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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial [Day Of The Dead Makeup]

Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial [Day Of The Dead Makeup]

October 12, 2014 by Elizabeth Dooley

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Here is a step-by-step Day of the Dead makeup tutorial. Día de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that starts on October 31st and ends November 2nd. This is a holiday that celebrates the lives of friends and family who have died. In Mexican culture, the sugar skull is a traditional symbol of this holiday along with the marigold flower. One should always remember to treat holiday traditions with respect. If you plan on celebrating Dia de Los Muertos this year, then this sugar skull makeup tutorial is for you!

Step By Step Instructions For Dia de Los Muertos Makeup

sugar skull makeup

I hope you enjoy this day of the dead makeup tutorial. It guides you through creating the iconic sugar skull look, with intricate designs and vibrant colors symbolizing life and remembrance. It covers steps like creating a white base, adding colorful accents, and drawing detailed patterns to reflect the beauty and spirit of the Día de los Muertos tradition. Embrace this Mexican tradition and the holiday’s celebratory style. Here’s what you need in your makeup bag.

Day Of The Dead Makeup Look Supplies:

  • White base/ liner/ grease paint/ face paint / cream makeup
  • White or translucent powder
  • Black grease paint/ face paint/ theatrical makeup
  • Black eyeliner pencil or liquid eyeliner
  • Red eyeshadow (or red lipstick)
  • Black eyeshadow
  • Metallic copper eyeshadow
  • Rhinestones optional
  • Flower crown
  • Makeup brush/paint brushes

Instructions For Easy Sugar Skull Makeup (Dia de Los Muertos Makeup)

  1. Start by outlining the areas you will be hallowing out or covering in black. This is usually the eye sockets, hallows of the cheeks, nose, and temples.
  2. Using a white base, grease paint, face paint or liner, color the surrounding areas. I personally used a jumbo white liner and a buffing brush in circular motions to smooth it out.
  3. You will want to set the makeup so it does not smudge and will last through the night so use a white powder or translucent powder all over the face. I used a translucent powder to set it.
white Makeup foundation
Outline, color in and set!

4. Next, use your black grease paint, face paint or liner to draw black lines. Then, fill in the hallow areas.

5. To set the black use a black eyeshadow. Use dabbing motions to pack the shadow on the area.

Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial
Fill in the hallowed areas and set!

6. Using a black eyeliner sketch out patterns on the forehead, chin, around the eyes and on the cheeks (optional). Vertical lines on the lips can be used to create the look of teeth in a skull.

Dia de Los Muertos Makeup Tutorial
Add detail and design!

Pretty Day Of The Dead Makeup-

These steps add details and color to give the makeup a pretty element.

7. Use the red eyeshadow to fill in your chin and around the eyes. You can use a different color or a variety of colors. I chose red to match my hair.

8. If your details get lost after you apply shadow just go over the lines with a black eyeliner or a black gel liner.

9. Next, outline your nose, cheeks and add detail to your eyes, forehead and chin using a metallic cream eyeshadow. I chose copper, but feel free to use any color or even skip this step.

Dia de Los Muertos Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial
Fill in your detail with color!

10. This step is optional but feel free to use rhinestones in your look as well. They would look great around the eyes, eyebrows, and the forehead.

Finally, put on your costume and don’t forget your flower crown! Flower crowns made with marigolds are a popular choice and they symbolize the impermanence and fragility of life. According to LoveToKnow, the marigold’s “bright colors are believed to guide the souls of the departed back to Earth for this one day of participating in food, drink, and celebration with living family members.”

Have fun and enjoy this Mexican celebration of ancestors!

day of the dead makeup
Dia de Los Muertos Sugar Skull Makeup

Conclusion

Creating your own Day of the Dead makeup is a meaningful way to honor loved ones and connect with this rich cultural tradition. By designing and applying your makeup, you can express personal stories, memories, and respect for those who have passed, while also embracing the beauty and symbolism of Día de los Muertos. This DIY approach allows for creativity and individuality, making the experience both personal and fulfilling. Plus, doing your own makeup brings an authentic touch to the celebration, letting you fully immerse yourself in the spirit of remembrance and joy that defines the holiday.

Do you celebrate Dia de Los Muertos? Would you use this sugar skull makeup tutorial? If you do try these easy Day of the Dead Makeup ideas, be sure to show us your creation on social media @familyfocusblog!

Related Posts:

Ideas For Celebrating Cinco de Mayo With Kids

Easy Comic Book Makeup Tutorial

Day Of The Dead Recipes

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Sikora says

    October 15, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Thanks for the Day of the Dead makeup tutorial. Your Mexican festival skull looks super scary and cool!

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