After a hot summer, we always start to find ourselves gravitating towards warmer makeup looks, deeper colors, layers and, of course, fun new makeup ideas. We love the mermaid makeup look because it relies on bright, vibrant colors, lots of fun makeup tricks, and it looks *really* impressive makeup-wise but it’s actually quite easy to pull off. Mermaid makeup is a go-to Halloween makeup look for anyone looking for a bright, new look, so we’ve put together your go-to guide for a classic yet creative Halloween mermaid makeup look. From creating your base to achieving that viral “scale” look on your skin, we’re breaking it down step by step. Let’s get into it!
Step 1: Prime & Apply Base Makeup
Perhaps the most important step of your mermaid makeup look is creating a clean, long-wearing base. We recommend first prepping your skin with a hydrating face cream to prep your face for the next few steps. It’s crucial to use an ultra sticky primer in order for all of the colors and patterns to stay on your skin without budging through the night.
Go in with Power Grip Primer all over cleansed skin to help create that grippy, ready-for-makeup base. Next, apply your favorite glowy complexion booster or hydrating CC Cream with a damp sponge or foundation brush. The key here is to apply something long-wearing since so many other products will be applied on top of it. Finally, cover any blemishes or under eye circles with our hydrating concealer which stays for up to 16 hours and does a great job of smoothing, blurring, and hydrating— all at the same time.
Step 2: How-to Fishnet Scales on Your Face
First things first, you’ll need a pair of cheap fishnet tights you’re okay with getting a little powdery to help you create scales on your face. Next, hold the tights firmly against your skin or place them over your head, then take a small, fluffy eyeshadow brush and apply colored powder generously over the top of the tights. Feel free to mix and blend colors, or try alternating colors scale by scale to achieve a multi-colored, almost “translucent” scale effect. Powder products in vibrant greens, blues, purples, or pinks are great for this step, and we have to note that only powder will work to create this scaly look.
We like to use a matte blush because it creates bold scales that won’t fade, as well as the 18 Hit Wonders Eyeshadow Palette or Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette because they feature so many bright, versatile shades that nail the look of rainbow scaled—something you’ll really want to capture if you’re cosplaying as Ariel for the day.
Step 3: Metallic, Glittery Eyes
Sure, everyone will probably be locked on your dazzling rainbow-scaled skin, but you’ll need a next-level eye look to compliment the rest of your mermaid makeup. Enter: metallic, glittery eyes. For the eyes, we almost want to achieve a wet, glossy look, and the key to achieving it is with metallic, liquid-based shades. First, apply Lock It Down Eyeshadow Primer across lids to ensure your eye look won’t melt throughout the night and will lock in that long-lasting color and shine (remember, you’re a magical mermaid—your makeup can’t fade!).
Next, get creative! Use colors that coordinate and compliment the colors you used for the scales. Layer and blend our DuoChrome Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow to create a shiny and vibrant, just-stepped-out-of-sea eye look. DuoChrome’s formulation is great for creating multi-dimensional, iridescent color that will play well with the scales. If you want a gleaming glitter topper, go in with Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow to take it to the next level. All of the shades have a glittery pearl sheen that blends and sits on top of your other eyeshadow. Shades Disco Queen and Bling Bling wear particularly well as a layered, eye-catching topper. Wait until your eyeshadow is completely dry before applying mascara and eyeliner.
Step 4: Pick Your Lip & Apply
Let your mermaid makeup lip lean into the overall mermaid look you're going for. If your desired look is a high-glam mermaid, a bold (dare we say dark?!) lipstick might be the way to go. If that wet, high shine look is the mermaid mode you’re after, a soft pink lip with an ultra shiny gloss is what you’ll want to pucker up with.
If you want to play up your lip look, start by applying a lip liner like Cream Glide Lip Liner on the edges of lips. If you go out of line slightly, that’s okay—pouty, plump lips are a part of the mermaid look. If glam mermaid makeup is your look of choice our color-packed and creamy O Face Satin Lipstick delivers smooth, buildable color that lasts. For a bright, slick, wet-lip look, Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil and Lip Plumping Gloss go to work bringing shine, hydration, and color in one swipe.
Step 5: Add Pearls, Face Gems, or Rhinestones
No mermaid makeup look is complete without a rhinestone touch. Accentuate your eyes and that underwater aesthetic by adding sticky face gems in colors like sea green, aquamarine, light blue, purple, and pink around the temples, eyes, and even cheekbones.
Pearls are also a fun feminine touch if your mermaid makeup look leans into the playful side. Pearls are also a fun, sea-themed addition and can double as shells. Be aware of where you place your rhinestones or gems to compliment the rainbow scales that will likely sit along your cheeks and forehead. Feel free to be creative and fun with pearls and face gems. There are no rules here, just make sure they’re comfortably placed on your face so they’re not in your way!