As a special FX makeup artist with years of experience in film and TV, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to creating an authentic Beetlejuice-inspired look. This iconic character, portrayed by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s 1988 classic, is perfect for Halloween, cosplay, or any costume party. Let’s dive into the intricate details of bringing this mischievous bio-exorcist to life!
Essential Materials:
- High-quality white face paint or clown white (Mehron or Kryolan recommended)
- Black and dark green cream makeup or water-activated face paint
- Black and green eyeshadows (matte finish preferred)
- Black gel eyeliner and thin brush
- Translucent setting powder
- Makeup sponges and various-sized brushes
- Fake moss or green hair spray (optional for added texture)
- Beetlejuice wig or temporary white hair colour spray
- Spirit gum and liquid latex (for advanced effects)
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide:
1 – Skin Preparation (15 minutes)
Start with a clean, moisturised face. Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect your skin. This step is crucial for easier makeup removal later.
2 – Base Application (20-30 minutes)
Using a damp makeup sponge, apply the white face paint in thin, even layers. Cover your entire face, neck, ears, and any visible skin. Build up the coverage gradually to avoid caking. Set each layer with translucent powder before adding the next. This creates the signature ghostly pallor of Beetlejuice.
3 – Contouring (15-20 minutes)
Mix black and dark green cream makeup to create a murky, mouldy shade. Use this to contour your face, focusing on:
- Hollow of cheeks
- Temples and forehead
- Sides of the nose
- Under the jawline
Blend thoroughly but don’t overblend – Beetlejuice’s look is meant to be somewhat harsh and unnatural.
4 – Eye Area (20-25 minutes)
Apply dark green cream makeup around your eyes, blending it outwards and downwards. This creates the sunken, eerie look characteristic of the character. Set with green eyeshadow for longevity.
Use black cream makeup or eyeshadow to deepen the eye sockets, especially in the inner corners and under the eyes. Blend this with the green to create a gradient effect.
5 – Eyebrows (10 minutes)
Draw exaggerated, arched eyebrows using black gel eyeliner. Make them uneven and slightly crooked for that signature Beetlejuice quirkiness. Set with black eyeshadow to prevent smudging.
6 – Eye Details (15 minutes)
Line your upper and lower lash lines with black gel eyeliner, extending it outwards and slightly downwards at the outer corners. Smudge the liner for a messy, lived-in look.
Apply black eyeshadow over the liner to intensify the look and add depth.
7 – Lips and Teeth (20 minutes)
Paint your lips with black cream makeup or lipstick. Extend the corners slightly outward and upward for Beetlejuice’s characteristic wide grin.
Using a thin brush and black gel eyeliner, draw vertical lines across your lips to create the illusion of rotting, gapped teeth. Vary the thickness and length of these lines for a more realistic effect.
8 – Nose and Cheek Details (15 minutes)
Add some green and black shading around your nostrils to give a decayed appearance.
Create a few thin, spidery veins on your cheeks using watered-down green or blue face paint and a very fine brush.
9 – Hair and Final Touches (20-30 minutes)
Apply a Beetlejuice wig, styling it to stand up wildly. If using your own hair, use temporary white colour spray and style it messy and unkempt.
For extra authenticity, apply small pieces of fake moss to your face and neck using spirit gum. Alternatively, use green hair spray to add a mossy texture to your hairline and sideburns.
10 – Setting the Makeup (10 minutes)
Dust your entire face with translucent setting powder to lock the makeup in place. Pay extra attention to areas prone to creasing, like around the eyes and mouth.
Pro Tips:
- Take breaks between steps if needed. This is an intricate look that can take 2-3 hours for beginners.
- Keep Beetlejuice reference photos handy to guide you through the process.
- Practice the look several times before any important event. Timing and technique will improve with repetition.
- For a more advanced effect, use liquid latex to create texture and the appearance of peeling, rotting skin.
- Remember to stay hydrated and take care of your skin after removing the makeup.
The key to a show-stopping Beetlejuice makeup is in the details and embracing the character’s wild, chaotic nature. Don’t aim for perfection, the messier and more unconventional, the better! With practice and these detailed steps, you’ll be ready to turn heads and maybe even scare a few people. It’s showtime!
Written by Niall O’Riordan FX