Halloween is right round the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about your costume and Halloween makeup. We’re invested. For many beauty lovers, Halloween is the makeup highlight of the year. It’s the main occasion where it’s permissible (coughs, preferable) to decorate our faces with clever designs, special effects and layers of face paint. That said, there are plenty of low-lift ways to nod to spooky season with little details and wearable themes. Whether you want your Halloween makeup to be creepy, gory and covered with fake blood, or cutesy and adorable, we’ve got all the inspiration you need.
As for what’s trending for 2026? Look to pop-culture moments. Toy Story gave us a fifth film, complete with an original soundtrack from Taylor Swift. The Odyssey gave us some gorgeous mythological method dressing. And our obsession with all things nineties and noughties continues. Elsewhere, the classics like vampire, witch and siren makeup continue to headline.
The biggest Halloween makeup trends for 2026…
Check out the top trending 2026 halloween makeup inspo below.
Jessie from Toy Story
So easy to execute, but so cute, too, we love a Jessie The Cowgirl look for Halloween. Braid your hair into pigtails, order a cowgirl hat off amazon and go heavy on your lashes and blush. Add freckles for extra effect.