10 Easy Zombie Makeup Ideas for Pinterest

Prepare yourself for a frightfully fun makeover with our ultimate guide to achieving the perfect easy zombie makeup Pinterest look. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup artist or a novice seeking a convincing undead transformation, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process effortlessly.

First things first, let’s gather our tools of transformation. You’ll need a white face paint or foundation, a dark gray eyeshadow, black and red eyeliner, and fake blood. For an authentic rotting flesh effect, consider using a green or yellow eyeshadow. Additionally, don’t forget a makeup sponge or brush, cotton swabs, and a damp cloth for blending and touch-ups.

Now, let’s dive into the makeup magic! Start by applying a thick layer of white paint or foundation over your face and neck. This creates the base for your zombie’s pale and ghostly complexion. Next, use the gray eyeshadow to create dark circles under your eyes, smudging it outwards for a hollow and sunken effect. Using black eyeliner, draw jagged lines around your eyes and mouth to mimic stitches, adding depth and an eerie touch.

Creating Convincing Bruises and Wounds

Fake Blood

Create realistic fake blood by combining 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of red food coloring, 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 mL) of blue food coloring, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white glue. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until a thick, opaque liquid forms. Use a small brush or sponge to apply the fake blood to the desired area, blending the edges to create a natural look.

Bruises

To create convincing bruises, use various shades of purple, blue, green, and yellow makeup. Start by applying a base layer of dark purple or blue around the edges of the bruise. Then, gradually blend lighter shades of green and yellow towards the center. Use a dampened brush or sponge to soften the edges of the bruise and create a more realistic appearance.

Wounds

For realistic wounds, you will need a few basic supplies: latex or silicone, wound putty, fake blood, and a brush or sponge.

1. Create the Wound Base: Mix equal parts latex or silicone with wound putty and apply it to the desired area. Shape and texture the mixture to create the desired wound shape. Allow it to dry completely.

2. Add Depth and Detail: Once the wound base is dry, use a brush or sponge to apply darker shades of makeup around the edges of the wound to create shadows and depth. This will make the wound look more three-dimensional.

3. Apply Fake Blood: Dip a brush or sponge into the fake blood and gently dab it onto the wound. Start with a small amount and gradually build up the coverage for a more realistic effect. Blend the edges of the fake blood with the surrounding makeup to create a seamless transition.

4. Finishing Touches: To enhance the realism of the wound, consider adding small details such as scabs or dried blood. You can create scabs using a mixture of brown and yellow makeup, while dried blood can be simulated with coagulated fake blood.

Adding Depth with Shading and Highlighting

Shading and highlighting add depth to your zombie makeup, making it appear more realistic and defined. Apply a dark shade to the areas where you want to create shadows, such as the hollows of the cheeks, the temples, and the sides of the nose. Use a lighter shade to highlight the areas you want to emphasize, such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the forehead.

Contouring

Contouring is a technique used to create shadows and highlights, which adds depth and dimension to your face. To contour, you will need a powder or cream that is two shades darker than your natural skin tone and a powder or cream that is two shades lighter. Apply the darker shade to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and around your temples. Apply the lighter shade to the center of your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, and on your chin. Use a blending sponge or brush to blend the contour for a seamless finish.

Blending

Blending is key to creating a natural-looking zombie makeup. Use a makeup sponge or brush to blend the edges of your shading and highlighting. This will help to create a smooth, blended look. You can also use a setting spray to help keep your makeup in place.

Highlighter Placement

To achieve a ‘just-returned-from-the-grave look’, pay particular attention to the placement of your highlighter. Lightly dab the product onto your cheekbones, brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and your Cupid’s bow. Avoid applying highlighter to areas where you have used dark contour shades, as this will detract from the desired effect. For a more dramatic undead look, try using a blue or green highlighter instead of a traditional white or champagne shade.

Giving Life to Undead Eyes

Creating chilling zombie eyes is crucial for a convincing undead look. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Prime the Area

Use a white or gray eye primer to create a base that will enhance the color and longevity of your makeup.

2. Create Red Veins

Use a deep red or purple eyeliner or eyeshadow to draw thin, irregular veins around the eyes. Extend them slightly beyond the lash line.

3. Contour the Sockets

Apply a dark brown or black eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eye socket and blend it towards the nose. This will create depth and sunken eyes.

4. Add Bloodshot Effect

Use a red or pink cream eyeshadow to dab small dots on the white of the eyes. Blend the dots outward with a clean brush to create a bloodshot effect.

