Start Memorizing This Mermaid Makeup Tutorial RN

Photo credit: Kathleen Kamphausen
Photo credit: Kathleen Kamphausen

From Cosmopolitan

TBH, since all of my summer plans have low-key been derailed, I've been spending most of these hot, humid days daydreaming about the fall. Seriously, I can't wait for the crisp air, sunset-colored leaves, my daily chai latte, and Halloween (obvs). I usually think of a super-elaborate costume months before and end up throwing something basic together hours before the pregame. But this year is going to be different—instead of going in over my head with some over-the-top outfit that I'll never end up pulling together, I'm opting for a costume that's super pretty, somewhat unique, and won't take a ton of effort to create. Yup, I'm going to be a mermaid. In case you want to join me, I broke down the cutest-slash-easiest costume idea ever, and it all starts with this mermaid makeup Halloween tutorial.

So, grab a pair of fishnet tights (more on that, below), some blue eyeshadow, a shiny highlighter, and keep reading for all the tips and tricks to turn yourself into the prettiest lil mermaid for Halloween. Ariel, who?

Step 1: Grab a pair of fishnet tights

Alright—this step sounds a little weird, but I swear it works. Take a pair of fishnet tights that you don’t care about and cut off one of the legs. Then slide it over your head (like a hat) and pull it all the way down until you’ve covered your face. The holes in the fishnets are going to be the stencils for your scales—and wearing it on your head for the application keeps the pattern perfectly positioned so the shape of the “scales” stays consistent.

Step 2: Spritz on a setting spray

Before you tap on your eyeshadow, wet the skin along your temples (or wherever you want to apply your scales) with a spritz or two of setting spray. This is going to make your eyeshadow really stand out in step three. Don’t have a setting spray on hand? Just dip your eyeshadow brush in a little water instead—it'll get the job done.

Step 3: Tap on blue eyeshadow

Use one hand to hold the fishnets in place, and with the other hand, tap a bright-blue eyeshadow into the holes of the netting with a tightly packed eyeshadow brush.


Step 4: Layer on green eyeshadow

Next up, you’re going to work through the exact same process from step three, this time using green eyeshadow instead of blue. The bright green layered on top of the blue will give you big "Under the Sea" energy.

Step 5: Brush on a highlighter

Dust a powder highlighter over your newly formed scales to make them ~glisten~. Then, super carefully, take off the fishnet tights.

Step 6: Line your eyelashes

Line your upper lashes with blue-green liner to level up your look. Feel free to go really bold here—there’s no such thing as too much with this Halloween costume.


Step 7: Pack on a gold eyeshadow

Blend a shimmery gold shadow along your lids to give your eyes a just-came-from-the-beach glow.

Step 8: Swipe on some mascara

The finishing touch? A couple coats of black mascara. If you’re feeling a little extra, pop on some falsies to add even more drama.

The final look

And that’s it! Top it off with a cute dress and you’re all set for Halloween. Easy, right?

Photo credit: KATHLEEN KAMPHAUSEN
Photo credit: KATHLEEN KAMPHAUSEN


You Might Also Like