Halloween Makeup for the Beauty Queen

Halloween makeup isn't just for kids; maybe you want to go out on Halloween, or maybe you want to host a Halloween party. Either way, you just can't bear to smother your face in that pore-clogging green cake, or use that cheap kohl.

If you're going out to a party close to Halloween, why don't you dress up in something interesting? Instead of boring brown eyeshadow and nude lips, try these beauty tricks to help you look like a Halloween lover, minus the green 'face cake'.

Not ready to branch out too far? Simple, just try some bright eyeshadow. If you wear an orange dress (Jack-O-Lantern!), wearing green eyeshadow contrast will contrast beautifully. A highly pigmented green single eyeshadow is Maybelline's Expert Wear Eyeshadow Singles in Antique Jade (darker, mossy) or Emerald (almost blue, turquoise).

For an affordable duo, try drugstore brand Wet 'n' Wild's Fantasy Makers Eyeshadow Duos, about $2. Wet 'n' Wild usually releases a Halloween themed set each year, and the colours in these duo are very Halloween. They're about average, not too pigmented unless you build at it or use water. My favorites out of the duos are Brazen Babe, a gold and brown, and Glam Ghoul, a green and blue.

For the scaredy-cats, celebrate Halloween with the tiniest touch of eyeliner. Not black of course, everyone wears black eyeliner! Try bright green or blue to make your eyes pop and to match your wicked Halloween outfit. N.Y.C Waterproof Eyeliners have 4 shades that are very wickedly chic, Moody Blue (dark blue), Sky High (sky blue), Smoky Plum (deep plum purple), and Teal (deep emerald green). They're $4 at most drugstores.

A look that was very recently in fashion, the dark lip. Not only is it in right now, it's perfect for Halloween, to add a touch of vamp or ghoul to your outfit. Dark lips match most skin tones, unless you have very very light skin. A dark lip doesn't have to be black or dark red, deep berry colours also look fantastic. I love Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, it suits practically everyone and it's slightly sheer, so it's not too full on.

Don't forget Halloween themed nails! If you're good at nail art, decorate your nails with pumpkins or bats for a very cute look. Or settle for just painting them one colour. Obviously the colors most used at Halloween time would be black, orange, green or red. Zoya's Gabrielle, $7 is a beautiful sparkly orange. Try these shades in glossy, matte or glittery to see which one reflects your style best. But don't be too boring, it IS Halloween! Black with a splash of red across it, or orange with yellow tips look interesting and fun.

Happy Halloween to you!