Day of the Dead Make-up

November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), although it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. It is often thought that during the Day of the Dead it is easier for the souls of the departed to visit the living. People build elaborate altars containing the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, photos, and memorabilia. The intent is to create a visually stimulating display in order to encourage visits by the souls, so that the souls will hear the prayers and the comments of the living directed to them. Celebrations often take a humorous tone, as guests and loved ones remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed.

A common practice is to apply a make-up that illustrates the skull-like appearance of the “sugar skull,” which is associated with the celebration. Typically, thick white base is applied to the face with black outline around the eyes. Dashed lines or symbols in vibrant colors, gems, feathers, flowers and beads are often applied to the face. A dramatic, smoky eye in deep, vibrant colors is also common.

In order to achieve this look:

First, apply your base. Use a cosmetic wedge to apply WB2 Cream Foundation over the face, lids, and lips. For an even application, work from the top of the face to the bottom, always blending in a downward motion. Next, load a cosmetic puff with Zero or Shell Loose Powder and dust lightly all over the face. This will set the foundation and create a matte finish.

Tip: For oily skin, try dampening the sponge

For color application around the eyes and lids, apply Deep Brown Corrector with either the #320 Oval Shadow or #340 Large Oval Brush for a wide coverage area. To draw the circles, apply Black Cake Eyeliner with the #100 Round Liner Brush by spraying the brush with water (or spraying water directly on to the palette) and dipping it into the liner. The #100 Round Liner Brush can also be used to fill in the circles with MUD Eye Color. Recommended colors include Smoked Sapphire, Firebrick, Voodoo, Tea Tree or Pomegranate.

Tip: Using less water will achieve a darker line, so be mindful of how much water is used!

To draw the spider web on the forehead, the lines over the lips, and design on the nose, dip the #100 Round Liner Brush into the Black Cake Eyeliner, again using water on the brush or the product. To fill in the nose, use a wider brush such as the #400 Narrow Flat Brush.  

Tip: It is recommended that you keep your powder puff with you while out so you can re-set your look as the night wears on!

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