'I've Perfected the Look of Reindeer Makeup—Here's How To Do It Yourself'

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for curated makeup looks! We spoke with content creator Anna Margaret to find out her step-by-step guide to creating an enchanting DIY reindeer makeup look that's both whimsical and wearable. Eat your heart out, Rudolph!

Whether you're planning ahead for Christmas or just want to try something magical for your next festival look, this tutorial will have you looking like one of Santa's favorite friends or an a-doe-rable woodland creature in no time.

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DIY Reindeer Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide

Courtesy Anna Margaret
Courtesy Anna Margaret

1. Prep Like a Pro

Start with a clean, moisturized face and primer.

"You want to make sure you have a clean and prepped canvas," Anna Margaret shares.

This important first step ensures your woodland creature transformation will last all night.

Courtesy Anna Margaret
Courtesy Anna Margaret

2. Build Your Base

Anna Margaret shares that foundation is key for seamless blending. Apply contour higher than usual on your forehead, nose sides and cheekbones.

"To give us a deer-like face shape, apply your contour and blush a little higher than you might normally on a day you are doing human makeup," she advises.

Add blush across your upper cheeks, nose bridge and eyelids, then set with powder to create that natural, from-within glow.

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Courtesy Anna Margaret
Courtesy Anna Margaret

3. Create Those Doe Eyes

Here's where the magic happens!

"Deer have big eyes, think about the phrase 'a deer in the headlights,'" she says.

Use gold and neutral eyeshadows, adding deeper shades in the crease and shimmer in the inner corners. For that wide-eyed look, create a double-winged liner effect with a larger wing on the outer corner and smaller one on the inner corner.

Pro tip: White eyeliner on the lower lash line makes eyes appear larger.

Courtesy Anna Margaret
Courtesy Anna Margaret

4. Add the Signature Details

Time for those iconic deer features! Use white cream paint or eyeliner to create spots across your cheeks and forehead. For the nose, black body paint is your friend.

"It can be helpful to use a deer image as a reference for this step!" Anna Margaret suggests. Finish with two-toned lips—black on top, pink or red on bottom.

Courtesy Anna Margaret
Courtesy Anna Margaret

5. Set It and Forget It

Lock everything in place with setting spray. Remember: "Makeup can move around when you sweat!" she warns.

Pro Tips for Perfect Deer Makeup Results

According to Anna Margaret, there are some key tips to keep in mind when trying to achieve this perfect reindeer look.

  • Give yourself at least an hour to complete the look

  • Think about enhancing and exaggerating your natural features

  • Use layers and blend thoroughly

  • Keep a reference photo handy for inspiration

  • Always prep and set your makeup properly for long-lasting wear

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Common Deer Makeup Challenges and Solutions

The trickiest part? "Deer faces are different shapes than human faces!" Anna Margaret explains. The key is using makeup strategically to reshape your features. Focus on building layers gradually and blending thoroughly for the most natural-looking transformation.

With these expert tips and a little practice, you'll be ready to prance into your next costume party looking absolutely fawn-tastic! (Sorry, we had to!)

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