One of the most in-demand looks for Halloween 2018? The skull. Classic but always contemporary, there are many ways to wear this trending makeup look. As much as we love the chicness of monochrome, for this skull makeup tutorial we’ve chosen to shake things up, ditching the white and black paints to create something that’s easy, unique and completely Instagramable.

Opting for earthy shades that create scary structure for both men and women, do you dare to try something different this year? Here’s how to do skull Halloween makeup, the alternative way…

The Prep

We say it repeatedly, but prepping your base is one the most important steps for a long-lasting makeup look. Choose a primer that hydrates your skin and smooths over any dry patches for a silky, soft finish ready for makeup application.

Step 1:

First, you need to even your skin tone. To do this, use a touch of concealer or foundation. You don't want full coverage, so just apply the product where needed to get an even base. Focus on the eyes to help improve the vibrancy of the tones you’re about to use whilst locking in your look for longer.

Step 2:

Next, you’ll need to start defining the hollows of the eye socket with a medium contour powder shade and a fluffy brush. Feather this dusty shade through the top of eyebrows in upward strokes towards the temples to create a skeletal eye socket.

Step 3:

Next, go in with a dark contour powder shade. Shade the hollows and shapes you’ve just created. Take this colour down under the lash line to create a deep eye contour. Remember, the messier the better!

Step 4:

Now comes the fun part! Use the same dark contour shade to carve out your cheekbones, ensuring no harsh lines. Blend this contour colour into your jawline and temples to define the structured shape of a skeleton. 

Application tip: Hold your brush to the top of your ear diagonally to find your perfect skeleton cheekbone structure!

Step 5:

It's time for some more sculpting! Start by marking the prominent bones around the face (cheekbones, jawline, and temples) with the dark contour. When you’re happy, go in with a tapered brush in upward buffing motions, blend, blend!

Step 6:

Next, you’ll need to prime your lips. To get the best base for drawing on the shape of teeth, cover your lips with a colour corrector or cream concealer. 

Step 7:

This part looks more tricky than it is! This is where you start to define the teeth with a thin pencil. Here, we used Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in 03 Medium, as its tawny colour and powdery finish allow you to create a natural-looking definition.

Take it to the next level…

To add depth and dimension, it’s time to return to the dark powder contour and start shading. This is what creates the 3D finish that looks exceptionally good on camera! Then apply this colour to all the hollows you’ve created, even around the temples and jawline.

Use the same shade to draw on the bones of the nose for an extra finishing touch. Brush the colour onto the tip and shade upwards along the bridge – then voila, you’re Instagram ready!

The Finished Look

As good as your creation may look, you’ll have to take it off eventually. Start by cleansing your eyes and lips with the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover. Without rubbing or tugging, its bi-phase formula lifts away stubborn makeup in a flash. Next, saturate a cotton pad in Bioderma Sensibio H2O and wipe it all over your skin. Your complexion will instantly feel fresh and clean again.