Top 20 Halloween face paint ideas for kids
Add "face-painting" to the list of assumed skills that come with parenthood - somewhere between pillow fort architecture and getting crumbs out of the couch - because come October, your kid keeps rambling about different Halloween face paint ideas.
For all the things that excite us about the spooky season (Halloween movie nights, parties, and trick or treating), there are some less-than-fabulous things about it too (sugar-induced meltdowns and your kid begging for the most complicated costume).
Hopefully, the latter doesn’t overtake the joy of Halloween…But to make that a little more likely, we’ve got the most fun and easy makeup ideas that won’t make you toss out the paintbrush.
(Please note, we don’t have enough paint, kids or patience to make a demonstration pic for each of these, so you’ll need to use your imagination a bit.)
Quick tips for applying face paint
Not a makeup artist? Before you put paint to face, here are some pointers to make this whole thing a tad smoother.
- Safety is key. Always choose non-toxic, hypoallergenic products that are gentle on children’s sensitive skin, water-based and easy to remove.
- Make sure to apply the color on a clean and dry face and only use gentle soft strokes to ensure comfort and ease.
- Start with light colours as a base and add darker colours for details to avoid smudging.
- For removal, use warm water and gentle soap or make-up remover to take off the paint without irritating the skin.
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Best Halloween Face Paint Ideas
1. Cat Face Paint
A cat face paint design is one of our faves because it’s super quick and, chances are, you’ll have most of the products in your vanity drawer already. And of course, you can elevate the makeup with some more colours (if you fancy). This one will be a hit at any Halloween party.
What you’ll need: Black eyeliner pencil (for whiskers and nose), white face paint (for highlights and muzzle), face painting brushes or sponges. Optional: pink or red face paint (for the nose), and glitter for extra sparkle.
2. Zombie
This one’s a little throwback to the sleep-deprived zombie state of the newborn days. The Zombie look is easy to create with just a few essentials, and it’s so cute you could even say it’s “to die for”. Your little zombie will be the cutest on the block, ready to rise to the occasion.
What you’ll need: Light green or grey colour (for pale skin), black paint (for the eyes and cheekbones), red paint (for some stitches or scars).
3. Pirate
Your mini pirate will be ready to shout “Arrr!” and sail through Halloween with a smile, thanks to this pirate face paint look. For a scarier twist, you can also draw some scars on the forehead and add fake blood.
What you’ll need: Brown or black paint (for a cute beard, moustache or eye patch), white paint (for skulls), sponge and thin brushes.
4. Bunny rabbit
A bunny rabbit Halloween face paint look will make your little one the cutest critter on the block. This makeup idea is perfect for younger kids who love gentle, animal-inspired costumes, and it’s easy enough to create in just a few steps.
What you’ll need: White face paint (for the base), pink face paint (for the nose and inner ears) black face paint (for whiskers and outlines), sponges and fine brushes.
5. Cobweb eyes
This cobweb Halloween look is for our last-minute parents who didn’t realise the time of year (what do you mean it’s the end of October?)
Black and white paint for the cobwebs is always a hit, but you can add silver or pastel colours like light purple or pink for a cute, sparkly twist! It’s perfect for a simple, eye-catching look that’s sure to stand out. And trust us when we say that everybody can draw spiderwebs.
What you’ll need: Black face paint or black eyeliner (for the cobweb), white face paint (for details) silver or glitter (for an extra spark), and thin brushes.
6. Ghost
Got a friendly ghost following you? This ghost face paint look is simple and quick, making it a great option for little ones who can’t quite sit still long enough for more detailed face paint. Dab some silver or iridescent glitter on the cheeks or around the eyes. This adds a sparkling effect that makes your ghost more fun than frightening.
If things go really downhill, you have the fool-proof backup plan of a plain white bedsheet to cover it all up.
What you’ll need: White face paint (for the ghostly white base), black face paint (for eyes and mouth), soft sponge and fine brushes, optional: glitter
7. Pumpkin
Nothing signals “Halloween” quite like a bright orange pumpkin. Give your little one a festive and cheerful look this Halloween with adorable pumpkin face paint!
Pair it with orange body paint or an orange outfit, and your kid will be the cutest pumpkin in the patch.
What you’ll need: Orange face paint (for the pumpkin base and orange circles), green face paint (for the leaf details), black face paint (for a jack-o’-lantern smile), soft sponges and fine brushes.
8. Skeleton
Turn your little one into the cutest skeleton this Halloween with this simple and fun Halloween face paint look. It nudges into the ‘spooky’ side of Halloween whilst still keeping things wonderfully G-rated.
You can also transform your kid into a sugar skull for something brighter and more colourful.
What you’ll need: White face paint (for the skeleton base), black face paint (for eyes, nose, details), thin brushes and sponges. Optional: silver or glitter paint for a playful shimmer
9. Vampire
There are so many ‘types’ of vampires to pick from, especially from our favourite Halloween movies and shows. Will you go “Twilight”, “Hotel Transylvania” or “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”?