5. Highlight and Shadow

To make the eyes appear more hollow and ghoulish, use a light cream or beige eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone and the inner corner of the eyes. Conversely, apply a darker shade of eyeshadow to the lower lash line and the crease between the brow bone and the lid.

Crafting Realistic Blood Effects

Mastering the creation of convincing blood effects is crucial for believable zombie makeup. Follow these steps to achieve gory, realistic results:

1. Choose the Right Materials

Opt for viscous ingredients such as corn syrup, honey, or Karo syrup to mimic the consistency of real blood. Food coloring provides the vibrant red hue, while cocoa powder adds depth and realism.

2. Create the Base

Combine corn syrup, red food coloring, and a touch of cocoa powder in a bowl and stir until well-mixed. Adjust the ratios of each ingredient to achieve the desired shade and opacity.

3. Add Texture

Introduce texture by incorporating ground oats, coffee grounds, or tea leaves. These materials simulate the appearance of scabs or dried blood.

4. Create Clots

Form clots by mixing blood syrup with gelatin and allowing it to thicken. This produces realistic-looking clots that can be applied to wounds.

5. Experiment with Variations

Don’t limit yourself to traditional red blood. Consider using blue or green food coloring to create arterial blood or pus-filled wounds. Add glitter or iridescent powder for a supernatural touch.

6. Application Techniques

Dripping Wounds: Apply blood syrup directly to the skin using an eyedropper or brush. Tilt the head to encourage the blood to run naturally.
Spatter Effects: Dip a toothbrush in blood syrup and flick it towards the skin to create a spray of droplets. Cover the surrounding area with splatter to simulate a violent wound.
Gory Wounds: Create realistic wounds by building up layers of blood syrup and dried blood effects. Use a palette knife to shape the wounds and add depth.
Clothing and Props: Saturate clothing or props with blood syrup to complete the zombie look. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the makeup.

Achieving a Rotten and Decayed Look

Creating a realistic zombie makeup with a decaying look involves using various techniques and materials. Here are some steps to achieve this effect:

1. Start with a Pale Base

Apply a light foundation or concealer to your skin, blending it well to create a pale base. This will serve as the canvas for the decayed look.

2. Add Dark Under-Eye Circles

Use a dark eyeshadow or eyeliner to create under-eye circles that extend past the socket line. Blend them out to create a smudged and sunken effect.

3. Outline the Jawline and Cheekbones

Use a dark powder or cream to contour the jawline and cheekbones, giving them a hollowed-out appearance.

4. Create Bruises

Apply dark blue or purple eyeshadow to the areas of the face that you want to look bruised, such as the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. Blend the edges to create a natural effect.

5. Add Blood Splatter

Use fake blood or a red liquid latex to create blood splatter on the face. Apply it in small drops or streaks, avoiding overdoing it.

6. Apply Rotten Teeth

If desired, you can create decayed teeth by applying yellow or brown eyeshadow to your teeth and smudging it out with a wet brush.

7. Enhance the Wounds

To create a more realistic decaying look, use liquid latex or gelatin to create open wounds, burns, or scars. Apply it to the desired areas, let it dry, and paint over it with suitable colors to enhance the effect. You can also use cotton balls or gauze to create exposed bones or tendons.

Material	Use
Liquid latex or gelatin	Create open wounds, burns, or scars
Cotton balls or gauze	Expose bones or tendons
Fake blood	Create blood splatter

Incorporating Prosthetic Zombie Pieces

To enhance the realism and gruesome nature of your zombie makeup, consider incorporating prosthetic zombie pieces. These pieces can range from small latex wounds to full-face masks and can add an extra layer of detail and depth to your transformation.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using prosthetic zombie pieces:

1. Clean and Dry Your Skin: Before applying any prosthetics, ensure your skin is clean and dry. This helps the adhesive bond securely and prevents irritation.

2. Apply Skin Adhesive: Use a thin layer of skin adhesive to the back of the prosthetic piece and to the corresponding area on your face.

3. Position the Prosthetic: Carefully align the prosthetic piece with the desired area and press it gently into place. Hold for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to set.

4. Blend the Edges: Once the prosthetic is secured, use a brush or sponge to blend the edges with your skin. Apply makeup or latex paint around the edges to create a seamless transition.

5. Add Blood and Gore: For a more gruesome effect, add fake blood or latex paint to the prosthetic. Use a brush or sponge to apply it around the edges and any open wounds.

6. Seal the Prosthetic: To prevent the prosthetic from peeling or lifting, apply a sealant over the edges and any exposed areas. This will help keep the prosthetic in place and protect it from moisture and wear.

