Beetlejuice Makeup

2 min read 19-01-2025

Beetlejuice, the 1988 Tim Burton classic, gifted the world with more than just a delightfully strange story. It gave us a character so iconic, his look has been endlessly replicated in Halloween costumes and beyond. This guide will break down how to achieve the signature Beetlejuice makeup, from the ghostly pallor to the signature stripes.

Getting Started: Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin your transformation into the ghost with the most, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and products. This isn't a minimalist makeup endeavor; embracing the exaggerated nature of the character is key. Here's what you'll need:

White face paint: A high-quality, creamy white paint is crucial for achieving the ethereal pallor. Avoid anything too dry, as it can crack and look unnatural.
Black and grey eyeshadow: These will be used to create depth and shadow, crucial for emphasizing the skeletal features.
Black eyeliner: A liquid eyeliner will provide sharp, defined lines, essential for the signature stripes.
Black and grey cream or stick makeup: This will be used for contouring and shading. Cream makeup blends more easily than powder, creating a smoother finish.
Makeup brushes: A variety of brushes, including a flat foundation brush, blending brushes, and an angled eyeliner brush, will ensure precise application.
Setting powder (optional): A translucent powder can help set the makeup and prevent creasing, especially in areas that will be moving, like the mouth.
False eyelashes (optional): While not strictly necessary, spidery false lashes can enhance the dramatic effect.

Creating the Base: The Ghostly Pallor

The foundation of Beetlejuice's look is his unnervingly pale complexion. Apply a generous layer of white face paint, ensuring even coverage across the entire face and neck. Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines. Pay close attention to the hairline and ears, making sure there are no gaps between the skin and the paint.

Adding Depth: Contouring and Shading

Beetlejuice's face isn't just pale; it has defined shadows that emphasize his skeletal features. Use grey and black cream makeup to contour the cheekbones, temples, and under the eyes. Blend thoroughly to create a natural-looking shadow, avoiding harsh lines. Remember, less is more; start with a small amount and build up gradually.

The Defining Feature: The Stripes

Beetlejuice's signature black stripes are what truly sets the look apart. Using your liquid eyeliner, carefully apply thick black stripes down the cheeks, angling them slightly towards the mouth. Ensure the lines are sharp and even. Clean up any smudges immediately with a damp cotton swab or makeup remover. You can experiment with the stripe width and angle to achieve the desired effect. Some iterations have narrower stripes, others wider, and the angling can also vary.

Final Touches: Eyes and Lips

For the eyes, you can apply dark eyeshadow to create a smoky effect, deepening the already dramatic look. False eyelashes are a nice addition, contributing to the overall intensity. Beetlejuice's lips are often dark and somewhat muted – a dark grey or brownish-black lipstick works well here.

Beyond the Face: Hair and Costume

Remember, the makeup is only part of the complete Beetlejuice transformation. The wild, unkempt hair and the signature pinstripe suit complete the iconic look. Consider styling your hair in a messy, slightly disheveled manner, mimicking Beetlejuice’s chaotic energy.

With careful attention to detail and a little practice, you can achieve a truly convincing Beetlejuice makeup look. Remember to have fun and embrace the character's quirky personality. The more dramatic and exaggerated, the better!