Move over, other seasons—fall reigns supreme, especially when Pumpkin Spice Latte season rolls around! It’s the season of cozy fashion, like stylish fall jackets, and festive activities. But one of the most cherished holidays during this time is Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead. Beginning on November 1st and continuing into the early hours of November 2nd, this celebration honors the memories of departed loved ones. Families build beautiful altars, decorate with marigolds, and incorporate intricate makeup looks that take weeks to perfect. So, if you want to participate, it’s time to start planning your Day of the Dead makeup to honor this rich tradition.
The Importance of Respecting Día de los Muertos
Before diving into the world of makeup, it’s essential to understand that Día de los Muertos is not synonymous with Halloween. These two holidays serve very different purposes. Día de los Muertos is a cultural celebration to honor the dead, while Halloween is more about costumes and spooky fun. If you’re here for Halloween inspiration, this isn’t the right fit. But if you’re interested in learning about the best Day of the Dead makeup ideas and how to respectfully incorporate them into your celebration, you’re in the right place.
To guide us on this journey, we have insights from Mexican-American artist Judith Bautista, also known as Kahlovera, who specializes in Día de los Muertos makeup, and LA-based designer Lily Martinez, who creates Day of the Dead-inspired looks all year long.
The Meaning Behind Day of the Dead Makeup
The art of Día de los Muertos makeup carries deep significance. According to Bautista, the holiday is about welcoming the spirits of your loved ones back to the world of the living. “It’s a day to honor your ancestors with altars filled with their favorite items, foods, and memories,” Bautista explains. Central to the celebrations are skull designs that hold cultural meaning.
Types of Day of the Dead Makeup:
- Calavera: A traditional skull.
- Sugar Skull: A decorative skull made from sugar, used to adorn altars.
- La Catrina: The opulent, flower-adorned skull makeup, often associated with the holiday and rooted in the artwork of José Guadalupe Posada.
Posada’s La Calavera Catrina depicted a skeleton woman adorned in luxurious attire, symbolizing that, no matter how refined or sophisticated, we are all the same in death.
Can Anyone Wear Día de los Muertos Makeup?
If you’re asking yourself whether you can wear Day of the Dead makeup, the answer depends on your understanding and respect for the tradition. Both Bautista and Martinez emphasize that it’s essential to know the cultural meaning behind the makeup and the holiday itself. “Anyone can participate as long as they are honoring the people they’ve lost,” says Martinez. Bautista adds, “It’s about paying tribute to deceased loved ones, a concept that resonates with people across cultures. The key is respecting the roots of the tradition.”
In short, Día de los Muertos is about honoring the lives of those who have passed, and it should not be confused with or tied into Halloween.
Essentials for Creating Día de los Muertos Makeup
You don’t need an entire makeup arsenal to create a stunning Día de los Muertos look. Start with a long-lasting foundation in the lightest shade you can find. For a true skull-like appearance, Martinez recommends mixing in white face paint, but only use high-quality, water-based products to avoid cracking. To create sharp details, opt for a professional eyeliner or a water-activated paint palette, and use eyelash glue to apply embellishments like gems. For a glamorous touch, add glitter eyeshadow to make your makeup truly stand out.
How to Apply Día de los Muertos Makeup
Sticking with traditional elements like skulls, flowers, and vibrant colors is a great way to keep your Day of the Dead look authentic. While creative interpretations are welcome, remember that the makeup is not about fear or horror—it’s a celebration of life. “Avoid mixing it with Halloween or anything gory,” Martinez advises. “This is about honoring life, even if the souls are in another realm.”
20+ Stunning Day of the Dead Makeup Ideas
Bejeweled Día de los Muertos Makeup
Jewels + Personalized Elements + Floral Accents
Customize your Día de los Muertos look with colorful jewels and floral accents that represent the person you’re honoring. Incorporate your loved one’s favorite colors or flowers into the design for a deeply personal and meaningful makeup style. This look combines creativity with respect for tradition.
Simple Día de los Muertos Makeup
White Eyeliner + Magenta Lipstick + Minimalistic Approach
For a more understated and elegant look, try a simple Día de los Muertos makeup design. You can achieve this style with minimal colors—white eyeliner for the skull details and a bold magenta lipstick for a pop of color. It’s perfect for those who prefer a sweet, uncomplicated vibe.
Butterfly Día de los Muertos Makeup
Butterfly Theme + Blue Hues + Elegant Skull Design
This stunning Catrina makeup incorporates a blue butterfly theme, putting a unique twist on the classic skull. Whether you stick to shades of blue or customize the colors, this look is ethereal and vibrant, with butterfly details that add an extra layer of beauty to the traditional design.
Embellished Día de los Muertos Makeup
Decals + Pink Eyeshadow + Detailed Eye Design
Bring your Día de los Muertos look to the next level with intricate embellishments. This makeup focuses on beautifully placed decals around the eyes and nose, adding dimension and artistry. A touch of pink eyeshadow enhances the soft, feminine side of this traditionally bold style.
Warm-Toned Día de los Muertos Makeup
Pink and Orange Palette + Gold Embellishments + Radiant Design
Choose two warm colors like pink and orange to create a cohesive, radiant Día de los Muertos look. Gold accents highlight the vibrant tones, giving the design a rich, festive feel. This makeup captures the warmth and joy associated with the holiday’s celebration of life and memory.
