Before Barbiecore let rip and everyone wanted to replicate Margot Robbie’s flawless skin, coiffed hair and glossy limbs, the Hollywood actor was inspiring us with her iconic Harley Quinn makeup. The complete opposite to stereotypical Barbie as the Joker’s sidekick-come-love interest, Harley's smudged lipstick, face tattoos and colourful eyeshadow provide the perfect Halloween make-up look.
Even better, it's not overly complicated to achieve. We asked some top makeup artists about how to recreate the Harley Quinn makeup look – so you can channel your inner Suicide Squad vibes and hit your Halloween party looking the part.
Prep the skin
No-one wants their Halloween make-up to fade before witching hour, so primers are imperative pre-foundation to create staying power. “When you’re working with bold colour make-up looks, an important step for success is getting a smooth and perfect base as this will help the rest of the makeup look good and last longer,” says Simone Otis, make-up artist and 19/99 Beauty ambassador.
Benefit’s POREfessional Primer and NARS Pore and Shine Control Primer both give skin a matte effect that’s good for layering foundation on top.
Fix it with foundation
A lightweight foundation that offers buildable coverage is important here – and again, choose something that’s matte. Harley Quinn’s skin is far from dewy. “Opt for a slightly paler tone to give a bright contrast to the coloured makeup that will go on top,” advises award-winning make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. “Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is good, or for extra coverage, use MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and apply with the fluffy puff applicator sponge to give that super airbrushed effect.”
For extra back-up, mist over a setting spray such as Sculpted by Aimee’s Hydrate & Hold that feels weightless but will stop your foundation fading, migrating or letting the shine take over.
How to get Harley Quinn eyes
“This look requires vibrant and bold make-up that’s deliberately messy and rebellious, so don’t be afraid to embrace imperfections and asymmetry,” continues Lan. “Apply a white eyeshadow first to act as a base and make the colours pop – and then apply your blue and red eyeshadow in a playful, messy and asymmetrical manner around your eyes creating a smudged and chaotic look. If in doubt, start from the lash line and blend into the socket, then drag the colour outwards like a wing and smudge.”
Blending brushes work well here – or follow Simone’s advice and get hands on. “You could use a colour pencil to draw directly around the eyes, work with an eyeshadow brush to build up the colour or, because this look can be as imperfect or perfect as you want, don’t be afraid to use your fingers to add and blend the product – apply, blend, smear and have fun. Then choose a long-lasting or waterproof eyeliner to give shape and definition to the eyes.”
Try 19/99 Beauty Precision Colour Pencils in Voros (red) and Wasser (blue) which can be used around the eyes, NYX Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette in Brights and Kat Von D Tattoo Liner for precise eye liner – and then layer on some volumising mascara or false lashes like Ardell Demi Wispies for extra oomph.
Don’t forget your brows either – choose a darker shade of pencil than you would normally wear to amplify them and then use a long lasting brow gel to keep everything in place. You could even create a thicker brow using eyebrow fibres, suggests Lan.
Red lipstick gone wrong
Whether you choose to go for black or red lips, you need to line them first. Use a red lipliner or black eyeliner. Then fill the lips in (either with the liner or if you’ve gone red, a vibrant red lipstick) and blot between reapplications. “This ensures a long-wear lip,” says Simone.
You can also create the messy, smudged effect at the edges by extending the colour beyond your lip with the liner or lipstick, suggests Lan.
Finish with face tattoos
It wouldn’t be Hayley Quinn without a facial tattoo or accent. “Use temporary tattoos or face paint to recreate these, such as the heart on her cheek or the ‘rotten’ tattoo on her face. A gel eyeliner will ensure it stays in place – and then layer some translucent powder over the top for longevity,” advises Lan.
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