Halloween is the perfect excuse to go all out with makeup, and nothing gets you party-ready faster than a creepy zombie transformation.

From quick easy zombie makeup to glamorous zombie makeup, you don’t need to be a professional artist to pull off the look. This article will show you how to do zombie makeup step by step, while also giving you fun zombie makeup ideas that range from scary to stylish. Whether you’re after a simple zombie makeup tutorial or something more creative like a mermaid zombie, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Key Points

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How To Do Zombie Makeup Step by Step

Before diving into specific zombie makeup looks, it helps to start with a simple zombie makeup routine. This basic approach can be adapted and layered with extra details depending on how dramatic you want your final look to be.

Preparing the Skin

• Start with a clean canvas. 
• Wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or leftover makeup. 
• Pat your skin dry—skip the moisturizer or sunscreen, as these can prevent products like liquid latex or face paint from sticking properly. 
• Prepping your skin this way helps your zombie makeup last longer and look more realistic, so your undead look stays haunting all night. 

Start with a Pale Base

• Use a foundation two to three shades lighter than your skin tone.
• Apply evenly across your face, neck, and collarbone for an undead effect.
• A matte finish works best for that washed-out appearance.

Hollow Out the Features

• Use grey or purple eyeshadow to contour under cheekbones, temples, and the sides of the nose.
• Blend around the eyes with burgundy or black eyeshadow for a tired, hollow effect.
• Smudge lightly so the look appears naturally decayed rather than too neat.

Add Veins and Bruising

• Take a thin brush and draw faint squiggly lines in purple or blue around the eyes and forehead.
• Blend softly to make them look embedded beneath the skin.
• For bruises, dab on red and purple eyeshadow in uneven patches.

Finish with Blood and Wounds

• Use fake blood around the mouth, chin, or neck.
• For ripped skin, apply scar wax or tissue layered with liquid latex, then tear gently for texture.
• Darken with black or red face paint for a freshly decayed effect.

Shop zombie makeup kits for everything you need to create these looks in one go.

Zombie Makeup Looks

This zombie makeup idea combines sea-inspired beauty with terrifying undead effects.

• Apply pale green or blue face paint as your base.
• Use a fishnet stocking as a stencil with shimmery eyeshadow to create scale patterns.
• Add wounds using liquid latex and fake blood along the cheeks or neck.
• Accessorise with seashell hair clips and messy, wet-look hair.

This mix of glamour and gore makes it one of the most eye-catching zombie makeup looks for parties.

1. Zombie Nurse Makeup Looks

If you want an outfit that’s instantly recognisable, this is a go-to option.

• Apply a simple zombie makeup base with pale foundation and dark eyes.
• Smudge red face paint around the mouth and add fake blood splatters.
• Draw thin veins on the forehead and temples with purple eyeliner.
• Finish with a nurse hat or mask marked with blood stains.

This is a quick easy zombie makeup option since it doesn’t require complicated effects.

2. Decayed Aristocrat Zombie

This look mixes elegance with decay, perfect if you want something theatrical.

• Begin with an ashy grey foundation for that lifeless effect.
• Contour with purple and blue shades around the eyes and cheeks.
• Add gold eyeshadow dripping from the eyes for a “fallen royalty” effect.
• Wear old, tattered clothes resembling vintage gowns or suits.
• A crooked crown or tiara completes the aristocratic touch.

This style shows how zombie makeup ideas can be creative and character-driven.

3. Pop Art Zombie Makeup Look

For something bold and unique, try a comic-inspired zombie.

• Use white face paint to create a smooth canvas.
• Outline features like eyes, nose, and mouth with thick black eyeliner.
• Fill sections of the face with bright block colours like red, blue, and green.
• Add comic-style dots with a fine brush or face paint pen.
  Overlay with zombie effects: cracks, blood splashes, or wounds drawn in a cartoon style.

This look is theatrical, making it great for stage performances or Halloween photos.

4. Zombie Vein Makeup Look

Veins are one of the most effective ways to make your zombie makeup look realistic without much effort. This style works especially well if you want simple zombie makeup that can be applied quickly.

• Start with a pale foundation to give a washed-out skin tone.
• Use a thin brush dipped in blue or purple eyeshadow to draw branching lines across your cheeks and forehead.
• Blend softly so they look like they sit under the skin, not on top.
• Add hints of green or red around some veins to create an irritated, infected look.
• Finish by setting with powder so the veins stay sharp for hours.

This is a great easy zombie makeup choice for beginners or for adding detail to other zombie makeup looks.

