Expert Katie Farley advises on how to look hot this Halloween

Halloween is spookily creeping upon us, and it’s the time when dressing up and applying devilish make-up comes into its own.

But this year, instead of appearing as though you’ve actually just stepped off a thriller film set, I suggest we do beauty the chic way – think less scary, more drop-dead gorgeous!

Taking inspiration from the autumn/ winter 2013 catwalks, make-up artists turned sommeliers as they sampled the darkly seductive powers of red-wine hues when it came to creating the perfect full-bodied, blooded rouge lip.

Burgundy, crimson, oxblood, berry, plum or claret… whatever you call it, there is only one section of the colour spectrum from which to choose your lipstick this Halloween and winter season. So make sure you look to the claret family, as luscious reds are the preferred colour choice right now.

Here are some of my favourites…

  • Revlon-Super Lustrous Lipstick in black cherry, £7.50, Boots
  • Chanel-Rouge Allure Velvet in L’impatiente, £25, Boots
  • Mac-Satin Lipstick in Rebel, £15, Beales

Committing to dark lips requires a comprehensive approach. Set the sexy spooky look against the right backdrop with the following complexion-enhancing foundations…

  • Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation, £29, House of Fraser
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation, £6, Boots
  • Dior Airflash CC Primer, £30, John Lewis

Add some colour to your cheeks with Botanics Cheek Colour in Pumpkin. Fortunately, rather than giving you bright pumpkin-orange cheeks, it simply adds a soft peachy glow for a very natural-looking finish (£6.50).

From Molton Brown, there’s an Eye’s Right Soft Powder Pencil in Black Magic (£10). And their ultra-fine Eye Wear Powder Eye Shadow range (£10) includes two spooky-sounding shades, Bewitching, a deep burgundy, and Cast A Spell, a pale shimmery lilac – both hot colours for autumn.

Finally, ensure that your Halloween-night make-up stays in place with the help of BeneFit She Laq (£18.50). This clever concoction can be painted over eyes and lips to keep your make-up locked in place all day long.

After a busy beauty day, stir up some hubble and bubbles with Titania Hardie’s Crystal Ball Bath Soda (£2.50), available from Boots. This is just one product from her new bodycare range, each filled with luxurious aromatic oils and lotions to wipe away any unnecessary creepy spells!

A third generation white witch, Titania is best known for her best-selling collection of magical spell books. She’s now used her knowledge of all things magical to concoct a fragrant collection of products, using natural ingredients known for their mood-enhancing properties.

Stay gorgeous this Halloween!