On the Day of the Dead, here’s a fun idea for your makeup business to stay vibrant

From makeup to markup, help profits come alive with The dia de los muertos (the day of the dead)

Dia de los Muertos is often confused with Halloween, and indeed, some of its themes are similar. But it is so much more than spooky costumes and trick-or-treating. This vibrant celebration, rooted in ancient Maya and Aztec traditions, embraces death as a natural part of life’s journey. It’s not about mourning but about honoring the memory of loved ones and celebrating the continuation of their spirits.

For makeup artists, Dia de los Muertos can also be a soul-full source for showing your creativity with motifs like La Catrina. With the intricate, ancient designs, we’re going to show you how this festival can give you ideas for striking designs to impress your clients.

The artistic essence of dia de los muertos

One of the most recognized figures of this celebration is La Catrina, a beautifully adorned skeleton symbolizing that death touches everyone, no matter your status in life. Beyond the skeleton, the holiday is visually defined by altars (ofrendas), marigolds, and sugar skulls—each filled with meaning. It’s a celebration of life that invites people to see death not as an end but as part of the journey.

For a makeup artist, these elements offer incredible inspiration. You’re not just painting faces; you’re telling stories. Whether it’s using bold lines to create a classic sugar skull or delicately incorporating floral patterns, each design can hold meaning for your clients—and that’s where your artistic brilliance comes in.

But there’s more to this than just stunning designs. This season presents an opportunity to turn that artistry into business growth.

Get the look for dia de los muertos

1. Classic sugar skull: Bold lines, intricate detailing, and vibrant colors define the classic sugar skull. You can make it personal by incorporating favorite colors or symbols that reflect your client’s loved ones, capturing the essence of those they admire most. Teeth and stitched lips are essential—symbolizing life, death, and the stories left untold.
2. Floral accents: Flowers, particularly marigolds, are a key part of Dia de los Muertos. To enhance the makeup, add real or painted floral accents. You can also offer flower crowns as an accessory to complete the look.
3. Bold color blocking: For clients who want a modern twist, bold color-blocking is an edgy alternative. Think large, abstract patches of color that contrast with traditional skull elements. It’s a fresh take for clients who want to stand out.
4. Ombre effects: Using ombre techniques, you can blend vibrant colors like blues, purples, and oranges for a dynamic, layered look that adds depth to the sugar skull design.
5. Metallic and glitter accents: Metallic and glitter can elevate your makeup designs, adding shine and sparkle for evening events. Think gold or silver accents to make the look pop.

Markup perspective: Turning creativity into profit

Now that you’ve nailed the makeup trends, how do you turn that creativity into a financial win?

1. Collaborate with local businesses: With such a flower-based festival it makes sense to work with florists. But also think about photographers, or event planners to create special packages.  Partnering with other businesses can be a game-changer. 
2. Group discounts: Dia de los Muertos is often celebrated with family and friends. Offering group discounts encourages more people to participate. This can be popular with teens and young adults. Managing group discounts can seem tricky if you don’t have the right solution such as a makeup artist software. But with a makeup artist software tool like Wellyx, this is easy to do.
3. Run pre-event promotions: In the weeks leading up to Dia de los Muertos, offer early bird specials to lock in bookings early. Such makeup artist marketing strategies not only helps you secure clients but also gives your cash flow a boost as the event approaches.
4. Makeup + Photography package: Team up with a photographer to offer clients professional photoshoots of their Dia de los Muertos look.
5. Event-ready package: Collaborate with event planners or caterers to offer a complete “event-ready” service for clients attending parties or parades.
6. Don’t forget to use your social media for promotion: Leading up to the holiday, build anticipation by sharing sneak peeks of your designs on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Consider running a “Tag Your Friends” giveaway where clients can win a free makeup session if they tag someone they’d celebrate Dia de los Muertos with.
7. Host makeup workshops: Another effective marketing strategy for makeup artists is to offer workshops where you teach people how to create their own Dia de los Muertos designs. Charge a fee for participation and sell makeup kits with all the essentials.

Remember, Dia de los Muertos is about storytelling and connection. Each face you paint tells a story, honoring a life once lived. This emotional connection can elevate your services, transforming a makeup session into a deeply meaningful experience.

Not only does this deepen their appreciation, but it also enhances their overall experience, making them more likely to recommend you to others.

Final thoughts

Let your creativity shine this Dia de los Muertos, there’s an opportunity for every artist to not only celebrate the holiday but to bring some more variety and excitement to their offering.

And while customers are in the chair, there’s plenty of Muertos cultural history to chat about which always makes for a more interesting session. So, make your work a true reflection of the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. After all, makeup isn’t just skin deep—it’s a celebration of life.