How To Do Vampire Makeup

When thinking about putting on make up to transform yourself into a charming yet dangerous vampire, it helps to list the characteristics that a vampire has. Then you can apply vampire makeup to help with each one.

Vampire Makeup Points

• Vampires are traditionally very pale so your make up should emphasize this. Apply liberally a good coating of foundation primer or moisturizer to prevent the makeup from caking up. Then apply some white face powder with a powder puff or brush.
• If you want to get sinister, you can apply some dark shadow beneath the cheekbones. There is the risk of entering zombie territory here though. The best thing to do is experiment beforehand and use what works for you.
• Eyes should be intense. Although you can’t alter the appearance of your eyes with makeup, there are some contact lenses you can use to make your eyes more bold. Check out these Lestat contact lenses.
• To enhance the illusion of dramatic eyes, use dark eyeshadow around the eye over black eyeliner. Blend well.
• Moving on to the lips. A technique that many use is to rub lipstick onto a finger and then press into the lips. This makes for a "stained"effect. Alternatively, you could go Gothic and apply black or dark red lipstick as you would normally.
• Fangs! Of course, your vampire makeup wouldn’t be complete without a set of gnashers, but don’t go crazy with these. Less really is more here, and you won’t see the ‘average’ vampire walking everywhere with their canines bare!
• What do vampires do? That’s right, drink blood. How about simulating some smeared blood at the side of your mouth or dripping down your chin? Easy fake blood: mix a few tablespoons of corn syrup with a few drops of red food colouring. Add a single drop of blue to darken the mixture and get it to appear more realistic. Alternatively, you could always buy the stuff.
• Clothes can really add that je ne sais quois to your appearance. If you have some Victorian or Gothic clothes lying around, they would be ideal. Alternatively, you can get them from a good costume store. Here is an example of what a male vampire could wear:
  • White dress shirt.
  • A burgundy waistcoat. Velvet of course, dear.
  • Cravat.
  • Cane/sword combo.
  • A billowing black cape with red lining for added mystery. Satin is nice.

  And for the seductive vampiress:

  • full length lace trimmed black and red satin gown
  • anything with an especially tall collar
  • elbow length glovelets
  • jeweled velvet choker
  • veil headpiece
• Although there is no set specific hairstyle that sets vampires apart from mere mortals, many people dressing up as vampires like to wear a wig.
• A finishing touch you might like to include, though is not mandatory, is dust. There are different ways you can achieve that dusty look. Some people use corn starch.
• Optional: Some vampires emphasize their undead qualities with seriously bruised and decayed skin. Use sparingly, lest you transform unwittingly into a zombie!

Vampire Makeup Summary

To summarise your vampire makeup endeavours, you need to consider:

• The makeup itself
• Contact lenses
• Fangs (tasteful)
• Clothing
• Accessories (for example, a cane)