Sugar Skull Makeup: An Easy Halloween Tutorial

Even a first timer can capture the spirit of Calaveras, or "Sugar Skulls".

Halloween is just around the corner, so it's time to start thinking about this year's costume. But dressing up for your favorite holiday doesn't have to be scary expensive! In fact, you probably already have everything you need to make a DIY Sugar Skull Costume in your home. The list is surprising simple: An outfit you love colorful makeup and lots of creativity! For those you may not know, Calaveras, also known as "sugar skulls" are time honored tradition of celebrating Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) with vibrant and intricate hand painted designs (usually on the face) that pay homage and help to remember friends and family members who have passed on.

Below you'll find the five simple steps you'll need to get the look:

A clean face is essential to avoid a cakey finish that won't adhere to your skin.

1. A Clean, Dirt Free Face

Start with a clean, fresh face. Take off any makeup you're already wearing, and be sure to wipe away any dirt or oils.

A foundation/blush blender brush can be used to smooth out a thick foundation.

2. Apply The Base

Get ghostly. You can buy white face paint or just use a very light foundation for this step. You may need to buff it out with a kabuki brush for a smoother look. The goal is to look a little less alive, so the paler the better.

Darker colors provide a perfect base for your ghoulish Sugar Skull design.

3. Contour The Eyes, Cheeks, Chin & Nose

Use a dark color, preferably black, to contour along the areas you would normally: cheeks, temples, chin and sides of nose. To be a little more dramatic, also add black around the eyes and nose, and blend it in really well along all the edges of your face.

Advanced designs often incorporate "eye petals", "cobb webs" and "boney teeth".

4. Get Creative

Decorate your skull. Sugar skulls are vibrant pieces of art, so be bold! Break out that pearly blue and make some bright designs. The colorful accents are usually found around the eyes, forehead and chin.

You've created a sparkling sugar skull that's equal parts spooky and sweet.

5. Details & The Finished Look

Add little details. Liquid eyeliner works great to outline your designs and make stitches or teeth. You can also use eyeliner to embellish with swirls, dots or other interesting bits!

Once you're done with the makeup, put on that beautiful outfit! The darker your clothes, the better, because your face will be the star. Channel your inner Morticia Addams!

Your look will live on well after Halloween, too. Day of the Dead festivities, which celebrate lost loved ones and involve Sugar Skulls, last for three days until November 2.