Blend, Brush and Bleed- Makeup Tips for Halloween
Posted on: October 26, 2016; Updated on: October 26, 2016
By Lauren McCarthy, stucomm@mailbox.sc.edu
Allie Minarik is a senior theater and history major from North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
In the class Theater 230-Stage Makeup, Minarik has learned new stage makeup techniques, and now she’s taking those skills offstage.
Minarik explains to UofSC how to perfectly blend, brush and bleed for her favorite holiday: Halloween.
What are some new techniques you are noticing that are popular with makeup for the upcoming Halloween season?
This year, the new fad is definitely Harley Quinn and the Joker makeup. I’ve already had so many individuals approach me with tips and suggestions to help rock this look for this Allhallows Eve. As college students we are seeking the cheapest and easiest option for the best costumes out there, so anything from cute animals to gory zombies is being desired by all.
Any tips on specific items students should consider purchasing to complete their Halloween look?
For Halloween, don’t be afraid to be different. Here in Columbia we celebrate Halloween for more than one night, so take advantage of that and create different costumes each night. You might want to be glamorous, but gory can be the new glam.
Make sure to stop by Columbia’s House of Fabrics located at 1312 Main St. They have an amazing selection of Halloween makeup palettes, brushes and fabrics to play around with. Be sure to gets lots of colors to create highlights and shadows and don't forget to mix colors together to make something completely new.
Another great resource is your local grocery store. You can’t have Halloween without a little blood. One of my favorite blood recipes includes adding Hershey's syrup, peanut butter and red food coloring together ... yum. This blood is great for zombie effects, especially since it is safe to eat and is not a skin irritant like most fake bloods.
Finally, the most important advice I can offer is to give yourself time to practice. As they say, practice makes perfect! Gather some friends and make an event of it. Keep trying until you get it just right, and you are able to replicate it again for the big night.
Has your makeup knowledge influenced your Halloween costume decision?
Absolutely. I have almost completely planned my Halloween outfits around my new knowledge.
Yes, I said outfits, as I plan on going as something different each night. My costumes range from zombie politician to pirate all the way back to basics as a cat.
This year, I was able to do a lot more with my costumes than previous years specifically due to focusing on the makeup, so I am excited to see how they turn out.
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