From Graphic Eyeliner To Vampy Lips: 8 Beauty Products For Halloween

By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)

Halloween is one of the few occasions when you can turn up the drama without anyone asking why you are wearing that much eyeliner.

A sharp cat eye, an unapologetically dark lip, a flash of metallic green across the lids. Suddenly, the little black dress you have worn a hundred times takes on an entirely different personality. And if you ask me, that is half the fun of Halloween beauty. You do not necessarily need an elaborate costume when your makeup can do some of the storytelling for you.

This year, I would rather spend time playing with colour, texture and a few unexpected beauty choices than worry about finding the perfect costume. Think graphic eyeliner, glossy lips, a fragrance that lingers long after you leave the room and, of course, something to help remove all that makeup when the party is over.

Here are eight products to consider before stepping into your Halloween alter ego.

1. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DRAMALINE LONGWEAR EYELINER

S$34 | Available online and in-store at Sephora

If there is one time to experiment with eyeliner, this is it.

The newly launched Dramaline Longwear Eyeliner combines the glide of a gel with the precision of a liner, making it suitable for everything from a sharply drawn cat eye to more elaborate graphic designs. Its waterproof, smudge-proof formula promises up to 12 hours of wear, which should come in handy when the night stretches well beyond your usual bedtime.

There are eight shades across matte, metallic and duo-chrome finishes. Total Eclipse is the deep black for a dramatic feline flick, while Rosewire shifts between lavender and pink for something more otherworldly. Chrome Acid, an emerald-green metallic, is the one I would pick for a slightly alien look.

Personally, I would start with the black liner and extend the wing well beyond my usual shape. If I am going to wear dramatic eyeliner, I might as well commit to it.

2. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS GLIDR SHADOW STICK

S$43 | Available online and in-store at Sephora

Of course, a good eyeliner deserves an equally good companion.

The Glidr Shadow Stick comes in 25 shades across metallic, sparkle and matte finishes, with a creamy formula designed to last up to 12 hours without smudging, flaking or coming away easily. It can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner or highlighter, so there is no need to bring an entire collection of brushes along.

For Halloween, I would look towards the metallics and sparkle shades. A wash of shimmer across the lids can give a fairy-inspired look a little magic, while a darker shade blended around the eyes creates something moodier. Pair it with a graphic wing and you have a look that feels far more deliberate than simply reaching for the usual smoky eye.

The best part is that you can experiment without making the whole process unnecessarily complicated. Not everyone wants to spend an hour blending eyeshadow before heading out.

3. THE ORDINARY HA + ASIATICOSIDE LIP TREATMENT

S$21 for 10ml | Available in Singapore

We have spent years talking about fuller lips, from overlining tutorials to plumping glosses that promise an instant pout. Some even leave your lips tingling or burning, as though a little discomfort is part of the deal.

I have never been particularly convinced that bigger lips automatically make a better lip look. A good lipstick, a flattering shade and lips that are properly hydrated can be just as important.

The Ordinary’s new HA + Asiaticoside Lip Treatment is designed to give lips a fuller, smoother appearance without the familiar sting associated with traditional plumpers. The formula combines hyaluronic acid, asiaticoside derived from Centella asiatica and goji berry extract, with a cushiony, non-sticky finish that can be worn alone or underneath lipstick.

I particularly like the idea of preparing the lips before applying a matte colour. Dry patches and fine lines can make even a beautiful lipstick look less flattering, and no amount of clever lip lining is going to fix that.

According to The Ordinary, lips look 93% more hydrated after 15 minutes, with an immediate plumping effect and improvements in the appearance of fine lines, lip shape and texture. These are brand-reported results rather than my own testing experience, so I would be interested to see how the formula performs in practice.

4. TOM FORD RUNWAY CLUTCH-SIZE LIP COLOR

S$51 | Available at Tom Ford counters and selected Sephora stores

Now for the fun part.

A dark lip can change the entire mood of an outfit, and Halloween is the perfect excuse to reach for the shades that might otherwise sit untouched in your makeup bag. TOM FORD’s Runway Clutch-Size Lip Color offers statement shades ranging from striking reds to deep, vampy berries, with a creamy formula that glides on smoothly.

