Beetlejuice has been a Halloween favourite since the original 1988 film, and the 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, brought the character back to a whole new audience. His look is instantly recognisable: chalky skin, green-tinged mould, dark sunken eyes, wild hair and the black-and-white striped suit.
The good news is that the makeup is forgiving. It is meant to look messy and decayed, so you do not need professional skills. Below are five Beetlejuice makeup looks, from the classic film version to cartoon, glam and Corpse Bride-inspired twists, with the products and steps for each.
Before you start, gather the basics: a white or very pale cream face paint, green, yellow and grey eyeshadows or face paints, black and purple eyeshadow for the eyes, a makeup sponge, a few small brushes, setting powder and setting spray. Do a patch test with any face paint 24 hours before Halloween.
1. Classic Beetlejuice Makeup
The classic look recreates the character from the original film. Start with a pale, chalky base all over the face, neck and ears, applied with a damp sponge in thin layers. Then stipple green and yellow eyeshadow along the hairline, temples, jaw and around the nose to create a mouldy, decayed effect.
Blend deep purple and black around the eyes for a sunken, sleepless look, smudge grey into the hollows of the cheeks, and finish with yellowed teeth makeup or a brownish lip. Pair it with a messy, green-tinted wig and a black-and-white striped suit.
Save2. Cartoon Beetlejuice Makeup
The cartoon version is based on the animated series and is cleaner and more colourful. Use a smooth, pale green base instead of white, outline the eyes in bold black, and add exaggerated eyebrows, dark circles and a wide grin drawn with black eyeliner. Keep the edges crisp so it reads like an animated character.
Save3. Female Beetlejuice Makeup
The female Beetlejuice look keeps the character’s key features but adds a feminine, glamorous twist. Start with a pale foundation one or two shades lighter than your skin, set with translucent powder.
Add soft green and grey shadows around the hairline and temples, but keep them more subtle than the classic version.
For the eyes, blend smoky black and purple shadow, add winged liner and false lashes, and draw thin, arched brows.
Finish with a dark green or black lip and a black-and-white striped outfit, such as a striped blazer, mini skirt or dress. A messy updo with green or white streaks completes the look.
Save4. Glam Beetlejuice Makeup
Glam Beetlejuice is the most wearable version, ideal for parties where you want to look spooky but polished. Keep the base mostly natural, with just a little green shimmer on the cheekbones and temples.
Focus on the eyes: a deep green cut crease, black liner and a few rhinestones in the inner corners. Contour the cheeks with grey for a slightly sunken effect.
A glossy black lip and black-and-white striped nails tie it all together. For more polished Halloween looks, see our adult Halloween makeup ideas.
Save5. Beetlejuice Corpse Bride Makeup
The Corpse Bride look blends Beetlejuice with a ghostly bride, inspired by Lydia’s wedding scene. Start with a pale blue-white base and blend soft blue and grey shadows into the hollows of the cheeks, temples and around the eyes.
Add a few cracks or stitches with black liner on the cheek or jaw, and dust a little silver shimmer on the high points of the face for a ghostly glow.
For the eyes, blend black and deep blue shadow, add long lashes, and draw a small, dark lip with a slight downturn.
Finish with a white or red wedding dress and a veil. It is a great choice for couples, with one person as Beetlejuice and the other as the bride.
SaveFrequently Asked Questions
What products do I need for female Beetlejuice makeup?
You need a pale foundation or white face paint, green and grey eyeshadows, black and purple shadows for the eyes, eyeliner, false lashes, a dark lipstick, setting powder and setting spray. Water-activated face paints are easy to blend and remove, and a damp makeup sponge helps you build texture without streaks.
How long does it take to complete a Beetlejuice makeup look?
A simple version takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the classic film look takes about an hour once you include the hair and teeth.
Detailed versions like the Corpse Bride can take up to 90 minutes. Do a practice run a few days before Halloween so you know which products you need and how long each step takes.
Bottom Line
Beetlejuice makeup is one of the easiest iconic Halloween looks to recreate, because the messy, decayed style hides small mistakes. Choose the classic look for maximum impact, the glam version for a party, or the Corpse Bride for a couples costume.
Whichever you pick, set your makeup well with powder and setting spray so it lasts the whole night, and remove it gently with an oil cleanser afterwards.
For more Halloween inspiration, browse our scary Halloween makeup ideas and scary Halloween costumes.