Whatever interpretation you’re drawn to (or seems the most doable), your kid will undoubtedly look super cute dawning vampire Halloween face paint.
What you’ll need: Pale face paint (for the vampire base), black face paint (for eyes, eyebrows, fangs), and some fake blood.
10. Mermaid
This mermaid Halloween look is probably for more advanced artists, but it’s just as creatively exciting as it can be challenging.
Think blue swirls, waves, shells and splashes – plus a fair bit of makeup highlighter to give them a little sparkle.
What you’ll need: Light blue or aqua face paint (for the base), green or teal face paint (for accents), pink or coral face paint (for cheeks and lips), black face paint (details like scales), soft sponge and fine brushes.
11. Witch
Brooms, spells and a tall witch hat are all part of one of the most classic and well-loved Halloween costumes. With some witch face paint, your kid can really take the spotlight.
For a simpler take, just grab some green face paint for a look inspired by “Wicked’s” Elphaba.
What you’ll need: green face paint (for the base), black face paint (for eyes, eyebrows, details), purple or orange face paint (for accents and lips), white face paint (for highlights), soft sponge and fine brushes
12. Mummy
Mummies are one of the most iconic Halloween characters! You can keep it simple for a cute, no-fuss look or add fun details to personalise it. The “undead” design works for all ages.
What you’ll need: White face paint (for the mummy bandages, black face paint (for shadows and eyes), grey or brown face paint (for some texture and dirt effect), soft sponges and fine brushes. Optional: some glitter for an “ancient treasure” effect
13. Frankenstein
What about dressing up your little monster (in the most affectionate sense) into, well, a little monster?
Frankenstein is such a recognisable Halloween face, sparing you the “And what are you?” question. And, surprisingly, it’s not that complicated to put together.
What you’ll need: Green face paint (for the base), black face paint (for scars, eyebrows and details), white face paint (for highlights), grey face paint (for neck bolts, accents), soft sponge and fine brush.
14. Demon
Sure, we associate demons with the darker side of life. At the same time, many interpretations show them as cheeky, mischievous and playful (just at someone else’s expense).
So the great bit is, you have a lot of room for interpretation and creativity on this one.
What you’ll need: Red face paint (for the base), black face paint (for horns, details, accents), white face paint (for highlights), soft sponge and fine brushes. Optional: some glitter (for a magical twist)
15. Bat
Instead of buying a bat mask, you could paint one. It’s another great last-minute look that shouldn’t demand too much time and effort on your part.
What you’ll need: Black face paint (for the base and wings mask), purple or dark blue face paint (for accents), white face paint (for fangs and details), soft sponge and fine brushes.
16. Clown
Scared of clowns? Dress up your child as one and see just how cute and wholesome they can be.
With simple, bold patterns and pops of colour, your child will be the star of the show! Even if you just paint their nose red on the way out the door, it still counts as a Halloween look.
What you’ll need: White face paint (for the base), red face paint (for the red nose), blue, yellow, pink face paint (for accents and cheeks), black face paint (for the lines), soft sponge and fine brushes.
17. Woodland creature
If your kid is obsessed with all the woodland friends in “Bambi”, they’ll love this Halloween face paint idea.
Take inspiration from foxes, deer, bears and cats, while adding some flowers and leaves for a forest feel. You could even give it an Aussie twist, just send us some pics to show off.
What you’ll need: Earthy-toned face paint (greens, browns, creams), white face paint, bright colours (yellow, pink for flowers), a fine brush and a soft sponge. Optional: face gems or faux flowers
18. Fairy
It’s a classic for a reason. Kids have been getting fairy face paint since…hold on while we Google it.
The pastel colours, wing shapes and swirls make for a totally dreamy Halloween face paint look – especially if your kid isn’t into anything creepy.
What you’ll need: Pastel colours (soft pinks, lilacs, light blues), white face paint (for highlights), glitter or shimmer (for extra sparkle), fine brushes and a soft sponge.
19. Fox
This is a personal favourite look – we challenge you to find a kid that doesn’t look downright adorable dressed as a fox. It’s cheeky, lighthearted, and pretty easy to do (especially if you go for more of a fox ‘mask’).
Pro tip: If you’re a fan of how-to YouTube videos, rest assured that there are endless ones for an easy Halloween fox face paint look.
What you’ll need: Orange and yellow paint (for the classic fox look), white paint (for highlights), dark brown or black eyeliner (for the eyes), a fine brush and a soft sponge.
20. Werewolf
This is for the mums who are proudly Team Jacob (you’d be wrong, but we’ll forgive you).
Werewolves can make for a trickier face paint look, but if you’re down for the challenge you’ll kid will be the talk of the trick-or-treating street.
What you’ll need: Grey and brown face paint (for the furry look), white paint (for highlights), black paint (for piercing eyes), a fine brush and a soft sponge. Optional: fake fur or wolf ears
Wrapping up
Okay, we finished Googling the origins of face paint and did you know the origins right back to the time of the Egyptians? Not like the fairies and vampires of today (obviously) but the practice has been a form of self-expression and cultural tradition for thousands of years. People love making art.
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