Colorful Día de los Muertos Makeup
Vibrant Colors + Glitter + Artistic Design
Make a bold statement with this colorful Día de los Muertos look. Incorporate bright shades like orange, green, and blue, and add glitter around the eyes and nose for extra sparkle. This makeup is all about celebrating life with a burst of color and creativity.
Sunflower Día de los Muertos Makeup
Sunflowers + Yellow and Orange Palette + Floral Accents
For those who prefer a more subtle, nature-inspired take on Día de los Muertos makeup, this sunflower-themed look offers a fresh approach. It combines soft yellow and orange tones with floral accents, creating a bright yet simple design. You don’t need to cover your entire face—just focus on key areas for a radiant effect.
Half-Skull Día de los Muertos Makeup
Half-Face Skull + Red Lipstick + Subtle Details
This half-skull makeup design offers a balance between intricate skull details and simple elegance. One side of your face can showcase bold Catrina elements, while the other side remains soft and minimal, featuring winged eyeliner and red lipstick. It’s a great option for those seeking contrast in their look.
Heart-Eyes Día de los Muertos Makeup
Heart Motifs + Pink Palette + Love Theme
This sweet, love-inspired look uses heart motifs and a pink color palette to honor the memory of loved ones. The heart shapes around the eyes add a playful, yet meaningful touch, turning traditional Catrina makeup into a heartfelt celebration of those you’ve lost.
Elaborate Día de los Muertos Makeup
Complex Detailing + Rich Colors + Skilled Techniques
This elaborate Día de los Muertos makeup is not for beginners but promises stunning results for those with makeup skills. Intricate designs, precise line work, and deep color blending are key to achieving this style. Be sure to have the right tools, including a face paint palette and detailing brushes, for the best results.
Soft Día de los Muertos Makeup
Pink and Red Tones + Glitter Accents + Subtle Skull Details
This soft makeup look uses gentle pink and red tones to create a delicate yet striking Día de los Muertos design. The subtle pink highlights on the cheekbones and a hint of glitter on the eyelids give this makeup a romantic, understated beauty. It’s ideal for those who prefer a softer approach.
Floral Día de los Muertos Makeup
Floral Details + Pastel Smokey Eye + Wispy Eyelashes
Incorporate floral elements into your makeup, both on your face and in your hair, for a fresh, feminine take on the traditional skull design. A pastel smokey eye and wispy lashes complete the look, creating a beautiful, nature-inspired Día de los Muertos makeup style.
Chic Día de los Muertos Makeup
Minimalist Skull Design + Red Lipstick + Floral Crown
For a modern, minimal approach, this chic makeup look is simple yet elegant. All you need is liquid eyeliner for clean skull details, red lipstick for a pop of color, and a floral crown to complete the look. It’s a sophisticated option for those who prefer a streamlined design.
Regal Día de los Muertos Makeup
Corn Husk Crown + Mexican Cultural Elements + Rich Colors
This regal makeup combines traditional Mexican elements with a modern flair, such as a crown made of corn husks. Use rich colors and intricate designs to create a majestic, cultural look that honors Día de los Muertos while embracing personal creativity.
Rosy Día de los Muertos Makeup
Rose Theme + Red Palette + Half-Skull Design
Incorporate the beauty of roses into your Día de los Muertos makeup by focusing on shades of red. This half-skull design uses a red palette to create a romantic, floral-inspired look. The rose theme adds a striking and elegant twist to the traditional skull makeup.
Full-Body Día de los Muertos Makeup
White and Black Paint + Full-Body Design + Contouring Techniques
Go all out with a full-body Día de los Muertos look that uses black and white body paint for a complete skeletal design. Contour the cheekbones and eye sockets with powder makeup before adding details to create depth and dimension. This look is bold and dramatic, perfect for those who want maximum impact.
Eye-Catching Día de los Muertos Makeup
Bright Colors + Skull Design + Artistic Eye Makeup
Break away from the typical skull design by using bright, colorful shades to frame the eyes. This artistic interpretation of Día de los Muertos makeup creates a unique look that still reflects the traditional skull elements while adding a pop of color and creativity.
Rhinestone Día de los Muertos Makeup
Rows of Rhinestones + Floral Accents + Glamorous Look
Add extra glam to your Catrina makeup with rows of rhinestones and floral accents. Place rhinestones around the eyes and nose to highlight key areas, and use a jewel-toned color palette for a luxurious finish. This makeup is perfect for those who want a high-glam, eye-catching design.
Marigold Día de los Muertos Makeup
Orange Face Paint + Gold Accents + Marigold Theme
Inspired by the traditional marigold flower, this makeup uses orange and gold tones to create a bright, festive look. The orange face paint serves as the base, while gold accents highlight the eyes and cheeks, capturing the warmth and symbolism of marigolds in Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Flower Petal Día de los Muertos Makeup
Painted Flower Petals + Gold Shimmer + Unique Eye Design
Instead of using jewels, consider painting flower petals around the eyes with gold shimmer pigment. This delicate, floral-inspired design brings a soft, nature-focused twist to the classic skull makeup. Use eyelash glue for small paper petals or paint directly onto the face for a whimsical look.
