How to Apply Zombie Makeup for Halloween

Zombies are a Halloween costume favorite that costs very little to put together. Last year, I didn't have the extra money to spend on an elaborate costume, so I bought a (very large) $10 zombie makeup kit and looked through my closet for an outfit to wear. You will find costume makeup at any retail store that sells Halloween gear, and you can get away with wearing any outfit you already own. Search your closet for prom dresses, football jerseys, work uniforms, or simply wear your regular street clothes. Then follow these steps to apply your zombie makeup for Halloween.

Step 1: Choose a base color. There are several different 'flesh' color options available. My boyfriend, Dan, wanted to use the greenish base color, so I went with a pasty white. Use your fingers or a sponge to apply the makeup over your entire face, around your eyes and to the hairline. Work quickly and blend it well. Give the paste a few minutes to dry.

Step 2: Concentrate on the eyes. You have several eye makeup options, as well. I like to begin by darkening the eyebrows with a black pencil to really make them pop. Fill in your brows and shape them however you like. Then use a red makeup pencil or crayon to create a very thin line beneath your eyes. Stay as close to each eye as possible. This will give your eyes a bloodshot look. Use varying shades of gray and black to create bruised eyelids and undereye circles. You might even blend in another color, like yellow or purple. Depending on the desired darkness, you can use less or more makeup.

Step 3: Finish with scars and sores. This is the fun part. If your kit comes with fake sores, shape them directly onto the skin, spread them out and blend in around the edges. They should look a little lumpy. Use black and colored makeup to color around the sores and give them a bruised look. Make sure to blend the makeup well. Use pencils and crayons to draw scars, sores and bruises onto your face, but make sure not to overdo it -- two or three should do the trick. Finish up by trickling fake blood from the sores and around your mouth. Smear it around your lips; the messier, the better.

More Halloween Content:
Adult Vampire Costume for Women
Adult Vampire Costume for Men
Halloween Costume Accessories to Remember