Photo by heathermichelle

My friend Brittny and I were talking about how it seems like such a waste to spend money on Halloween makeup when you're only going to apply it once, then never use it again. Or maybe you still have that tube from last year that's all dried up and nasty. I have an old tube of blue and red that really needs to be thrown out. Brittny found us some great homemade makeup recipes from Family Corner so you can complete your costume with ingredients you may already have in your house.


Want to be Spider-Man or paint on some clown makeup? Try:

Homemade Face Make Up (in any color you choose!)

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cold cream (like Pond's)
  • food coloring of your choice

Mix cornstarch and cold cream together until well blended. Add water, stir, then add food coloring for a final mixture.

How to apply:

Clean skin where color will be applied and dry thoroughly. Use fingertips to spread onto large areas or try a small paint brush to paint designs on face.

Removes easily with soap and water. Store in airtight container if going to use again soon.


Want to make your zombie costume seem more real? Try:

Homemade Bruises

  • deep blue powder eyeshadow
  • charcoal or smoke gray powder eyeshadow
  • shimmery green powder eyeshadow
  • makeup brush

How to apply:

Using a blot of deep blue powder eye shadow, apply with a wet makeup brush to area you want to appear "bruised". Use your fingertips to add blots of charcoal gray and blue shadows. Touch up the edges with a shimmery olive green. Smudge the bruise to complete look.


Love True Blood and are going to be a vampire? Try:

Homemade Blood

  • 1/2 bottle of light corn syrup
  • very hot water
  • squirt of liquid soap
  • red food coloring
  • blue or green food coloring (optional)

Pour light corn syrup into a bowl and add hot water sparingly, adding and stirring until you have the right consistency. Add a squirt of liquid soap to make the blood easy to clean off later. Tint with red food coloring. Add a drop of blue or green to make the blood darker. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Smear on as needed!

Also check out our Halloween section for more inspiration.

Great ideas! Have any more? Share!