While different than years past, spooky season is officially here. To help get you in the Halloween spirit, we chatted with 16-year-old makeup artist Sydney Sikes, who has garnered a following of over 30,000 aspiring artists through her Instagram account @makeupbysydmarie. With these helpful tips from the Aldie-based beauty maven, you’re sure to spook your friends—whether at a socially distant party or simply by taking selfies at home.
When creating a Halloween-themed look with makeup, what are some key things you need to do as a base before starting to paint the face?
Before applying any makeup products, you should always invest in a primer that works well for your skin. It creates a protective layer for your skin before applying your base makeup, such as foundation. Another technique to consider when doing Halloween-themed makeup is to apply and set your base makeup. This creates a clean base to apply your face paints and to get creative, while also making the colors more vibrant, ultimately lasting longer on your skin. Base makeup implies the use of foundation for an even-skin-tone effect. Setting your base makeup means using a powder to resist our foundation from creasing and ensures you don’t look oily or shiny. Preferably a loose-setting powder is the way to go.
What are a few designs you’d recommend someone try this year?
One of my personal favorites is a skull look, which is pretty simple but still impresses others around you! What I like about this look is that the options are endless, you can get super creative or just stick to a traditional, creepy skull. Another great option for Halloween makeup is a clown look. These can be super simple or extremely intricate. This option is a popular one, and if you are in need of a last-minute costume idea, a clown is the way to go. Last but not least is a spider-themed look. This one is great because if you don’t want to cover your whole face, you can paint on a couple super-creepy spiders and you are good to go.
Are there any tips or tricks to ensuring the look stays on your face all night?
Make sure to use a setting spray. Setting spray is a mist you spray on your makeup after you have completed your work of art. It seals in your makeup and keeps it lasting all night long.
What advice would you give to someone who has never really tried exploring different makeup techniques, but wants to give it a shot for Halloween?
My advice is to practice before you go out to your Halloween plans. Makeup takes practice and patience. So before getting ready for the big night, practice a few days before so you know exactly what outcome you want to see.
What’s your favorite part of Halloween?
It is hard to choose a favorite because I love everything about the Halloween season. I love how so many people, including myself, get super creative during the spooky season!
Sikes’ Spooky Beauty Picks:
- “I love the Ben Nye Creme Colors because there is a wide variety of colors and shades. It helps me reach my full potential of creativity with Halloween-themed makeup! Also, they are extremely affordable.”// Ben Nye Creme Colors, $8 each
2. “Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray is one of the best setting sprays available, and I have been using it for years. It will keep your makeup locked in and fresh all night long.”// Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, $33
3. “Wondergloss Makeup Assassin is a must-have makeup remover. Halloween-themed makeup can be difficult to remove and the Makeup Assassin makes it super easy to remove all of your makeup at the end of the day.”// Makeup Assassin: Makeup Remover and Oil Cleanser, $29
4. “A product I simply cannot live without is the Inglot Duraline. It’s a liquid that you mix with any loose pigments or dried-out products, and it will make for a perfect liner or paint. This product was included in my limited edition Syd Marie x Inglot Spring collection too.”// Duraline, $16
This story originally appeared in our October print issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
