5 Tips for Stunning Fantasy Mermaid Makeup

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Whether it's for a cosplay event, a Halloween party, or just a fun night in, creating a stunning fantasy mermaid makeup look can be both exciting and challenging. But with the right tips, anyone can nail this enchanting look. Let's dive into the underwater world of mermaid makeup, and discover how to create an unforgettable fantasy mermaid look that will make waves wherever you go.

1. Select Your Color Palette

Selecting your color palette is like choosing the personality of your mermaid. It sets the overall mood and character of your look. When working on your fantasy mermaid makeup, think about the following factors:

Consider Your Mermaid Character

First, you need to decide what kind of mermaid you want to be. Are you a soft and ethereal sea nymph, or a bold and vibrant queen of the ocean depths? Your mermaid's character will influence your color choices. Soft pastels might be perfect for a serene ocean nymph, while a more adventurous mermaid might prefer the vibrancy of jewel tones.

Choose Colors That Flatter Your Skin Tone

While it's fun to experiment, it's also important to choose colors that flatter your skin tone. For example, cool-toned individuals might lean towards blues and purples, while those with warm undertones would look great with corals and golds. And remember, this is your fantasy mermaid look — don't be afraid to play around with colors until you find the perfect match!

Remember the Environment

Last but not least, consider the environment your mermaid inhabits. If you're a deep-sea dweller, darker, more intense colors might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're a sun-kissed mermaid frolicking in tropical waters, bright and cheerful colors might be more fitting. Your environment is a key element in the narrative of your fantasy mermaid makeup look, so let it guide your color choices.

2. Prep Your Skin Properly

Like any great masterpiece, your fantasy mermaid makeup needs a smooth, clean canvas. Proper skin prep is a must to ensure your makeup applies evenly and lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect base:

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle face wash to remove any dirt and oil. Following this, exfoliate your skin to get rid of dead skin cells that could make your makeup look flaky. Remember not to overdo it — over-exfoliating can irritate your skin and make it red. Once a week should do the trick!

Moisturize with a Hydrating Serum

After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a hydrating serum to keep your skin plump and smooth. Products with hyaluronic acid, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum, are great for this because they attract moisture to the skin. Wait a few minutes to let the serum sink in before you move onto the next step.

Prime Your Skin

Priming your skin is the final step in your skin prep and it's a game-changer when it comes to fantasy mermaid makeup. A good primer, like Benefit's POREfessional Primer, can help smooth over any remaining texture on your skin, and it also gives your makeup something to grip onto, helping it last longer. Apply a pea-sized amount all over your face, paying special attention to areas where your makeup tends to wear off first, like your nose and forehead.

3. Use the Right Tools

Now that your skin is prepped and primed, it's time to get painting! But remember, even the best artists need the right tools to create their masterpieces. Here's what you need for your fantasy mermaid makeup:

Invest in Quality Brushes

A set of quality makeup brushes can make a world of difference. Brushes should be soft but firm enough to pick up and blend your makeup. Brands like Sigma and Morphe have a wide range of brushes that are popular for their quality and affordability. A good set should include a foundation brush, a couple of eyeshadow brushes, and a blush or contour brush.

Use a Sponge for Blending

For a flawless finish, a makeup sponge is your best friend. It can help blend your foundation and concealer seamlessly into your skin, giving you that airbrushed look. The Beauty Blender is a favorite among makeup artists, but Real Techniques also has an affordable sponge that gets the job done.

Consider Using Stencils for Scales

For that authentic mermaid look, consider using stencils to create scales. You can purchase pre-made stencils online, or if you're feeling crafty, you can make your own using a fishnet stocking. Simply place the stencil over your skin and lightly brush over it with your color of choice. And voila — you're one step closer to becoming a fantasy mermaid!

4. Layer for a Dramatic Effect

Now that we've got the tools sorted, it's time to dive into the heart of our fantasy mermaid makeup look: the colors. To capture the magic of the mermaid, we need to layer our colors strategically. Let's break it down:

Start with a Base Color

First, you have to select a base color. This should be a shade that matches the overall color theme of your mermaid character. For a classic mermaid look, try a light blue or green. If you're going for something more dramatic, consider a deep purple or even a metallic gold. Apply this all over your lid or wherever you want your scales to be.

Add Depth with Darker Shades

Next, it's time to add some depth to your look. For this, you'll need a darker shade of your base color. Apply this color to the outer corners of your eyes and blend it inwards. This will give your eyes a more dimensional look, as if you've just emerged from the mystical sea.

Highlight for a Luminescent Effect

Lastly, no mermaid is complete without a little shimmer. To mimic the glistening effect of water, apply a glittery highlight to the inner corners of your eyes, your brow bone, and the tops of your cheekbones. This will catch the light beautifully and truly make your fantasy mermaid makeup sparkle.

5. Finish with a Setting Spray

After all these steps, it'd be a shame if your spectacular fantasy mermaid makeup wore off in the middle of your day. That's where the setting spray comes in! It's the final touch to ensure your masterpiece stays put. Let's go over the dos and don'ts:

Choose a Spray That Suits Your Skin Type

Not all setting sprays are created equal. Some are better suited for oily skin, while others are perfect for those with dry skin. For example, if your skin tends to be oily, you might want to try a spray like the Urban Decay All Nighter, which is designed to control oil and keep your makeup in place. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a hydrating spray like the MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ could be your new best friend.

Apply Evenly Across Your Face

Here's a tip: don't just randomly spritz the spray on your face. Instead, hold the bottle about 6 inches away from your face and spritz in a T and X pattern. This ensures an even application and helps your makeup stay put all over, not just in certain spots.

Let it Dry Naturally

Patience is key here. After you've applied your setting spray, let it dry naturally. Don’t rush the process by fanning or rubbing it in. This could disrupt your carefully applied fantasy mermaid makeup, and we don't want that, do we?

And there you have it! Five steps to a stunning fantasy mermaid makeup look that's sure to turn heads. Now go ahead, channel your inner Ariel and make some waves!

If you enjoyed our blog on "5 Tips for Stunning Fantasy Mermaid Makeup" and want to dive deeper into creating mesmerizing mermaid looks, check out the workshop 'Making a Mermaid' by Hope Christofferson. This workshop will provide you with detailed guidance and expert tips on how to transform yourself into a captivating mermaid through makeup and styling.