Halloween season is upon us, and I for one couldn't be more excited. October 31 is the only day of the year where it's socially acceptable to walk around looking completely, outrageously ridiculous, and I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity.

One of the best parts of a really great costume is the makeup--you get to try things out that you wouldn't normally. That neon pink lipstick you bought on a whim? Perfect for an '80's girl look. The black eyeshadow you're always afraid will look too crazy? Be a vampire!

Here are some great tutorials from the beauty gurus of YouTube to get you started. 

1. Sugar Skull

Stylized skulls, nicknamed "sugar skulls," are part of a Mexican Day of the Dead tradition. I'm a little obsessed--the look is creepy and satisfyingly Halloween-y, but still cute and girly. Finish off the look with a floral hairpiece and a cute dress.

 

2. A Less Ambitious Skeleton

This girl shows you how to get a much easier, but still cute, version of the skull/skeleton look, and also gives a great idea for a costume--cut some ribs into a simple black dress and you're done.

 

3. Mummy

All you need is some face paint and toilet paper. I had a hard time choosing which of this costume makeup artist's videos to feature--she's funny and energetic, and offers unique and thorough tutorials. 

 

4. Marie Antoinette

Really just an excuse to wear a poufy dress and walk around eating cake.

 

5. Roy Lichtenstein Painting

How creative is this! Apparently not as creative as I originally thought, because there are several popular video tutorials of how to achieve a comic book-style look. It's still pretty cool, through, and guaranteed to generate some interesting conversations when you have to explain what you are to people who aren't as cultured as you.

 

6. Gatsby Girl

This year, the 1920's had a huge moment thanks to The Great Gatsby movie and the fashion industry. Carry on the trend in an elegant way with these easy-to-folllow hair and makeup ideas. 

 

7. Marilyn Monroe/Skull

Take a classic "sexy" costume and turn it into something way more interesting--think of it as the happy medium between Karen Smith's mouse and Cady Heron's corpse bride.

 

8. Black Swan

Disclaimer: I have no idea WHAT this chick is doing for the first two minutes of the video. It's some kind of weird seductive/interpretive dance...really strange, slightly entertaining. Anyway. Out of all the Black Swan eye makeup looks out there, this one is the prettiest and easiest to copy with makeup you probably already have. 

 

9. Cheshire Cat

This girl does character-themed tutorials for beautiful, artistic eye makeup. If you don't want to go all out with your look, try doing something fun on the eyes and leaving the rest of the face simple.

Some of these looks are a little intimidating at first, so make time for a practice session the day before your big event. Get dressed before you do your hair and makeup, or wear a button-down shirt, to avoid messing up your hard work when you put on your costume. And don't forget to wear waterproof mascara and set your face with a spray like this one from NYX--there's nothing worse than catching yourself in a mirror and realizing all your makeup has melted off. 

Happy painting!

Reach Staff Reporter Gigi Gastevic by email here.