Introduction: Classic Costume Idea: Sugar Skull Lady

About: I am a conceptual artist, and my DIY projects are mostly inspired by pop culture (movies, music, sports, TV). I mostly specialize in painting, graphic design, drawing, digital photography, performance art, and…

Dia De Los Muertos is Spanish for Day of the Dead, and during that holiday, one of the most popular icons is the sugar skull! If you're planning on dressing like a sugar skull lady for Halloween or for Day of the Dead, refer to this Instructable on how to DIY your own costume using materials from the closet and from craft stores! It's simple and, once you're done, you'll be "cracking skulls" at your next Halloween gathering!

Step 1: Start With Black Ensembles

First, start off with a simple black dress. Here, I am using dress I've bought from Rainbow a long time ago. This one has beautiful Gothic style roses. Also, I used a pair of Croft & Borrow boots to go along with the black ensemble.

Step 2: Accessories

Accessories, like black finger-less gloves, black shoes, dark polish and flower headbands are a must!

I used crystallized black finger-less gloves bought from Claire's and black boots bought from Sears.

Also, I added some rings and cross earrings for a bling-out look!

Of course, no sugar skull costume would be complete without a flower in your hair. You can make your own flower hairclip by gluing on a fake flower to a hairclip, or you can buy a flower clip from the dollar store. Or, you can also make a flower headband! To make your own flower headband, check out the following link: https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Flower-Headbands/

Step 3: Sugar Skull Make-Up

Finally, you can't go out as a sugar skull without the face paint! Here's a step-by-step guide in pictures on how to create a sugar skull design created by The Wolfe Brothers.

Step 1: Start with a white face, leaving space in the eye sockets for color.

Step 2: Fill in the eye sockets with a favorite color and add a dab of red to the chin. I used Mehron Paradise in Light Green for the eye sockets and Beach Berry for the rose that will go on the chin.

Step 3: Then, use Black (like Mehron Paradise in Black) to outline the sockets, add a spiderweb on the forehead, add some lines outside the corners of the mouth, and outline the rose on the chin.

Step 4: Continue to use black to make some outlines, detailing and shadowing around the face.

Step 5: Finally, add some color to your face. I used Mehron Paradise in Light Blue for the flower petals going around the eye sockets, a pinch of Beach Berry for the heart on the middle of the forehead, and more Light Green for the leaves on the rose.

*In addition to the tutorial, here is a make-up list that you can refer to while creating your own sugar skull face paint:

  • Maybelline ColorSensational in Are You Reddy?
  • Fergie Wet N Wild Lip Stain in Voguing Madness
  • Wet N Wild Color Icon Lip Liner in Berry Red
  • Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow in Forest Green (not pictured)
  • Maybelline Master Studio Eyeliner in Midnight Master
  • NYC New York Color Nail Polish in Wine Bar
  • Maybelline Volume Express The Rocket Mascara in Black

Step 4: Drop Dead Gorgeous!

Now, your costume is done and you're about to go out looking drop dead gorgeous in no time!

Epilog Contest VII

Participated in the
Epilog Contest VII

Halloween Costume Contest 2015

Participated in the
Halloween Costume Contest 2015