I would pair a deep berry lip with softly smoked eyes, leaving the colour to do most of the talking. For something more glamorous, a classic red with a sharply defined eye is difficult to argue with.

And there is no need to save these looks for Halloween, either. A good red lipstick has a rather useful habit of finding its way back into regular rotation.

5. GLOW RECIPE GLASS BALM

S$34 | Available online and in-store at Sephora

Not every Halloween look needs to be dark and brooding.

If you prefer something more playful, a glossy lip can be just as effective. Glow Recipe’s Glass Balm creates a high-shine, glass-like finish that catches the light, making it a good option for a fairy-inspired look or a more futuristic take on beauty.

You could wear it on its own for a glazed finish or dab it over a bold lipstick for a lacquered effect. I rather like the latter idea, particularly with a deeper red or berry shade. The contrast between rich colour and glossy shine gives the lips a little more presence without requiring another complicated step.

It is also a nice alternative for anyone who finds a completely matte lip too severe. Halloween makeup does not have to follow one particular aesthetic, and there is plenty of room for a little shine.

6. SOL DE JANEIRO INTENSE MISTS

S$53 for 90ml | Available exclusively at Sephora online and in-store

Makeup may be the most obvious part of your Halloween look, but fragrance deserves a place in the ritual too.

Sol de Janeiro’s reformulated Intense Mists come in Cheirosa 62, Cheirosa 59 and Cheirosa 74. The brand says the fragrances are designed to last up to 10 hours, and they can be worn alone or layered to create a scent combination of your own.

I like the idea of choosing a fragrance to match the mood of the evening, whether that means something warm and indulgent or a scent that feels a little more unexpected. It is also an easy way to change things up without having to buy an entirely new wardrobe for the occasion.

For touch-ups between parties, the brand’s Jelly Balms are another option. These solid, alcohol-free fragrances come in pocket-sized formats priced at S$43, making them easy to slip into a small evening bag.

7. TATCHA THE MATCHA FOAM CLEANSE

S$62 for 150ml | Available online and in-store at Sephora

After a night of graphic eyeliner, long-wear lipstick and several layers of makeup, your skin will probably appreciate a little attention of its own.

Tatcha’s Matcha Foam Cleanse is part of the brand’s three-step Matcha Glow Ritual, which also includes The Longevity Serum and The Water Cream. The routine is designed to cleanse, support the skin and provide lightweight hydration, with the brand positioning it for the needs of skin in humid climates.

For me, the cleanser is the most straightforward place to start. However elaborate your Halloween makeup becomes, removing it properly before bed is still essential. Leaving stubborn eyeliner around the eyes because you are too tired to deal with it is hardly the beauty ritual anyone needs.

If you want to follow the complete routine, The Longevity Serum costs S$125 for 30ml, while The Water Cream is S$117 for 50ml.

8. SOL DE JANEIRO BUM BUM BODY SCRUB

S$69 | Available exclusively at Sephora online and in-store

Glitter has a rather annoying habit of surviving long after the party is over.

It ends up on your arms, your shoulders, your clothes and occasionally in places where you are fairly certain you never applied it. If your Halloween look involves body shimmer, this is where the post-party shower becomes particularly important.

Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Body Scrub combines crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals to exfoliate the skin, while coconut oil helps leave it feeling soft. It is scented with the brand’s familiar Cheirosa 62 fragrance, making it a fitting end to an evening that may have involved the matching mist.

I would keep the rest of the post-party routine simple rather than attacking your skin with a dozen different products. Remove your makeup properly, cleanse, moisturise and let your skin settle.

After all, there is only so much glitter one person should have to deal with in a single evening.

Halloween beauty is a good excuse to experiment with the products and colours you might not ordinarily reach for. Whether you opt for a dramatic cat eye, a deep berry lip or a little metallic shimmer, the point is to have fun with it.

And if you are going to go all out, do remember to take your makeup off before bed.