Face Paint BasicsNo. 5611 · The 2026 edition
Trick or Treat: 8 Easy Step-by-Step Halloween Makeup Tutorials
Transform into a terrifying skeleton with this straightforward guide that walks you through every layer of the look.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at medium.com.
This tutorial breaks down the process of painting a realistic skull face, from laying down the foundation to adding gory details and setting the final result.
Directions
- Start by covering your face and neck with an even layer of white cream using a damp sponge or a flat brush.
- Take black cosmetic paint and carefully trace the contours of your eyes and lips to form a hollow, bone-like structure.
- Enhance the facial structure by painting dark shadows under your cheekbones and around the nasal bridge to create a three-dimensional effect.
- Dab crimson or rose-tinted pigment near the eye sockets and lip line to mimic fresh injuries or exposed tissue.
- Blend a dark brown or maroon shade into the outer borders of the crimson zones using a sponge to achieve a bruised, healing appearance.
- Dot synthetic blood or thick gel onto the crimson patches to heighten the visceral, gruesome aesthetic.
- Lock everything in place by dusting a sheer, colorless powder over the finished design to stop it from transferring and last longer.
- Check your work under daylight conditions and correct any uneven spots before heading out.
