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10 Cute Cat Makeup Looks Taking Over This Halloween

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Halloween is around the corner and your costume choice awaits. Should you go big or go to the store for a last-minute look? Either way, you can’t go wrong with a classic cat costume. While it might seem like the most obvious option, it’s a staple for a reason. It’s simple to DIY, and with so many variations to explore, you can easily make the look your own.

The best part? You probably already own most of the products you’ll need for your feline transformation. So whether you’ve been planning your kitty costume for months or are looking for a quick cat makeup tutorial, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite Halloween cat makeup ideas to try this year, from beginner-friendly versions to celebrity-worthy glam.

Cat Halloween Makeup Ideas 

1. Glam Kitty

Go big with your glam for this cat costume. After drawing on your nose and whiskers, bring the drama with a shimmery eyeshadow, fluttering fake lashes, and of course, a statement-making cat-eye. Then, take your look to the next level with rhinestone appliqués and colored contacts.

2. Laid-Back Leopard

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For an easy but unexpected take on the classic cat costume, incorporate some leopard spots. Simple enough for makeup beginners, this look only requires a black liquid eyeliner and a brown eyeshadow, so chances are you’ve already got everything you need. Draw on your nose, whiskers, and desired eyeliner before tracing out your spots (don’t worry about making them look perfect!). After, fill them in with a dusting of brown eyeshadow or gel eyeliner, like this Eye Want You Duo from TYNT BEAUTY and TRÈSTIQUE.

3. Classic Black Cat

An image of a woman cosplaying as a cat woman wearing a black gloves with long black nails and a cat-ear like headband

You can’t go wrong with a classic. To recreate this traditional Halloween look, you’ll want to draw on your nose and whiskers with a black eyeliner and add a black lipstick to your upper lip. Add a dash of femme fatale—or in this case, feline fatale—with a sharp black eyeliner look and glamorous false eyelashes. Finish off your look with a slicked-back ‘do, and don’t forget your cat ears!

4. Queen of the Jungle

Rule the jungle (and your Halloween party) with this lioness look. While you don’t have to deviate too much from the standard cat whiskers and nose, adding bold eye makeup and fluffy brows will help transform your makeup from housecat to fierce leader. The key to this costume is really in your hair, however, so make sure to tease up your strands for a bold mane. Using a texture spray, like AMIKA’s Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray, will help your hair reach new heights. 

5. Gothic Leopard

Halloween is the time to embrace all things gothic, no matter what your costume is. For an alternative take on feline makeup, keep the focus on your eyes with a spooky gray and white cut-crease. Then, use a black eyeliner to add some leopard spots below your brow or on your cheeks. Finish off your glam with an extra bold cat-eye liner and wispy lashes, and for added drama, outline your lips with black lipstick.

6. Witchy Kitty

For a Halloween look that packs a punch, consider combining two of the most popular costumes. This witch-to-cat glam allows you to tap into some makeup magic—one half of your face embraces the wicked and the other sports her feline friend. Use black face paint to draw the cat’s face shape onto half of yours, and then reach for a white eyeliner pencil to add in details like a nose, whiskers, and lashes. On the other half of your face, opt for witchy eyeshadow hues like purple or black. Then, top off your look with some whimsical false eyelashes. 

7. Fierce Feline

Lean into the horror of Halloween with a fighting feline look. Start with some fierce leopard spots on your eyes and face, then move on to classic details like whiskers and a black nose. To signal you’re more jungle royalty than lap cat, however, you’ll want to incorporate some gory details like a blood-red lower lip and some cat scratch marks. Try creating the latter with a black eyeliner pencil outlined with a bright red eyeshadow or liquid liner.

8. Lisa Frank Leopard 

If you’ve got lots of time (and face paint) on your hands, consider going big with this Lisa Frank-inspired leopard look. With a multicolor base, this glam isn’t for the weak-hearted, so we’d recommend this makeup for more advanced (or ambitious) artists. White highlights and glittery details bring even more fun to this makeup and its neon colors will definitely be turning heads all night. 

9. Tiger Temptress 

Leopard print gets a lot of love, but these stripes are just as recognizable (and easy to recreate). Start with an orange eyeshadow around the shape of your face before drawing on your tiger stripes with a black liquid eyeliner. For added feline effect, create a striking eyeliner look with an extended cat-eye and tightlined edges. You can use one end of this Perfect Wings Eyeliner Stamp from THE QUICK FLICK to get into your water lines, while the other end features a handy stamp to give you that perfect cat-eye every time.

10. Soft Snow Leopard 

Plenty of cute details make this makeup look a more realistic (and unique) cat costume. After applying a white base with face paint, you’ll want to add markings and spots with a black eyeliner, highlighting certain areas with a white eyeliner. Fluffy false lashes, red contacts, and a bold red lip truly bring this look home, but a furry white jacket helps too.

Want more makeup looks that are the cat’s meow? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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About the author
Maya Ernest
Maya Ernest
Maya Ernest is a writer and editor based in New York City. Covering the latest in fashion and beauty, her work has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Teen Vogue, and NYLON, among other publications.
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Article Last Updated September 18, 2024 12:00 AM