My kids have spent hours in front of the mirror perfecting scars and simpler character makeup based off of YouTube face paint tutorials, but these Halloween themed face paint tutorials should put their growing skills to the test.
From your classic Halloween ghouls to favorite movie characters to Disney villains to cute animals, we're talking mindblowing results here.
I stayed away from anything too disgusting. Because you know, we don't need to terrify the toddlers coming to the door for Snickers minis. And I also skipped anything that (mostly) looked like it required a full team of SFX experts.
These are just the videos that I thought were cool, wildly inspiring, and hopefully adaptable for your own Halloween face painting needs. Even so, know that these are generally pro artists, often working with prosthetics, wigs, and materials you don't have at home. But hey, a little artistic inspiration is always a good thing.
The Little Mermaid's Ursula face paint video tutorial by Dope 211 AKA Promise Tamang
This is pretty unbelievable, right down to the wig and very important magic shell necklace. In fact, her whole channel is a must-watch. Leave time!
Maleficent face paint video tutorial by Kandee Johnson
While her work is extraordinary, it's actually kind of doable if you take a good look at her tips. And those contacts. Whoa.
Pennywise from IT face paint video tutorial by Emma Pickles
Not every villain is as nice as a Disney villain, so if your kid is going full-on scary, check out this uncanny Pennywise. Can you believe there's actually an adorable young woman under there? Shudder.
Black Panther's Shuri face paint tutorial by Bree Danielz
I know we have a whole lot of Shuri fans (like, my whole household) and while it's not as slick as other videos, I really appreciate Bree's easy, clear instruction in this step-by-step tutorial. The end result is pretty fantastic!
Lichtenstein Inspired Pop Art face paint video tutorial by Claire Dim
You have to have a ton of patience for this one, but I'm blown away! The fact that she covers the neck and collarbone area too really brings it home.
Coco's Miguel face paint video tutorial by Joel Minas
I couldn't do a 2018 Halloween face paint tutorial roundup without including Coco, right? There are lots of Coco face paint tutorials on YouTube -- I mean a lot -- and this Miguel is pretty terrific. Don't forget the maroon hoodie!
Coco's Glam Mama Imelda face paint video tutorial by Jessie Martinez
I love this down-to-earth video tutorial, in which she even talks about finding $3 headpieces to help make the costume perfect.
Mama Coco face paint video tutorial by Witte Artistry
Witte Artistry has got an entire series of four Coco face paint video (including Imelda, Hector and Pepita), and I love that she took on Mama Coco as well! Perfect if you're going for a family Coco costume this year. And her tips are so specific and helpful, right down to the right way to create a realistic wrinkle.
Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas face paint video tutorial by Dope 211
Promise Tamang again (man, she's good!) this time with an exquisite rendition of Tim Burton's ally. When she closes her eyes, it totally comes to life.
Lady Gaga Skull face paint video tutorial by Alex Faction
If you're looking for another scary Halloween face paint option, this is it. Because, wow. His shading is extraordinary, but I bet you could adapt this and make it simpler (and a little more cartoon-y) if you have a trick-or-treating skeleton. If you do like the creepy stuff, check his channel for characters like Freddy Krueger, Pennywise, aliens and more.
Beyonce' Lemonade inspired face paint video tutorial by Laolu Senbanjo on Essence Live
I love this video of Senbanjo painting a woman's face live, for the camera, in NoLa. If you've got a little Bey Hive member trick-or-treating, bookmark this creative idea!
Steampunk face paint video tutorial by Madeyewlook
Oh this is so fun! Her video even includes links to products and tools should you want to go for this punky steampunk look. Just add goggles (if you don't have a cool hat like hers).
Beginner' Spider Man face paint video tutorial by International Face Painting School
Okay so I may be more impressed with the fact that there's something called the International Face Painting School, but I think this is a really good, simple -- but still challenging -- face paint video for all those friendly neighborhood Spidermen (Spidermans?) this Halloween.
Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora face paint tutorial by Shonagh Scott
We called the Guardian of the Galaxy gang one of our top pop culture costumes this year, and a great family costume idea too, provided the kid don't all fight over Groot. If you've got a Gamora amongst you, this video should help you get the perfect green.
Moana Goddess Te fit face paint video tutorial by Princess Makeup and Toy
Most Disney princesse don't require full face paint, so if you're into the Disney face paint videos, you have to check out this genius rendition of the Goddess Te fiti from Moana. I'm so impressed!
Tim Burton's Queen of Hearts face paint video tutorial by The Daya Daily
I love how this one i made just for kid. Her channel is riveting, by the way -- don't miss her A Wrinkle in Time three Mrs's costumes we featured among our favorite pop culture costumes this year!
Harley Quinn face paint video tutorial by Madeyewlook
With some school and parties banning masks, I love seeing how she achieved this 3-D mask effect in her Halloween face paint video tutorial or our favorite Suicide Squad member.
Werewolf face paint video tutorial by Kait Nichole
You don't have to be an X-Man to do a werewolf right, and this video has terrific tips for a classic Halloween horror costume.
Cute deer face paint video tutorial by Stephanie Suero
This face paint tutorial video is mostly about blending and contouring, and if you're good at those, this could be amaaaazing on a kid with a really simple costume. Such a nice break from all the creepy stuff and movie characters out there, too.
