Whether Halloween is your favorite holiday or you can’t wait until the fake cobwebs and Jack-o’-lanterns are packed up for the season, there’s something undeniably special about going all out on the 31st — especially when it comes to costumes. Your kids probably have the idea, the costume, and the props all set, but if you really want to take things to the next level, finish off that look with some easy Halloween face paint ideas. (Don’t worry: We didn’t forget about you. We have some Halloween makeup ideas for adults too.)
Whether your kids want to look like cute, fuzzy animals or one of their favorite characters from movies and TV — or whether your makeup application skills are beginner, intermediate, or expert — we have a look that will inspire you. Just add face paint! If you’re looking for costume ideas from scratch, we can help with that too. These last-minute ideas are useful in a pinch. Or check out these ideas for Halloween costumes for kids, Halloween costumes for toddlers, or Halloween costumes for babies. Also, why not get the whole family together and dress in a group costume? Happy Halloween!
1Fox Face Paint
With just a simple drawn-on nose, ears, and an orange outfit, you’ve found the perfect halloween costume for school.
2Scarecrow Face Paint
Another super easy last minute Halloween face painting idea. To take it a step further, add red circles on the cheeks.
3Avengers Face Paint
Learn how to turn your Tony Stark-fan into Iron Man with this step-by-step tutorial.
4Cat Face Paint
Going as a cat is the go-to easy Halloween costume for both kids and adults — so it only makes since that this tutorial works for both trick-or-treaters and grown-ups.
Get the tutorial »
5Elsa From ‘Frozen’ Face Paint
A crown fit for an ice queen, and all you need to recreate this look at home is white and blue face paint.
6Giraffe Face Paint
Add as many, or as little, spots as you’d like. To go the extra mile, add two loops on top of your head for a really convincing giraffe transformation.
7Sally from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Face Paint
Who knew that this recognizable character was such an easy face painting idea? Start with a light blue base, than add some drawn on black ‘stitches’ and dark blue paint around the eyes.
8Deer Face Paint
Oh deer — only have make-up to use as face paint? With brown and white eye shadows and a black eye-liner pen, you can pull of this convincing deer makeup.
This fun twist on lion face paint lets you show off your drawing skills by showcasing a whole lion (mane and all) instead of just the face.
10Pikachu
Pikachu, I choose you! And with a little yellow, black, red and white face paint (and this tutorial, of course), you can too.
11Mermaid Face Paint
Turn your little one into a little mermaid with this colorful mermaid face paint — bonus points if you add a pearl.
SHOP COLORFUL FACE PAINT
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12Melted Ice Cream Face Paint
14Jack Skellington Face Paint
Your tween-ager will look like he just stepped off the set of The Nightmare Before Christmas with this Jack Skellington face paint, which comes together surprisingly fast.
15Little Red Riding Hood Face Paint
16‘The Incredibles’ Face Paint
17Flames Face Paint
Here’s another way to make a big impact without much makeup — this time using red, yellow and black to create a look that’s sure to light things up.
See more at Marvelous Masks »
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18Cat in the Hat Face Paint
19Minnie Mouse Face Paint
20Pink Butterfly Face Paint
Move over kittens and bunnies, this adorable butterfly will steal the show this Halloween — and you can easily sub in whatever color matches her favorite dress and wings.
See more at Chubby Cheeks Body Art »
21Skull Face Paint
Break out all the colors in your paint box to create this super-cute skull design.
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23Moana-Inspired Face Paint
Make your little one’s Moana costume even cooler with this colorful face paint, complete with a jewel, reminiscent of the Heart of Te Fiti, to top it off.
24Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Face Paint
Switch up the color of the mask to match his favorite Ninja Turtle — and then add some green and black paint to finish off the look, no nun chucks required.
See more at Fanciful Faces »
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25Darling Dracula Face Paint
27Sports Star Face Paint
A favorite jersey paired with this helmet-themed face paint (in team colors, of course!) will definitely score you a big W with your little athlete.
See more at Face Painting by Trudy »
28Flowers Face Paint
A few well-placed petals and a flower — topped off with a jewel in the middle — can add that touch of something special to a sweet fairy costume.