While Halloween makeup is always your best bet for a last-minute or low-maintenance costume, this year it makes more sense than ever to make it the pièce de résistance of your look. With most parties and trick-or-treating canceled—or at least taking place in small groups—cool makeup looks are the perfect way to add a little spooky spirit to your movie night or Zoom gathering, without the stress of throwing together a whole costume. In fact, according to Pinterest, searches for Halloween eye makeup are eight times higher than they were last year, while searches for Halloween hair-color ideas are seven times higher.
Instagram is responsible for most of our inspiration year-round, but it especially comes in clutch for makeup inspiration this time of year. We compiled the best Halloween makeup ideas to hit our feeds over the years, from pop culture moments (hi, Euphoria) to the immaculately detailed, over-the-top Halloween costumes centered around true works for art. We've even got makeup tutorials on classic looks like skeleton makeup, Harley Quinn makeup, and Pop art face paint if you want to give DIY'ing them a try.
If you plan on leaving the house, consider keeping the focus on your eyes or make a face mask part of your costume—we've got plenty of inspo that'll help you safely celebrate. Staying home or keeping it to your immediate bubble? Go all out with a full face, because why not? Whatever your plans, scroll on for the best Halloween makeup looks for 2020.
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