5. Barbie Zombie Makeup Look 

If you like mixing playful and scary, this zombie makeup idea puts a creepy twist on a classic doll look.

• Start with a flawless, matte foundation but go one shade lighter for a slightly undead feel.
• Use pastel pinks and blues for the eyeshadow, then smudge darker shades into the edges for a “cracked” effect.
• Contour with grey to hollow out the cheeks while keeping that doll-like structure.
• Apply bright pink lipstick, then streak fake blood across the mouth for a creepy contrast.
• Pair with Barbie-inspired clothes but rip or distress them for an eerie effect.

This mash-up of beauty and horror is one of the most fun zombie makeup ideas for Halloween parties.

6. Glam Zombie Makeup Look 

Not all zombies need to be terrifying — this look balances scary details with a touch of style, perfect if you want glamorous zombie makeup.

• Apply a pale base and contour with purple and grey to get that hollowed-out zombie structure.
• Use smokey eyeshadow with a shimmer or glitter overlay for a glamorous finish.
• Add subtle veins or bruises with green and purple shades without making them too strong.
• Apply metallic or glossy deep-red lipstick, tapping on fake blood around the edges for a mix of beauty and horror.
• Highlight the cheekbones with shimmer to keep that fashion-forward edge.

This look is ideal if you want zombie makeup that’s scary enough for Halloween but still stylish for photos.

Pro Tips For Wearing Zombie Makeup 

Zombie makeup is all about detail. These quick tips can take your look from basic to professional in minutes:

• Eyes: Use white or pale blue contact lenses for an eerie stare. Always follow safe application guidelines.
• Hair: Messy hair makes a big difference — backcomb, add dry shampoo, or even sprinkle in flour for a dusty effect.
• Teeth: Special tooth paints in yellow or green shades add a rotten, decayed finish.
• Clothes: Don’t forget the outfit — tear fabric, rub in dirt, and splatter with fake blood for realism.
• Hands & Nails: Apply pale makeup to your hands and smudge under your nails so they match your face.

Check out our guide on how to use scar wax if you want peeling skin effects to take your zombie look even further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best zombie makeup can fall flat if you make a few common mistakes. 

First, don’t overdo it—too much fake blood or heavy makeup can look messy instead of scary. Build up your zombie look in layers, blending each product into your skin for a seamless, undead effect. 

Always remember to blend the edges of your makeup so there’s no harsh line between your real skin and your zombie transformation. 

And don’t skip the finishing touches—details like a hint of blood, a smudge of dirt, or a carefully placed wound can complete your look and make it truly haunting. 

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll create a zombie makeup look that’s both realistic and unforgettable.

Why Treasure House of Makeup Is Your Zombie Makeup Go-To

When it comes to creating zombie looks that last through a whole performance or party, the right products matter. At Treasure House of Makeup, you’ll find everything from zombie makeup kits and Mehron FX blood to professional brushes and sponges. These are theatre-grade products trusted by actors, so you can achieve long-lasting, dramatic results without complicated techniques. Whether you’re aiming for a quick easy zombie makeup or something more detailed, you’ll find all the tools you need in one place.

Zombie makeup is one of the most versatile Halloween looks out there — from simple zombie makeup for beginners to glamorous zombie makeup for those who want a stylish scare. With a pale base, hollow eyes, fake blood, and some creativity, you can transform yourself in under 30 minutes. Choose your favourite from these zombie makeup ideas, grab a kit, and get ready to steal the spotlight at any spooky event.

Need some more zombie inspiration? Check out these iconic zombie types.

FAQs

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What is the easiest way to do zombie makeup without latex?

You can achieve an effective look with a pale foundation, dark eyeshadow around the eyes, and a bit of fake blood. Veins and bruises can be added with eyeliner or eyeshadow — no latex needed.

Can I make zombie makeup last all night?

Yes. Use a primer before application and set your final look with translucent powder or setting spray. Theatre products are designed to last under hot stage lights, making them ideal for parties too.

What makeup products do I need for zombie skin?

A foundation two shades lighter than your skin, grey or purple eyeshadow for contouring, and fake blood are the basics. For more texture, scar wax or tissue with liquid latex works well.

Can children use theatre makeup safely?

Yes, but always check labels. Most theatre products are skin-safe, but younger children should avoid contact lenses and be supervised when using products like liquid latex or fake blood.

Sources 

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Harris, K. (2019) My Top 10 Zombie Types. Horror Movie Talk. Available at: https://www.horrormovietalk.com/2019/10/25/my-top-10-zombie-types/ [Accessed 8 September 2025]