Pumpkins aren’t just for carving – they’re also perfect for creating fun, striking Halloween makeup looks. Whether you’re heading to a party or on stage, pumpkin face makeup can be as playful or as spooky as you want.

In this article, we’ll share easy pumpkin makeup ideas you can try at home, from building a smooth base to adding bold orange shades and finishing with creative details. You’ll also find tips, product recommendations, and ways to keep your look lasting all night.

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How To Do Easy Pumpkin Makeup

Creating pumpkin face makeup doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right steps, you can get a look that stands out but is simple enough for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of each stage.

Prepping the Base

Before applying any colour, prep your skin so the makeup sits smoothly and lasts longer.

• Wash your face and moisturise to prevent dryness.
• Apply a primer to reduce shine and help colours stick.
• Use concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes for a clean start.
• A light foundation helps balance skin tone without masking detail.

Tip: A lightweight, matte finish foundation works well because it keeps bright orange tones looking fresh rather than shiny.

Building the Pumpkin Shade

The pumpkin effect comes from layering orange tones. Depending on whether you want a cute or scary look, you can adjust the depth of colour.

• Use orange face paint or cream shadow as your main shade.
  
• Blend the colour evenly across your cheeks, forehead, and chin.
• For dimension, add darker orange or a hint of black down the sides of the face, mimicking the ribs of a pumpkin.
• Highlight with a lighter orange or even a touch of gold on the high points of the face.

This is the stage where easy pumpkin makeup really takes shape, giving you that unmistakable autumn feel.

Adding Definition with Cheeks

Pumpkin-inspired blush is playful and ties the look together.

• Apply a soft orange or coral blush across the cheeks.
• Blend upwards towards the temples for a rounded, natural finish.
• Use a touch of highlighter on the nose and cupid’s bow for extra glow.

For stage-ready options, explore cheek makeup that’s highly pigmented and lasts under bright lights.

Making The Eyes The Centrepiece

Pumpkin makeup ideas often revolve around striking eyes. Here’s how to make them pop:

• Prime your lids with a base to stop creasing.
• Apply a bold orange eyeshadow all over the lid.
• Blend a darker orange or red shade into the crease.
• For a more dramatic look, sweep the orange down the lower lash line.
• Add black eyeliner in triangle shapes above the eyes to echo a jack-o’-lantern design.
• Finish with mascara for definition.

We stock high quality Ben Nye eye products, known for bold colour payoff and durability. Shop now for long lasting results.

Detailing the Pumpkin Face Makeup

Once the base, cheeks, and eyes are complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches that make your look recognisable as a pumpkin:

• Draw a small black triangle on the nose with eyeliner or face paint.
• Extend black lines from the corners of the mouth to mimic carved pumpkin teeth.
• Add vertical black or deep orange lines across the face for pumpkin ridges.
• If you want sparkle, press loose glitter onto the lids or cheekbones.

Tip: Work slowly with detailing – a fine-tip eyeliner gives more control and prevents smudging.

Lips to Match the Look

Lips can complete the pumpkin effect in different ways depending on the mood you want:

• For a simple finish, use a deep orange or brick-red lipstick.
• For a spookier effect, fill the lips with black and extend squares to mimic a carved smile.
• Glossy finishes can be playful, while matte looks sharper and more dramatic.

If you’re worried about lipstick transferring during long wear, check out this guide on how to stop makeup transfer.

Creative Pumpkin Makeup Ideas

Not every pumpkin face makeup needs to look the same. Once you’ve nailed the basic orange-and-black look, you can try different twists that range from playful to spooky. Here are a few easy pumpkin makeup ideas to inspire you:

1. Spider Glam

If you want something a little creepier, combine your pumpkin look with spider details.

• Draw thin black lines radiating from the eyes to create spiderweb effects.
• Use stick-on gems or sequins to mimic the shine of a web.
• Pair with dramatic false lashes for a more theatrical finish.

