paint. Blood-red accents and that infamous grin will send shivers down spines.
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Other Clown face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Pennywise face and body paint by Janani
- Sexy scary Clown tutorial by Tina Kosnik
- Clown illusion tutorial by Ivona Velicu
Fairy & Elf face paint for adults
For a touch of enchantment, go for a fairy or elf face paint. Sparkles, contour, and whimsical colors will make you look like you stepped out of a fairy tale.
More Fairy & Elf face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
Ghost & Ghost Bride face paint for adults
If you prefer a more classic Halloween look, consider the ghostly face of a ghost bride. Pale complexion, flowing veils, and dead eyes will do the trick.
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More Ghost tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Victorian Ghost Bride by Formidable Artistry
- Easy Last Minute Ghost Tutorial by Loepsie
- Easy Ghost Bride by KD Alchemy
Glamoween face paint
For those who want to blend glamour with the macabre, glamoween is the way to go. Sparkling skulls, smoky eyes, and glittering details will make you shine on Halloween night.
More Glamoween face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Mermaid Scale ripped skin by Milena Potekhina
- Glam Zombie by NikkieTutorials
- Glam Joker by Victoria Lyn
- Bling Pearl Skull Queen by Jayn Jeffries Entertainment
Vampire & Sexy Vampire face paint for adults
Vampires never go out of style. Whether you opt for the classic Dracula look or a seductive vampire, sharp fangs and deep, dark eyes are essential.
More Vampire and Glampire face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- 2 Vampire makeup looks in 1 tutorial by Maryam Maquillage
- Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired face paint tutorial by Lisa Joy Young
- Vampire Quick Tutorial by Michelle Mendoza
Witch & Sexy Witch face paint for adults
Channel your inner sorceress with a bewitching witch face paint. Whether you prefer the classic or a more alluring version, a pointed hat and a cauldron are optional.
More Witch face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Wicked Witch Gnarly by Shonagh Scott
- Sexy Green Witch face paint by Make-Up By Meklaina
- Dark Witch Livkae
Zombie face paint for adults
For a truly frightful transformation, turn your adult self into a gruesome zombie. Greyed-out skin, hollow eyes, and tattered clothing will have you ready for the zombie apocalypse.
Prefer the pop-art style of zombie? Colorful zombie face paint for adults is a great mix of playful and spooky. Body paint optional, but definitely gonna be a winner for the Halloween costume contest!
Love the cartoony style of Zombie? Then you’re going to LOVE this colorful and creepy Halloween Zombie face paint tutorial by Elodie Ternois!
More Zombie face paint on Youtube and Instagram:
- Pop Art Zombie by Glam&Gore
- SFX Zombie by Josalyn Andromeda MUA
- Green zombie skull and brains face paint tutorial by @Faceescapefacepainting
No matter your age, Halloween face paint is a fun and creative way to transform yourself into something spooky, enchanting, or even a little bit silly. So, gather your paints, brushes, and imagination, and get ready to make this Halloween a truly unforgettable one with these fantastic face paint ideas! Happy haunting!
Want even more Halloween Face Paint Ideas?? Our Ultimate Face Paint Inspiration Guide has a whole section each on Kid and Adult Halloween designs! There are ideas you haven’t seen yet. Be sure to check it out and discover hundreds of great face paint designs for every time of year!
Sugar Skull/Catrina face paint for Day of the Dead
Sugar Skull (also called Catrina) face paint is not a Halloween face paint design like many mistake it for. It is for Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on Nov. 1 & 2. It is a unique and colorful tradition that celebrates the memory of loved ones.
Because the holidays are so close together, we recommend that you practice both designs for both Día de los Muertos and Halloween early in the fall season so you’re prepared to help your clients celebrate whatever holiday they’re preparing for.
If Day of the Dead is not celebrated in your region of the world, you can still stick around to enjoy this exquisite artwork! This style of face paint is characterized by intricate and vibrant designs that symbolize the cycle of life and death, often with flowers. It’s a beautiful way to honor this Mexican holiday.
Sugar Skull/Catrina face paint for Women
Ladies, don’t miss the opportunity to adorn your face with stunning Day of the Dead-inspired face paint. Roses, skulls, and vibrant hues will make you a vision of beauty.
More Day of the Dead Sugar skull face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Autumn leaves Sugar Skull by Lisa Joy Young
- Catrina Body Painting by Claire Dim
- Sunset colors glam Sugar Skull by LoLo Love
Sugar Skull face paint for Men
Men can embrace the intricate and colorful designs of the Day of the Dead with sugar skull face paint. Shading and contour are key to these stunning looks. Don’t be afraid to use flowers in men’s designs as well because they are a very important symbol of what is being honored during the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Sugar Skull face paint for Couples
If you’re fortunate enough to help a couple prepare for their Day of the Dead celebration, matching face paint is a really beautiful option for a special offering. Shawna Del Real and Ronnie Mena are a face-painting extraordinaire team from LA who are a great source of inspiration for Día de los Muertos makeup.
Sugar Skull face paint for Kids
The Day of the Dead is a whole family gathering, much like a family reunion, and little ones will definitely want to join in the face painting fun. Bright colors and floral patterns with skull elements help honor this celebration of both life and death.
More Sugar Skull face paint tutorials on Youtube and Instagram:
- Sugar Skull by @ana_pintaa
- Baby Sugar Skull tutorial by Ana Lingis
- Beginners Sugar Skull face paint tutorial by Ashlea Henson
We hope you feel more prepared for the fall season and all the fun celebrations you will be a part of this year! Of course, inspiration is only one portion of preparation.
You will also need to get the best tools to create these epic looks, learn the techniques essential to good face paint, and to practice, practice, practice.
Our Professional Course can take even never-painted-before students and turn them into glowing professional artists. You can enroll and learn more about becoming a certified professional face painter now!
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