Today’s Halloween makeup tutorial was inspired by the killingest drag queen Detox (naturally) and the movie Pleasantville. Remember that movie, about the teens who end up in a 50s sitcom, and bring color into their black and white world? More importantly, do you remember Detox’s grayscale makeup from the RuPaul’s Drag Race finale? It was incredible. I made a mental note to try it out, but somehow it took me a couple years to do so (also, naturally). I documented the process, so if you want to try out grayscale makeup for your Halloween costume, click through to follow the tutorial!

 

1. After applying primer, I covered my face and neck in Ben Nye Clown White with a synthetic foundation brush. Note: Clown White can be pretty difficult to work with, if you don’t warm it up before applying. I scoop out a little bit and warm it up with my hair dryer.
2. Since I created a completely blank, white canvas, I went back in and made new shadows. It’s just like regular contouring and highlighting, only with black and grey – and the white is already the highlight. I went along the hairline, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and jawline with Ben Nye creme colors in black and gray.
3. With the colors in place, I blended everything with a damp Beautyblender. Make sure to bounce the beautyblender, not wipe with it.
4. I used the Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette and liner to smoke out my eyes, and of course, filled in my brows!
5. I filled in my lips with the same grey and black creme colors, then dabbed a little bit of white in the middle, to give dimension.
6. Finally, I set the makeup with translucent setting powder. If you skip this step, it will crease in a heartbeat…don’t skip it! To finish off the grayscale makeup look, I sprayed my hair with black spray, and added a vintage fascinator. Voila!