Zombie Flo (from the Progressive ads) face paint video tutorial by Dope 211
So many people dress like Flo from Progressive on Halloween, and I have to laugh at how Promise used face painting tutorials to turn her into Unicorn Flo, Alien Flo and of course...Zombie Flo. Just so you're not like every other Flo on the block. Missing: Slutty Flo. Phew.
The Little Mermaid's Ursula face paint video tutorial by Dope 211 AKA Promise Tamang
This is pretty unbelievable, right down to the wig and very important magic shell necklace. In fact, her whole channel is a must-watch. Leave time!
Maleficent face paint video tutorial by Kandee Johnson
While her work is extraordinary, it's actually kind of doable if you take a good look at her tips. And those contacts. Whoa.
Pennywise from IT face paint video tutorial by Emma Pickles
Not every villain is as nice as a Disney villain, so if your kid is going full-on scary, check out this uncanny Pennywise. Can you believe there's actually an adorable young woman under there? Shudder.
Black Panther's Shuri face paint tutorial by Bree Danielz
I know we have a whole lot of Shuri fans (like, my whole household) and while it's not as slick as other videos, I really appreciate Bree's easy, clear instruction in this step-by-step tutorial. The end result is pretty fantastic!
Lichtenstein Inspired Pop Art face paint video tutorial by Claire Dim
You have to have a ton of patience for this one, but I'm blown away! The fact that she covers the neck and collarbone area too really brings it home.
Coco's Miguel face paint video tutorial by Joel Minas
I couldn't do a 2018 Halloween face paint tutorial roundup without including Coco, right? There are lots of Coco face paint tutorials on YouTube -- I mean a lot -- and this Miguel is pretty terrific. Don't forget the maroon hoodie!
Coco's Glam Mama Imelda face paint video tutorial by Jessie Martinez
I love this down-to-earth video tutorial, in which she even talks about finding $3 headpieces to help make the costume perfect.
Mama Coco face paint video tutorial by Witte Artistry
Witte Artistry has got an entire series of four Coco face paint video (including Imelda, Hector and Pepita), and I love that she took on Mama Coco as well! Perfect if you're going for a family Coco costume this year. And her tips are so specific and helpful, right down to the right way to create a realistic wrinkle.
Related: 11 cool tween and teen Halloween craft ideas that don’t suck.
Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas face paint video tutorial by Dope 211
Promise Tamang again (man, she's good!) this time with an exquisite rendition of Tim Burton's ally. When she closes her eyes, it totally comes to life.
Lady Gaga Skull face paint video tutorial by Alex Faction
If you're looking for another scary Halloween face paint option, this is it. Because, wow. His shading is extraordinary, but I bet you could adapt this and make it simpler (and a little more cartoon-y) if you have a trick-or-treating skeleton. If you do like the creepy stuff, check his channel for characters like Freddy Krueger, Pennywise, aliens and more.
Beyonce' Lemonade inspired face paint video tutorial by Laolu Senbanjo on Essence Live
I love this video of Senbanjo painting a woman's face live, for the camera, in NoLa. If you've got a little Bey Hive member trick-or-treating, bookmark this creative idea!
Steampunk face paint video tutorial by Madeyewlook
Oh this is so fun! Her video even includes links to products and tools should you want to go for this punky steampunk look. Just add goggles (if you don't have a cool hat like hers).
Beginner' Spider Man face paint video tutorial by International Face Painting School
Okay so I may be more impressed with the fact that there's something called the International Face Painting School, but I think this is a really good, simple -- but still challenging -- face paint video for all those friendly neighborhood Spidermen (Spidermans?) this Halloween.
Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora face paint tutorial by Shonagh Scott
We called the Guardian of the Galaxy gang one of our top pop culture costumes this year, and a great family costume idea too, provided the kid don't all fight over Groot. If you've got a Gamora amongst you, this video should help you get the perfect green.
Related: Cool non-candy Halloween gift for a cynical tween or teen? Reader Q & A
Moana Goddess Te fit face paint video tutorial by Princess Makeup and Toy
Most Disney princesse don't require full face paint, so if you're into the Disney face paint videos, you have to check out this genius rendition of the Goddess Te fiti from Moana. I'm so impressed!
Tim Burton's Queen of Hearts face paint video tutorial by The Daya Daily
I love how this one i made just for kid. Her channel is riveting, by the way -- don't miss her A Wrinkle in Time three Mrs's costumes we featured among our favorite pop culture costumes this year!
Harley Quinn face paint video tutorial by Madeyewlook
With some school and parties banning masks, I love seeing how she achieved this 3-D mask effect in her Halloween face paint video tutorial or our favorite Suicide Squad member.
Werewolf face paint video tutorial by Kait Nichole
You don't have to be an X-Man to do a werewolf right, and this video has terrific tips for a classic Halloween horror costume.
Cute deer face paint video tutorial by Stephanie Suero
This face paint tutorial video is mostly about blending and contouring, and if you're good at those, this could be amaaaazing on a kid with a really simple costume. Such a nice break from all the creepy stuff and movie characters out there, too.
Zombie Flo (from the Progressive ads) face paint video tutorial by Dope 211
So many people dress like Flo from Progressive on Halloween, and I have to laugh at how Promise used face painting tutorials to turn her into Unicorn Flo, Alien Flo and of course...Zombie Flo. Just so you're not like every other Flo on the block. Missing: Slutty Flo. Phew.
