A stunning look to die for
As everyone got into the spirit of Hallowe’en, the last few weeks have been filled with ghosts and ghouls and a few ‘killer clowns’ ... but you definitely wouldn’t take make up tips from them.
Fancy dress parties are all the rage right now and as a make up artist skulls - especially sugar skulls - are a much requested look.
The sugar skulls come from a Mexican holiday called Day of the Dead - or Día de Muertos.
The festival runs in the first week of November, when people honour their departed ancestors and the sugar skull is synonymous with the celebrations.
From a make up point of view it’s a stunning look and, make no bones about it, I love the challenge of making death become her.
My all-time favourite skull design is by amazing American make up artist Jordan Liberty.
His diamond skull creation is just stunning. I love it because it resembles a skull, without actually being a skull - he manages to keep it glam.
Jordan always keeps his looks so polished and beautiful which is why he’s my favourite make up artist.
To see amazing images of his fabulous diamond skull go to his instagram account @jordanliberty.
I’m going to share his steps of how to create it, plus my own little twist at the end. It’s easier than it looks - I promise.
Apply your base as usual but add some white foundation to the higher planes of the face, to give the effect of being pale but not an all over stark white. Blend well with a damp Beauty Blender.
Using a brow pencil, mark out the shape of the eyes by following the bone around your eyes. It doesn’t need to be precise.
Fill in these skull eye sockets using a black gel liner, leaving an inch or so gap under the eyes and leave your eye lids bare.
using Mac paint in Groundwork, apply a thin layer all over the bare eye lid, carrying it under the eye and smudge it into the black gel liner. The two should fade gently and seamlessly together.
Using a dark purple shadow or shadow stick, gently tap the purple into the groundwork shade and blend into the black using a soft flat brush. Any dodgy blending will be hidden at this point.
Line the inside rim (waterline) of your eyes with black kohl and finish with lots of black mascara.
Decorate the outer rim of your skull eyes with an array of dazzling, sparkly acrylic gems which you can purchase at any art or craft store.
You can place these as you like or simply copy Jordan’s design.
He uses a variety of sizes to create what looks like a diamond eye mask, with the largest piece at the centre of the forehead. They simply stick on using lash adhesive.
At this point I like to create a deep contour under the cheek bone which Jordan chose not to do, but keep a nice clean line.
Using your black gel liner again, cover the nose and continue up the bridge in an M shape to give the illusion of the hollow where the nose was.
I preferred to finish this look with a dark purple lip, with the corners extended up and doted with small crystals. It’s my small twist on his look.
It might look complicated but it’s easier once you get started and so much fun to do.