Ten Dia de los Muertos makeup tutorials

By Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica

Dia de los Muertos is this Friday and Saturday, and one of the most celebrated traditions of the holiday is the art of face painting. In Mexico, those who celebrate the holiday paint their faces like skulls to embrace death as part of the cycle of life. And the designs are as diverse as the people who create them.

If you plan to paint your face this week in honor of Dia de Los Muertos, here are my tips:

- Before you start, read up on the history.
- Supplies: You can buy a kit at the store, but it is just as easy to use your own make-up. Eye shadow, liner, lipstick will work for color and outlining, so all you’ll need is a white base.
- Many kits will come with applicators, I suggest using make up brushes instead for a more polished look.
- Make sure to wash and moisturize your face first.
- Keep make-up wipes on hand for easy clean up.


Here are some of my favorite Dia de los Muertos face paint video tutorials.

1. Sugar Skull Make-Up Tutorial by Desiree of ManoYMetal.com

2. The Crafty Chica Face Paint Kit. This is a kit I developed that includes stencils, paints and a black body art pen for those who need a little guidance.

3. La Catrina Costume, by Corinne Leigh

4. Sugar Skull make up for Kids, by Denise Cortes of Pearmama.com

5. Dia de los Muertos Make-up Tutorial, by Bunny Pistol

6. El Catrin Tutorial, by Venus Ocean

7. A guy's take on Muertos face paint, by BoiFromIpanema

8. Face Paint and Headband DIY, by Dulce Candy

9. Muertos Tutorial by JennisseMakeUp

10. Check out Zarco Guerrero’s video, where he talks about the meaning behind Dia de Los Muertos and face painting.

For more smart, multicultural content, keep reading Shine Latina.