This style works especially well for Halloween parties because it blends glam with a hint of fright.

2. Jack-o’-Lantern Chic

A glittery, party-ready twist on pumpkin makeup.

• After applying your orange base, press holographic or gold glitter across the cheekbones.
• Create a smoky effect by blending darker shades around the eyes.
• Outline lips with black liner for a sharp, carved effect.

This look proves that pumpkin makeup ideas don’t always need to be scary—they can be stylish, too.

3. Scarecrow-Inspired Pumpkin

A softer, countryside take on pumpkin face makeup.

• Use black eyeliner to draw stitched lines across the mouth and cheeks.
• Add rosy orange blush circles on the cheeks for a rustic, stitched look.
• Extend detail onto the nose with a small black triangle.

It’s one of the easiest pumpkin makeup styles for beginners because it focuses on simple lines and blush.

4. Gothic Pumpkin

If your Halloween style leans darker, a gothic pumpkin look is perfect.

• Keep the orange base but deepen the eyes with smoky black or purple shadows.
• Swap traditional lipstick for deep plum or matte black.
• Add subtle contouring with dark tones to make the face look hollowed out.

This version blends gothic makeup elements with classic pumpkin details for a more dramatic stage-ready effect.

Pro Tips For Easy Pumpkin Makeup 

No matter which pumpkin makeup ideas you try, a few pro tips will make the process easier and keep the look lasting longer:

• Use quality face paint → Professional-grade products are less likely to crack, fade, or irritate skin compared to cheaper alternatives.
• Work in layers → Build colour slowly, blending as you go, to avoid streaks and uneven patches.
• Fine brushes are your friend → For detailed pumpkin lines or stitched effects, a fine-tipped brush or felt-tip eyeliner gives more control.
• Set everything in place → Use translucent powder or setting spray to lock the makeup for long wear.
• Keep hair out of the way → Tie it back or use a headband so orange face paint doesn’t get into your hairline.

Tip: Always test products on a small patch of skin if you have sensitive skin before applying a full pumpkin face makeup look.

Pumpkin Makeup With Treasure House 

At Treasure House of Makeup, we know Halloween is when creativity really shines. Our professional-grade products are designed for stage and performance, making them ideal for bold, long-lasting pumpkin makeup looks. From Ben Nye eye products that deliver striking orange and black shades to cheek makeup that adds warmth and depth, you’ll find everything you need to bring your pumpkin face makeup to life. Whether you’re after a cute, glittery jack-o’-lantern or a gothic-inspired design, our range ensures professional results that last all night.

Pumpkin makeup is one of the most fun and versatile Halloween looks, and the best part is that it’s simple to create. With a smooth base, bold orange tones, and a few creative details, you can turn your face into a jack-o’-lantern masterpiece in no time. Whether you go for cute, spooky, or gothic, these easy pumpkin makeup ideas will help you stand out at any event this season.

Check out some of our other halloween makeup ideas below:

• Easy creepy doll makeup ideas
• Halloween mermaid makeup
• How to apply vampire makeup

Halloween can also be a time where you find yourself going over budget – discover the latest statistics on halloween per year.

FAQs

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How do I make pumpkin makeup last all night?

Set your base with powder and finish with setting spray. Use quality face paint or theatre makeup rather than cheap kits, as these are less likely to crack or smudge.

Can pumpkin makeup work on sensitive skin?

Yes, but choose hypoallergenic or professional-grade products. Always patch-test a small area first and remove makeup gently with a skin-friendly cleanser.

What’s the easiest pumpkin makeup look for beginners?

The scarecrow-inspired pumpkin look is very beginner-friendly. It only requires a simple orange base, stitched lines across the mouth, and blush circles on the cheeks.

Sources

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Bastock, L., Barber, S. (2024) Halloween Statistics 2024: How Much Is Spent Per Year? Finder. Available at: https://www.finder.com/uk/banking/halloween-statistics [Accessed 8 Sept 2025].