How to Apply Witch Makeup

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Broomsticks, pointy hats, black cats and big noses: there’s no costume more timeless and classic than a witch. But even more important than her famous accessories, the modern-day witch completes her spooky ensemble with some fierce makeup. Whether you want to go green and ghoulish, subtle and sexy, or something in between, there’s a wicked witch look out there that will have you practically cackling with glee.

1 Tie back your hair. You want a green face, not green hair! Pull it back in a ponytail and tuck it behind your ears. For even more security, slip a wig cap over your head.^[1]
2 Set a base layer of face primer and foundation for a less spooky look. For a sexier, less-green witch, grab primer and foundation in your natural skin color, or go a couple shades lighter to maintain a ghoulish feel.^[2]
- Rub on your primer, then dab foundation on your face and blend it out with a brush, extending down and blending with the skin on your upper neck.
- Using your fingers, rub concealer under your eyes or on any spots, then brush on some powder to help the makeup set.
3 Contour your face subtly for a hollowed look. Brush a brown or tan color along the tops of your cheek bones and the edges of your jaw with a makeup brush and blend it carefully. Use a thinner brush along the ridges of your noise. Highlight the tops of your cheekbones and the tip of your nose with a light brown or white eyeshadow to get a 3-D effect.^[3]
- Your eyes will be pretty dramatic, so you can either keep the contouring subtle or use it to enhance the witchy look even more.
Paint your face and neck with green face paint for a spooky look.

4 Buy face paint at your local costume store or makeup boutique. Mix a darker shade with some white for a less intense color, or ramp up the impact with a neon or lime green. If you have very sensitive skin, consider applying a thin base layer of natural makeup under your green face paint so your skin doesn’t become irritated.^[4]
- Squeeze some paint onto a palette or paper plate and use a soft makeup sponge to dab it onto your face, blending as you go.
- Apply it as close as you can to your hairline, onto your ears if they’ll be exposed, and down your neck and chest to meet the neckline of your dress or shirt. Leave your eyelids bare, since you’ll be doing a smoky eye look later.
- Dab away…