The Day of the Dead ('Dia de Muertos' in Spanish) is the Mexican holiday celebrating loved ones who have passed on. Festivities take place on All Saint's Day and All Souls' Day throughout Latin America and other world cultures. These are the 2 days directly following All Hallow's Eve, the day we know better as- Halloween!
Instead of being a drab, morbid affair, the Day of the Dead is a true celebration known for incorporating bright colors, flowers, and superb artistic design in everything that is displayed. There is no better example than the beautiful skull motif which is found in the decorations, masks, trinkets, and makeup showcased during the celebration.
Dia de Muertos found a foothold in the Southwestern United States with Mexican and Latin American communities, and over the last decade has fused into popular culture. Day of the Dead costumes have become some of the most coveted and beloved Halloween costume choices. The costumes' use of color, elaborate makeup designs, and macabre theme make them a favorite among men and women alike!
Dia de Muertos makes for a great group costume idea
Day of the Dead Costumes - Shop
Day of the Dead Accessories
If you are planning on piecing togther your own costume, start with black clothing as as a base. You could even start with one of our Skeleton T-Shirts (womens or mens) and build up from there. Then add a dash of color (we recommend green, yellow, or red) using a sash, accent piece, or flowers pinned onto your outfit or into your hair. Finally, be sure to incorporate that skull motif with one of our exquisite sugar skull masks or a skull makeup kit.
Day of the Dead Catrina Women's Mask - ShopDay of the Dead Catrina Men's Mask - Shop
Women's Day of the Dead Half Mask - Shop
Skull Makeup Kit - ShopDeluxe Skeleton Makeup Kit - Shop
Day of the Dead Makeup Tutorial
If you are looking to take it to the next level with your costume, you can try our more elaborate Day of the Dead makeup tutorial. No worries though, we have broken down all the steps to make it a painless process. First assemble all the necessary makeup elements:
- (2) Eyebrow pencils for creating the line work and webs across the face. Get one black one and one colored one (we went with red to match the gems we chose).
- Makeup brushes (be sure to include a finer brush for the detailed areas).
- Colored powder eye shadow (we went with blue to contrast the red being used elsewhere).
- Colored Gems (can be purchased at your local craft store).
- White Cream base.
- Spirit Gum adhesive (for attaching the gems).
- Eyeliner and mascara (to really make your eyes pop).
White Base Makeup - ShopSpirit Gum Adhesive - Shop
You can customize your color arrangement based on personal preference and what compliments the outfit you have put together. Once all the pieces are assembled, let our makeup expert guide you through the application process in the video below:
She makes it look so easy!
If you really liked the look our makeup expert Chrissy created in the video, look below for the costume and accessories that were used. The Muerta Sugar Skull costume is a great design made by Leg Avenue costumes. The strapless dress comes with lace sleeves and a neckpiece. In order to have a headpiece worthy of this muerta style, we took a dark braided wig and added rose hair clips across the top in a wreath shape.
Muerta Sugar Skull Costume - Shop Rose Hair Clip - Shop
Long Braided Wig - Shop
Another great part of Day of the Dead costumes and makeup is the variety of ways to do it! Be sure to share your own Dia de Muertos costume pics with us. We would love to see what you do with this style: