Halloween How-To
ask an expert: halloween makeup ideascanada
(Oct.30.09)
I am so sick of spending a fortune on Halloween costumes! Do you have any ideas that I can create using regular makeup and basic clothing?
Jennifer S. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and MAC Makeup Artist Melissa Gibson, answered:
It’s that time of year again when we're trying desperately to figure out what we're going to be for Halloween. This has been such a fantastic year in pop culture that the references are overwhelming.
My number one suggestion is Lady Gaga! She alone can conjure up a multitude of images. She's fun, quirky and sexy all at the same time. Grab a palette with a variety of purples and go nuts with the colour. Anything goes with Lady Gaga so go with a highly glamorous look. Keep one eye blank. Try lightening your brows with concealer first for added impact. On the blank eye, copy the Ace of Hearts from a deck of cards. Use a liquid eyeliner for added precision and for any designs in the eye area. Don’t forget the nails! Use a shiny nail polish (something that will really make your nails pop)! Try a metallic silver or gold.
If you’re looking for something a little tamer this Halloween, get into the 60’s vibe of the ladies from Mad Men. They are stunning, sexy and easy to emulate. Start with flawless skin and concentrate on a thin black liner across the top of the eye. Again, liquid liner is perfect for this. Add lashes, of course! Choose a style that is suited to your eye shape. Finish with the hottest, boldest fuchsia red lipstick! Perfect for Halloween!
Tips and Tricks
Scarring: You can use a lipliner in a dark skin colour (try MAC lip liner in OAK) and use eyelash adhesive to draw a line over top to give it some shine and dimension (as most scars have).
Blood: Blood spatter can be created with a red gloss (and won't come off like costume blood!)
Melissa Gibson is a Senior Makeup Artist with MAC cosmetics, and has been with the company for over 16 years. Within her first year, she moved from working at the counter to a Creative Artist, and has worked with countless celebrities since then, from Cher to Tilda Swinton.
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy: