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61 easy Halloween face paint ideas

Get ready for Halloween with these easy Halloween face paint ideas! There's ideas for both kids and adults so you can celebrate the spooky season together.

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Published: September 19, 2023 at 2:50 pm

The spooky season is upon us which means trick or treating and a whole lot of parties to attend.

Halloween costumes can be pricey (for some affordable options check out our easy DIY Halloween costumes), which is why we love face paint! Face paint is cheap, quick, and can be used to create a whole range of looks for both Halloween and fancy dress parties beyond.

We've collected a whole bunch of easy Halloween face paint ideas for kids and adults so you can get some spooky inspiration. There's everything from scary skeleton face paint to pretty mermaid looks so you can pick a design based on the level of scare you want to give.

There's also some super cute face paint ideas that can be recreated on both you and your little ones, meaning you can go matching to all your Halloween gatherings. There's some great Halloween face paints sold on Amazon so once you've picked your design all that's left is to choose your Halloween face paint idea and get creative!

If face paint is a little out of your budget don't worry. Lots of these easy Halloween face paint ideas can be recreated using makeup and many of these tutorials show you what products you can use from your makeup bag.

Here's some easy Halloween face paint ideas for both kids and adults…


60 easy Halloween face painting ideas

Halloween face paint ideas for kids

1. Skeleton face paint

skeleton face paint 9

Skeletons are a go-to Halloween face painting idea. Professional face painter Hayley Louise shows you how to recreate her skeleton face paint look in just a few simple steps.


2. Mini ghost face paint

Mini ghost face paint easy Halloween face painting ideas

Heather from Cool Progeny shows you how to paint this mini ghost that's perfect for a more minimal costume. Plus it's one of the easiest Halloween face painting ideas we've seen, it's just a while blob with eyes!


3. Spooky spider face paint

Spooky spider easy Halloween face painting idea

Go green for Halloween with this spooky spider face painting idea by Families Online. Add glitter for some extra sparkle and let your little ones enjoy having a green face!


4. Spiderman face paint

spiderman halloween face painting ideas

Nicola Langridge turned her son into a mini superhero with her Halloween face painting idea. Mini marvel fans will love being transformed into this spider superman.


5. Friendly black cat face paint

Black cat easy Halloween face painting ideas

Face Magic painted these sweet black cats for an easy Halloween face paint idea. Make the glitter underneath match your Halloween costume and top with some kitty ears and a cat tail for a quick make outfit.


6. Pumpkin princess face paint

mini pumpkin easy Halloween face painting ideas

Is it a pumpkin face paint or is it Cinderella's newly transformed carriage? This sweet Halloween face paint idea is simple, pretty and so easy to recreate. Cool Progeny shows you step by step how to paint it.


7. Frankenstein’s monster face paint

Frankenstein’s monster easy Halloween face paint

Dr Frankenstein would be proud of this recreation of his monster! This easy face painting idea by Good to Know is the whole costume just pair with a dark green T-shirt and the Halloween costume is complete.


8. Werewolf face paint

Werewolf face paint

JoJos Face Painting is the queen of easy Halloween face paint ideas. Pop a shaggy coat on your little one and then paint this werewolf design onto their face for a quick costume.


9. Mummy face paint

Mummy face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Leave the toilet roll in the bathroom and make a mummy look using just face paint. Snazaroo shows you exactly how to recreate this look step by step on their blog.


10. Scarecrow face paint

scarecrow face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Easy and oh so cute! @jennysuemakeup talks you through how to do scarecrow face paint for Halloween on her Instagram. She's even got a version for adults too so you can match your mini-me.


11. Sparkly spider web face paint

Sparkly spider web face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

This easy Halloween face paint idea is by Best Face Art and we love it! It's perfect for little ones who don't want paint all over their face and who want to match with mum or dad.


12. Zombie face paint

easy Halloween face paint ideas

ia_64's photo gallery has loads of easy Halloween face paint ideas including this zombie look! A few fake scars, black eyes and red paint will do the job in 10 minutes and turn your kid into a member of the walking dead.


13. Mini sugar skull face paint

Mini Day of the Dead masks easy face paint ideas

If your kids love Disney's Coco then they'll love this easy Halloween face paint idea. BigKnell captured these cuties and we think you can easily recreate the look using just this photo and some coloured face paints.


14. Dog face paint

dog face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Dress up as man's best friend this Halloween with Snazaroo's Halloween face paint tutorial.


15. Cat face paint

cat facepaint main

Cat costumes are one of the easiest Halloween costumes to make. All you need is some cat face paint, a black top and some black leggings or tights! You can even add a tail to complete the look.


16. Clown face paint

Child Clown easy Halloween face paint ideas

Whether you're scared of clowns or love them you can't deny they make for a super easy Halloween costume. Pop a curly wig and red nose on your little one and you've got an instant outfit. This little clown was captured by Adicc.


17. Crocodile face paint

Crocodile face paint easy Halloween face painting ideas

Snazroo has loads of easy Halloween face painting ideas on their blog. Feisty kids will love being turned into a snapping crocodile! Use their step-by-step tutorial to recreate on your little monster.


18. Pirate face paint

Pirate face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Turn your kids into swashbuckling pirates with some black face paint. Draw a moustache and beard (you could add black around the eyes and scars too for a Jack Sparrow look) and they're ready to sail the seven seas.


19. Devil face paint

devil face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Turn your kids into little devils just like Mary Monson has. This is an easy Halloween face paint idea which you can do just before trick or treating.


20. Hulk face paint

Hulk face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Some green, white and black face paint and a little creativity and you can turn your kids into the Hulk. We got this easy Halloween face paint idea from ctkidsandfamily.


21. Fox face paint

Fox face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Copy this sweet fox face paint by Axelle and send your little ones to school dressed as Fantastic Mr Fox!


22. Frozen face paint

Frozen face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Turn your little princesses and princes into Elsa with this easy Halloween face paint idea. This simple blue swirl by Fabaroo Faces just needs to be accompanied by a blue dress and plait for a complete Frozen-inspired look.


23. Scary smile face paint

Scary smile face paint
@facepaintfever - https://www.instagram.com/p/CP395-tpqAm/

Expert face painter Holly Lewis uploads tons of easy Halloween face paint ideas on her Instagram. This scary smile is simple to do and can be paired with any costume (doll, clown, or puppet).


24. Panda face paint

Panda face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Easy Halloween face paint doesn't have to be scary! Everyday Chaos & Calm takes you through how to paint a panda face step by step on their blog.


25. Dracula face paint

Vampire face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Become a blood-sucking vampire with Good to Know's Vampire Halloween face paint tutorial.


26. Minecraft face paint

Minecraft face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Kids will love this easy Halloween face paint idea by Enchanted by Christa. Inspired by Minecraft, you can recreate this look with some easy squares and colourful paint.


27. Princess unicorn face paint

Turn your child into a magical unicorn for Halloween using this bewitching tutorial from Silly Heather on YouTube. Their friends will beg you to paint their face too!


28. Butterfly face paint

Butterfly face paint

Make Halloween magical with this beautiful butterfly face paint tutorial by professional face painter Hayley Louise! It's an enchanting look that's easy to recreate at home.


Halloween face paint ideas for adults

29. Day of the dead face paint

Halloween face paint ideas for adults day of the dead

Kleinworth & Co created this amazing day of the dead face paint on her daughter and we just love it. She shows you how to do this easy Halloween face paint over on her blog.


30. Pretty skeleton face paint

easy halloween face painting ideas boho skelton

We love this pretty take on skeleton face paint by @jordzcrazymakeup. It's ideal for those of us who don't want to be too scary for Halloween.


31. Superhero mask face paint

Superhero mask face paint easy Halloween face painting ideas

Kristen from Arts to Crafts used eyeliner to make these easy Halloween face painting ideas which mean they're super affordable to recreate. Choose your favourite superhero, pair with a fabric cape and you're Halloween party-ready.


32. Cool clown face paint

Makeup artist Chrisspy shows you how to make this cool Halloween face paint that's both pretty and scary. Chrisspy has loads of easy Halloween face paint ideas over on her Youtube channel so head over and choose your favourite.


33. Pink Cheetah face paint

Pink Cheetah Face paint easy Halloween face painting ideas

Radiant Art Inspirations has some incredible Halloween face paint ideas on her channel. Add some cheetah ears with this pink cheetah face paint for a fun and cheap Halloween costume.


34. Nightmare Before Christmas face paint

Nightmare before Christmas face paint easy Halloween face painting ideas

Recreate everyone's favourite spooky duo with @ktiemrch's Halloween face paint idea. It's a little tricker than some of the other face paint ideas but the results are amazing!


35. Scar face paint

Become the king of the jungle and everyone's childhood baddie with Ashlea Henson's Youtube video. She shows you how you can turn into Scar from The Lion King with just a lick of paint.


36. Chucky face paint

Chucky face paint Halloween face paint ideas

Everyone's favourite make-up artist is back with another incredible Halloween face paint look. Transform yourself into Chucky Katie March's makeup, some blue dungarees and a big knife.


37. Halloween eye makeup ideas

Halloween eye makeup ideas easy halloween face paint ideas
Image credit: We Heart It

Sometimes an easy Halloween look just needs something on the eyes. Save your face from all the paint and try these decorative eye looks instead. We especially love the ladybird!


38. Vampire face paint

Young vampire woman with long curly hair, pale skin in a white dress on a black background. A beautiful redhead model with red lips. Outfit for halloween. Vampire with open mouth and fangs easy Halloween face paint ideas

With just some white face paint and red lipstick, you can turn yourself into a vampire for Halloween! Photographed by iiievgeniy and really easy to recreate. Halloween outfit sorted.


39. Beetlejuice face paint

Bettlejuice easy Halloween face paint ideas

This Halloween face paint idea is one of Katie March's simpler designs and is perfect for a last-minute outfit. It can be recreated using face paint or just makeup from your stash!


40. Fortune Teller face paint

Tell your friends and family their futures with this fortune teller face paint look. It's an easy Halloween face paint idea that could be used for all different types of fancy dress parties, not just Halloween!


41. Alien face paint

Alien easy Halloween face paint ideas

Shop Priceless shows you how to turn into an alien for Halloween. This easy Halloween face paint idea is super quick to recreate and makes for a great last-minute costume. Just add space buns!


42. Ziggy Stardust face paint

Ziggy Stardust face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Nasty Gal's blog is the place to be for easy Halloween face paint ideas. Follow their step-by-step tutorial and turn yourself into the iconic Ziggy Stardust.


43. Cleopatra face paint

Cleopatra face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Transform into the queen of the Nile this Halloween with Grzee's tutorial. It's an easy Halloween face paint look and perfect if you already have black hair!


44. Mermaid face paint

Mermaid face paint
@itsmonicarose - https://www.instagram.com/p/BHpvCMLB3jf/

Bring the magic to your Halloween party with monicarosemua's beautiful mermaid look. Remove the gridded effect on the cheeks and just blend purple, blue, and green eyeshadows for an even easier recreation.


45. Cute bat face paint

CUTE BAT HALLOWEEN face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

We love this easy Halloween face paint idea by Adjusting Beauty. She shows you how to become a little bat over on her blog.


46. Broken doll face paint

doll face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Head over to Jangsara's blog to learn how to do broken doll face paint. She takes you through the look step by step and uses minimal paints making it really easy to copy.


47. Queen of Hearts face paint

Queen of Hearts face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Turn yourself into the angry Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland this Halloween. You could even turn your little ones into the Bunny and Alice for a family theme. Party Delights shows you how to recreate this easy Halloween face paint over on their blog.


48. Pop Art face paint

Pop face paint easy Halloween face paint ideas

Channel your inner Andy Warhol with Mackarrie's easy Halloween face paint idea. She shows you how to turn yourself into a piece of pop art over on her blog.


49. Dragon face paint

Dragon face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Channel your inner Khaleesi with Radiant Art Inspirations step by step Youtube tutorial. It's Halloween face paint that you won't want to take off.


50. Harley Quinn face paint

Harley Quinn face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Turn yourself into everyone's favourite anti-hero with Glamour's tutorial. They show you how to recreate Harley Quinn's iconic makeup and tattoos using makeup.


51. Elf face paint

Elf face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

Lord of the Rings fans this is the Halloween face paint look for you. Cuckoo 4 Design shows you how to turn yourself into a woodland elf over on her blog.


52. Wednesday Adams face paint

Wednesday Adams face paint easy halloween face paint ideas

A really quick Halloween outfit is Wednesday Adams. Black plaits, a black dress, Madeyewlook Shorts easy Halloween face paint video tutorial and you're done.


53. Fox face paint

Fox make up tutorial
The Wonder Forest - https://www.thewonderforest.com/fox-makeup-halloween-tutorial/

Create some woodland magic this Halloween with this enchanting fox face paint idea from The Wonder Forest. All you'll need is a pair of fox ears to complete your costume!


54. Spellbound witch face paint

Spellbound witch face paint
Cupful of Sprinkles - https://www.cupfulofsprinkles.com/2016/10/31/spellbound-witch/

Looking for a quick Halloween face paint idea? This spellbound witch make up tutorial from Cupful of Sprinkles is just what you need.

It's a speedy way to take a basic witch costume up a notch and get you into the Halloween spirit!


55. Maleficent face paint

Maleficent face paint
Sarah Magic Makeup - https://sarahmagicmakeup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/maleficent-normal-e1512986888950.png

She's the baddest of them all! Maleficent's one of the most recognisable Disney villains thanks to her distinctive style.

Learn how to get the Maleficent face paint effect with Sarah Magic Makeup. She's included a shopping list of all the materials needed to achieve the look, plus a video tutorial to help you recreate Maleficent's magnificent face.


56. Hocus Pocus face paint

Winifred Sanderson face paint
@raydiatebyraychel - https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIxHkYL_PN/?img_index=1

Another iconic Disney antagonist, Winifred Sanderson from Hocus Pocus is one of our favourite fictional witches. Recreate this incredible look by @raydiatebyrachel on Instagram using the products she's shared in her post.


57. Ghost face paint

Spooky ghost makeup
@yaddije - https://www.instagram.com/p/CGYAkGVJ6Q-/?img_index=1

We can't get enough of this spooky ghost makeup look from @yaddije on Instagram. It's an incredibly cute idea and you'll have so much fun painting on all of the little tiny ghosts!


58. Zombie bride face paint

Create a real sense of horror by turning up to your next Halloween party as a zombie bride. This is a simple yet spooky look to create and makeup artist @xofancy provides lots of brilliant tips to help you achieve this chilling style.


59. Cat face paint

If you're looking for a last-minute Halloween costume, you can always come as a cat! It's a classic costume with good reason: it's easy and cheap to pull together and suits most people.

Follow this wonderful tutorial by Lucy Oriole to get the perfect cat face paint look.


60. Masquerade mask face paint

Glam up this Halloween with this intricate masquerade mask face painting tutorial from @makeupmadhouse on YouTube. Decorate your face with this delicate design and then put on your best ballgown – you shall go to the ball!


61. Deer face paint

Deer face paint
@theirontractorfinds - https://www.instagram.com/p/Bax8BmQgF3a/

Finally, we have an easy Halloween face paint idea by the lovely Melissa J Comfort McRae. Turn yourself into a deer for Halloween with a few easy face paints and some black liner.


Get ready for trick or treating with easy Halloween face painting ideas

Painting your face is an inexpensive way to dress up for Halloween – and it can often be cheaper than making, hiring or buying a costume.

Many of the Halloween face painting ideas we've included here can be created using makeup that you already have at home.

Halloween face painting is fun for adults and kids alike, with endless possibilities to explore. You can even match your face paints so you and your little ones look the same. This is a brilliant idea to try if you'd like to make family Halloween costumes.

If you have a well-painted face, you can often make a complete Halloween costume by adding a few small accessories or a simple outfit. You'll be ready for a haunting Halloween celebration in no time.

Prepare for a creepy celebration with Halloween food ideas

Now you've painted your face, you're ready for a Halloween party!

It's not really Halloween without some deliciously spooky treats to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of scary snacks or creepy cakes there's something for everyone in Gathered's pick of the best Halloween food ideas.

Halloween food ideas
iStock/Kseniya Romazanova