The Only Halloween Make-Up Tutorial You’ll Need (It Only Takes 15 Minutes!)

Of course we'd turn to the folks from Universal Studios Singapore’s hair and make-up department for Halloween make-up advice. Rally San Mateo, 30, is no stranger to special effects make-up, having been involved in Halloween Horror Nights since 2012, and has done the make-up of key characters over the years, using a mix of cosmetics and prosthetics (as seen on this vengeful Japanese spirit that’s part of HHN8 this year) to create horrifying magic.

Foundation (two tones lighter than your usual), translucent powder, red lipstick, lip liner, and black or dark brown eyeshadow.

Apply foundation in broad strokes on the higher parts of the face, such as the T-zone and cheekbones.

Blend with a sponge.

Set the foundation base with translucent powder.

Using the lipstick as an eyeshadow, apply with a brush all over eyelids, as well as the undereye area.

Tip: follow the natural placement of your eyebags. Then blend to get rid of harsh lines.

To make those peepers appear more sunken, apply dark brown or black eyeshadow over the layer of red, only at the corners of the eyes (not all over). Once you’ve achieved your desired intensity, blend with a brush. Do the same with the undereye area, following the shape of your natural eyebags. If you have dark circles, darken it further to emphasise them.

Use the same brown/black eyeshadow and carefully shade your temples and cheeks (all the way to either side of the lips). This will make you look more gaunt - no dieting required!

Line the eyes with red lipliner for a more spook-tacular effect. And...voila! You’re done! Got another 10 minutes to spare? Up your Halloween game with some gory gashes with the following bonus steps.

Using the same lip liner, lightly sketch the outline of a slash across the face. If you’re unsure, dot the outline of the wound first, then connect the dots when you’re finally satisfied with the shape of your injury.

Fill in the colour of the cuts with lip liner or lipstick.

Using a brush, blend to soften the edges of the ‘cut’ for a more realistic look. It’s okay if you smudge it a little — you don’t want your cut looking too perfect and clean.

Add shadows on to the cuts by roughly blending the brown/black eyeshadow over some parts of your gash. This creates some depth to your wound. It’s important to use only a matte eyeshadow.

Time to make some blood! Break off a little bit of the red lipstick, scrape some of the brown/black eyeshadow and mix with olive oil (you can also use maple syrup or honey mixed with cornstarch and some food colouring). Blend together in a small container. If your mixture’s too red, add more eyeshadow, and vice versa.

Apply the ‘blood’ on to the wounds. The shine from the olive oil adds to the glossy effect that real blood has. Smudge a little.

You’ve struck ghoul! Go forth and scare the bejesus out of everyone, young Padawan.

Photos: Kelvin Chia​​​​​​​

Halloween Horror Nights 8 is on until Oct 31 at Universal Studios Singapore in Resorts World Sentosa. More info at http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg/.