Halloween is nearly upon us, and whether you're congregating for a synced horror film night with friends, or hosting a halloween party, a next-level make-up look is a must. Forget pumpkin suits and papier-mache head gear; all you really need to look the part is an Instagram post to emulate and some clever make-up buys.
We've scoured just about every corner of Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok and pulled together the best Halloween make-up inspiration that 2023 has to offer, meaning you can plan your look well ahead of schedule. Whether you're feeling ambitious and fancy trying your hand at something intricate and TikTok-worthy, or you'd prefer to play it safe with a new take on the cat costume you revive every year, we've got you covered.
Prepare to get acquainted with the most mesmerising and double-take inducing Halloween make-up looks to hit our social media feeds this year. Whether it's Queen Charlotte, Barbie or Daisy Jones, there's bound to be something for everyone.
Browse: Our Pick Of The Best Halloween Looks To Copy This Year
Daisy Jones
If, like us, you were enthralled by Riley Keough's portrayal of Daisy Jones then Halloween makes for the perfect excuse to tap into some 70s make-up.
Queen Charlotte
Queen Charlotte make-up? Indisputably chic. Opt for a warm blush, and feathery lashes. Halloween never looked so glam.
Wednesday Addams
Grab your best centre-parting comb and gel, slick back your hair and braid two pigtails to begin the base of your best Wednesday Addams look.
Pennywise Glam
Somehow, Pennywise can be glamified too. Take your favourite matte red lipstick and Ben Nye's Thick Blood TB1, £9.95, to recreate this stunning take on the horrific clown in time for Halloween.
Halloween Meets The Little Mermaid
Disney's live action The Little Mermaid has sent us into a spin - make-up looks inspired by Ariel are flooding our feeds. Make sure to make the most of shimmering blue and purple hues to channel aquatic glamour.
Hocus Pocus Reimagined
When news of Hocus Pocus 2 came to light, the masses collectively squealed with pure joy. Those Hocus Pocus make-up looks are enduring, and - from the previews we've seen so far - this year's brand new takes aren't likely to disappoint.
Barbie Core Beauty
Maintain all the glitz and glam with this recreation of the iconic Barbie look. We can all be one-step closer to looking like Margot Robbie if you line up your best blonde wig, glossy pink lips and pink lids.
Devil Barbie
Forget basic Barbie this Halloween - in 2023 opt for the ultimate good-girl gone-bad look. Enter Devil Barbie. Grab your blonde wig, a red-toned palette and you're good to go.
A Touch Of Squid Game
Squ_id Game_ caused a sensation on Netflix a couple of years ago and there's no denying that its Halloween levels of creepy. This clever makeup look copies the words on the signature Squid Game card - all participants in the game are given one when they first join. This look is strangely chic, and won't take you hours to complete, either.
Florence Pugh Made Me Do It
Ok, you'll need the May Queen outfit, but the make-up here (emulating Florence Pugh as the May Queen in Midsommar) is spot on. This TikToker has nailed Pugh's look, right down to the high blush placement.
Make Like Cruella
The most sophisticated Cruella you ever did see? We think so. Remember to get a root touch-up spray (in silver, black or both) for an easy, temporary hair colour change.
Poison Ivy Gets A 2023 Update
Ok, not the scariest, but perhaps the prettiest? Go for a blown out smoky eye and incorporate some green; run your darkest blusher across your eyebrows for some red, and add some foliage to complete the Poison Ivy look.
A Mean Girls Moment
This Mean Girls look is terrifyingly cute. It's also, probably, the most practical. Chances are, you've got these shades lying around in your make-up bag already. No last minute trips to Boots necessary.
Catty Queen
If Jared Leto's Choupette costume at the 2023 Met Gala wasn't enough to inspire a cat Halloween look? Then we don't know what will. Consider this the perfect excuse to purr-fect your look.
Browse: More Of The Best Halloween Make-Up Ideas For 2023
The Best Halloween Makeup Ideas 2023
1 of 11Burned Alive
@cakedbykelsey's make-up masterpieces are inspired, and this look is no exception. Easy to achieve, humorous and effective - it's everyone's worst nightmare right? View @cakedbykelsey's Instagram profile here.
2 of 11Face Mask
The creepiest representation of a face mask we've seen. Created by @mimles on Instagram, this one requires incredible make-up skills and we can't stop gawping at the results. Visit @mimles Instagram profile here.
3 of 11Daisy Jones Makeup
Talented @liz.draw shows off three stunning Dasiy Jones inspired make-up looks. The best part? The more smudged out and imperfect, the better.
4 of 11Bat Girl Babe
Make-up artist Ciara McKeown proves that a simple make-up look can really deliver. We're obsessed with this Bat Girl Look which, although requires a steady hand, is relatively simple to recreate.
5 of 11Pamper Time
OK, fine. This is not remotely scary, but we're beauty journalists, so this one had us at hello. Follow the creator @cakedbykelsey on Instagram, here.
6 of 11Refreshment, anyone?
Halloween could be the perfect excuse to tap into special effects make-up. This gory look by Sarah Bee ticks serious spooky boxes.
7 of 11Zoom Face
Seeing the Zoom logo is enough to take us back to the horror that was 2020 - it's still pretty scary in 2023. Let's be real. @cakedbykelsey strikes again; check out her Instagram profile here.
8 of 11Tiger King
Joe Exotic's legacy will never die. Take your cue from @abbyroberts and transform yourself into the Tiger King this Halloween.
9 of 11Violet Beauregarde
To recreate Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (before she turns into a giant blueberry), experiment with pink and purple pigments. Visit @thelittlebarbie for a breakdown of the look here.
10 of 11Bridgerton Beauty
@clara.slays taps into the Bridgeton trend. Whether you're Kate, Daphne or Queen Charlotte girly, you can't go wrong with the adornment of pearls and delicate lace.
11 of 11She Devil
Get ready to impress with this beautiful devil creation from make-up artist Lisa Potter Dixon. To recreate the look, follow her tutorial on YouTube. She'll talk you through step-by-step on how to perfect the devil - it may take a little while to master, but the results are SO worth it.
Main image credit: Instagram @Liz.Draw, @sarahhhhh5 @ciaciaxo and @clara.slays