OK, yes, the whole idealization of Barbie is super antiquated — but there’s no denying the fact that the doll makes for one kick-ass Halloween costume. And since most of us grew up playing with Barbie, a costume homage to her definitely has the nostalgia factor going for it as well.
Even though there’s nothing simple about Barbie, putting together a Barbie costume is actually pretty easy. The bright colors and over-dramatized makeup are our favorite part, so if you focus on those two factors, you’ll be well on your way. Here’s our step-by-step breakdown for makeup that’s fit for a doll
More: Classic Wonder Woman Makeup Will Make You Feel Like a Badass on Halloween
Step 1:
Apply a white cream shadow as a base. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is perfect for this.
Step 2:
Use your finger to blend from your lash line all the way up to your brow.
Step 3:
Take that same white pencil and line your inner rim to give eyes a larger appearance.
Step 4:
Pat a white eyeshadow all over the lid.
Step 5:
Using a purple pencil liner, draw a line just above your natural crease. Barbie is rocking a cut crease, in case you haven’t noticed. I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Vice.
Step 6:
Next, take a matte violet shadow like Urban from the Urban Decay Electric Palette and smudge out the line you just drew with a pencil brush.
Step 7:
Extend your purple cut crease past the inner corner of your eye to make eyes appear wider.
Step 8:
Using your same purple liner, draw a straight line, starting at the outer corner of your eye.
Step 9:
Use your pencil brush to soften and blend the line out.
Step 10:
Taking a crease brush, dip into a magenta color like Jilted in the Urban Decay Electric Palette and soften out your top edge, working the pink into the purple color.
Step 11:
Use a makeup wipe to clean up and sharpen your outer edge.
Step 12:
Using your purple liner, draw along lower lash line.
Step 13:
Take your pencil brush dipped into Urban and smudge it out.
Step 14:
Apply mascara to bottom lashes.
Step 15:
Apply white shadow to your brow bone to highlight this area and add more dimension.
Step 16:
Using a black liquid liner, line your top lash line. Too Faced 3-Way Lash Lining Tool is really easy to use!
Step 17:
Cut a false lash strip in two sections. One small, one large. Place the smaller piece on the outer corner of your eye, just past where it ends.
Step 18:
Apply the other lash section to your lower lash line.
Step 19:
Find the most unnatural, longest false lashes you can get your hands on and place those along your top lash line.
Step 20:
Apply mascara to fuse your lashes together.
Step 21:
Apply a candy pink blush.
More: This Simple Halloween Ghost Makeup Tutorial Makes Spooky Look Glam
Step 22:
Using a medium pink lip liner, line lips, exaggerating the peaks of your top lip. I used NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Pinky. Take the liner just a little bit past the corners of your mouth for a creepy perms-smile.
Step 23:
Fill in lips with a bubblegum pink shade. I used Tarte’s 12-Hour Performance Lipstick in Whimsy, which is sadly discontinued, but Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Pink Pop would be a good stand-in.
Step 24:
Go back in with your lip liner if necessary to clean up any areas.
Step 25:
Now throw on your super-blond wig and some blue contacts if needed and go meet your Ken doll!
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Originally posted October 2014. Updated October 2017.
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