Halloween make-up inspired by the most iconic runway shows From Christian Dior by John Galliano to Matières Fécales

You don’t need to come up with a Halloween look from scratch to make it unique and a little niche: sometimes, all it takes is looking at the right runway shows. Fashion is full of gothic, hypnotic and unconventional makeup looks to recreate on October 31. Here are some of the most iconic beauty looks from the runways to take inspiration from.

Halloween makeup inspired by iconic runway shows

Dries Van Noten FW 1998

An extremely simple look to recreate, but with an incredible effect. All you need to do is draw thin black lines across the face, following the cheekbones and temples to create a slightly unsettling doodled effect. Keep the base natural, then blend a red lip tint outwards. Finish with intense eye makeup in cool tones.

Matières Fécales SS 2026

For an even more unsettling look, Matières Fécales is undoubtedly the perfect reference. Among the countless looks to take inspiration from, we’ve picked one from the SS 2026 show: bright red lips and teeth on display to match. The red leather mask makes the whole look even more striking.

Christian Dior by John Galliano SS 2003

For a more theatrical Halloween look, it’s worth revisiting Christian Dior’s SS 2003 haute couture show by John Galliano. The makeup, created by Pat McGrath, draws inspiration from Peking Opera makeup and the world of Pierrot de la Lune, reimagined through Galliano’s signature aesthetic. Think extremely pale oval faces, graphic eyeshadow and heart-shaped lips. The colour? Go wild.

Diesel FW 2025

For a more underground, hip-hop-inspired vibe, the makeup presented by Diesel for FW 2025, created by Inge Grognard, is perfect. Simple but striking, it turns faces into actual graffiti-covered walls, with smiley faces sprayed onto the skin using an airbrush. To complete the look, white contact lenses make the gaze even more uncanny.

Christian Dior by John Galliano SS 2006

The makeup from John Galliano’s Christian Dior SS 2006 haute couture show is all about a cold, icy aesthetic: the goal is to look frozen solid, but also as if you haven’t slept in days. The complexion is extremely pale, with cool, sharply sculpted contouring. Mauve and purple eyeshadow is blended above and below the eyes to create a dark-circle effect, with a strictly shimmer finish. Add mascara and white eyebrows, while the lips stay nude, with a subtle satin finish.