7 Truly Gorgeous Día de los Muertos Makeup Ideas
The best tutorials, all in one place.


October 31 is upon us, which means it's nearly time to celebrate Día de los Muertos. But know what it's not time to do? Culturally appropriate calavera—AKA sugar skull—makeup, or paint your face like "La Calavera Catrina" as a super-cool Halloween "costume."
Because, as a reminder we shouldn't have to issue, Halloween and the Day of the Dead are not the same thing, or even remotely similar. And if you can't easily explain why, you're probably best off finding different Halloween makeup this year, of which there are approximately a trillion options that won't demean the history of an entire group of people.
But for everyone else, we've got you covered with the brightest, most colorful, and decidedly gorgeous Día De Los Muertos makeup tutorials, ahead, so you can celebrate the holiday—and your ancestors—in style.
1. This Subtle Gold and Silver Style
2. This Blue and Orange-Hued Style
3. This Glittery Rose Style
4. This Jewel-Encrusted Style
5. This Smokey, Monochromatic Style
6. This Violet-Cast Style
7. This Classic Matte Style
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
-
Summer 2025’s Fashion Trends Are All About Easy Style
From perfectly placed cutouts to just-right fabrics, this season's best focus on working smarter, not harder.
By Emma Childs
-
What If You Didn’t Have to Feel—Or Look—Your Age?
Thanks to a rise of menopause makeovers, you don’t have to.
By Samantha Holender
-
Climate Fiction So Earth-Shattering You’ll Never Forget to Recycle Again
These dystopian books imagine a future where the worst has already happened.
By Liz Doupnik
-
Meet 8 Editor-Vetted Blush Palettes That Basically Flirt for You
For that just-got-caught-staring flush.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega Does Grungy Glam Right With '90s-Inspired Hair and Makeup
The actress was spotted in peak ‘90s-inspired glam.
By Ariel Baker
-
How a Beauty Writer Has Perfected Her Morning Routine For Acne-Prone Skin
Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.
By Ariel Baker
-
Selena Gomez Hosts a Master Class in Matching Your Red Blush and Red Lipstick to Your Outfit
The star was spotted looking red hot in the streets of New York City.
By Ariel Baker
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
Presenting, Perfect Date Night Makeup for People Who Hate Makeup
From a beauty director who's learned all the workarounds.
By Hannah Baxter
-
I Scoured Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale for Five Hours—Here's What I'm Shopping
Add to cart, ASAP.
By Ariel Baker
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker