Halloween is officially right around the corner. Each year, deciding what to wear is a challenge for us all. Do we want to go classic? Sexy? Funny? Elaborate? Fashion forward? From a classic black cat to sexy Gru like Alex Consani that one year, the options are endless. Pop culture tells us that the Coldplay concert couple will suffice, Heidi Klum encourages us to aim higher. But what if we just want to replicate obscure fashion references that few will understand?
Over the decades, some of fashion's best runways have been completed by their beauty looks. John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Thierry Mugler are all designers who, throughout their careers, have incorporated off-beat beauty looks into their shows to tell the stories of the collections, with help by legendary makeup artists like Pat McGrath and Val Garland; some of which felt particularly fantastical and spooky.
Who can forget the iconic makeup looks from John Galliano's Fall 2008 and 2009 shows led by McGrath? If you’re running low on time and preparation this year and are needing some beauty inspiration to kickstart your makeup look, ahead, we’re rounding up the best Halloween beauty looks straight from the runways for your high-fashion Halloween moment.
Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2027
Rick Owen SS27 // LaunchmetricsWhy not experiment with eyelashes for a unique eye.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2027
McQueen SS27 // LaunchmetricsA little dye and hairspray go a long way, the horns are the outfit.
Matieres Fecales Spring/Summer 2026
Matieres Fecales SS26 // LaunchmetricsBlacked out color contacts and a snatched up-do scream, otherworldly.
Luar Spring/Summer 2026
Luar SS26 // LaunchmetricsA winged eye "literally" can be the basis of any costume.
Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2019
Getty ImagesDrawn to otherworldly creatures? Let Rick Owens guide you.
Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2014
Getty ImagesThom Browne's Spring/Summer 2014 collection had a vague ode to mad queens within the show. This look is both relatively easy to create and part of Browne's history as an iconic American house, for the superfans.
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2006
Getty ImagesDeceased priest but make it fashion.
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2006
Getty ImagesLet them eat cake!
Diesel Spring/Summer 2025
Getty ImagesIf all fails, a slicked back style with colored contacts is always the perfect sci-fi look.
Diesel Spring/Summer 2025
Getty ImagesOr lean into the creepiness with red lenses.
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 1998
Getty ImagesA true fashion reference. Why be anything else when you could be Gisele at Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 1998 show in body paint and a wig?
Chopova Lowena Spring Summer 27
Chopova Lowena SS27 // LaunchmetricsRag Doll Chic!
Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1998
Getty ImagesIf you're looking for Maleficent-esque makeup for a spooky queen, look no further.
Mugler Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1998
Getty ImagesA stunning but slightly horrific feathered creature? Mugler has you covered.
Gareth Pugh Fall/Winter 2017
Getty ImagesGo full alien like Gareth Pugh for F/W17
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
Getty ImagesAnother makeup reference from John Galliano's seminal F/W2008 collection.
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
Getty ImagesBeautiful, haunting, gothic. Perfect!
John Galliano Fall/Winter Menswear 2008
Getty ImagesNo explanation needed. A sexy Galliano boy!
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2008
Getty ImagesThe most perfect corpse bride/ice queen inspiration one could need.