7. Use Makeup to Enhance: Once the prosthetic is sealed, use makeup to enhance the overall look. Apply additional wounds, scars, or discoloration around the prosthetic to create a cohesive zombie effect.

8. Apply Final Touches: For a truly terrifying look, add finishing touches such as fake teeth, eye contacts, or hairpieces. These details will bring your zombie transformation to life and create a maximum impact.

Transforming Your Voice and Movements

Voice Modification

Enhance your zombie impersonation by altering your voice to sound guttural and unsettling. Begin by lowering your pitch significantly. You can achieve this by relaxing your vocal cords and speaking from your diaphragm instead of your throat.

Incorporate a slight growl into your voice to give it a more menacing quality. This is easily done by slightly constricting your vocal chords while speaking. To accentuate the growls, you can shape your mouth into an “O” shape.

Try experimenting with different vocalizations, such as moans, hisses, and gasps, to create a unique and eerie zombie persona.

Choreography

Your movements should convey the shambling, uncoordinated nature of a zombie. Avoid smooth or graceful motions, opting instead for jerky and stiff steps.

Keep your arms extended and slightly bent, as if they were dangling without control. Your head should bob slightly, and your eyes should appear vacant or empty.

Incorporate sudden, unpredictable movements, such as lurches or stumbles, to add an element of surprise and unpredictability to your zombie performance.

Body Language

Your overall body language should convey a sense of decay and decomposition. Slouch your shoulders and hunch your back to create a debilitated appearance.

Let your limbs hang loosely by your sides, as if they are heavy and lifeless. Keep your posture rigid and unnatural, resembling a puppet rather than a human.

Remember that zombies are not alive, so avoid any movements that suggest agility or coordination. Instead, focus on creating a slow, deliberate, and lifeless impression.

Facial Expressions

Your facial expressions are crucial for conveying the emptiness and despair of a zombie. Keep your eyes wide and unfocused, avoiding any visible emotions.

Your mouth should hang slightly open, revealing discolored teeth or a rotting jaw. Avoid smiling or grimacing, as zombies are incapable of expressing emotions.

Practice contorting your face into grotesque shapes, such as snarls or grimaces, to create a truly terrifying zombie visage.

Voice Modification	Choreography	Body Language	Facial Expressions
Lowered Pitch	Jerky Steps	Slouching Shoulders	Wide, Unfocused Eyes
Growling	Stiff Arms	Hunched Back	Discolored Teeth
Vocalizations	Unpredictable Movements	Loose Limbs	Grotesque Shapes

Tips for a Long-Lasting Zombie Makeup

1. Use a Primer

Start by applying a primer to help your makeup stay in place longer. This will also create a barrier between your skin and the makeup, reducing the risk of breakouts.

2. Apply a Color Corrector

If you have any dark circles or uneven skin tone, apply a color corrector to neutralize them. This will create a more even base for your zombie makeup.

3. Use a Foundation That Matches Your Skin Tone

Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone to create a more realistic zombified look. Avoid using liquid foundation, as it can be less effective for creating a zombie effect.

4. Use a Concealer for Darkening Shadows

Apply a concealer one or two shades darker than your foundation to create a shadowy effect under your eyes, around your nose, and on your cheekbones.

5. Add Green or Yellow Tones

To give your skin a more decayed look, add green or yellow tones with eyeshadow or paint. Apply them sparingly to create a subtle effect.

6. Create Wounds and Scabs

Use liquid latex or scar wax to create realistic wounds and scabs. Apply them to areas of your face that would naturally be susceptible to injury, such as the forehead, nose, and mouth.

7. Add Blood

Use fake blood to create a bloody effect. You can apply it to wounds, scabs, or any other areas where you want to create a sense of gore.

8. Set Your Makeup with Powder

Once you’re satisfied with your makeup, set it with a translucent powder. This will help to prevent smudging and fading throughout the day.

9. Use a Fixing Spray

Finally, use a fixing spray to help your makeup last even longer. Hold the spray 6-8 inches away from your face and spray evenly all over.

10. Create a Rotting Flesh Effect

For a more advanced zombie look, create a rotting flesh effect. This can be done by using a combination of green, yellow, and brown eyeshadows, as well as paint or gels. Apply them in layers to create a sense of depth and decay.

How to Do Easy Zombie Makeup on Pinterest

Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas for all kinds of Halloween makeup, including zombie makeup. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can find a tutorial that will help you create the perfect zombie look.

One of the great things about zombie makeup is that it’s very forgiving. You don’t have to be a professional makeup artist to get a realistic look. In fact, the more smudged and messy your makeup is, the better. So if you’re not sure how to do something, just go for it and see how it looks. You can always wipe it off and start over.