It’s an odd time of year for me to be posting about costume makeup, I know, but this popped up in my feed and I simply couldn’t get it out of my head! This is the eye-poppingly-beautiful makeup and mixed media face art by Vanessa Davis, otherwise known as the Skulltress. Transcending even sugar skull makeup, Davis’s looks are so luxe and highly-detailed, they seem to be computer generated. Along with her flawless makeup, she makes clever use of Swarovski crystals, spikes, large sequins, lightweight metal pieces, paper, and other embellishments, and her results are undeniably art.

Though her first skull look was created for a hasty Halloween costume, when asked why she mostly focuses on skulls, Davis confessed that her motivation was, in part, practical.

“I noticed that the successful makeup accounts specialized in either a particular style or subject, so I chose skulls, which also worked as my heritage is Mexican and English. I am fascinated how skulls are portrayed in fashion, art and tattoo art, particularly by Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst.”

-Vanessa Davis to Allure Magazine

All these amazing skull looks are inspiring me to do something over-the-top for Halloween this year!

You can see all of Vanessa Davis’s hypnotic work on Instagram and Facebook and on her YouTube channel.

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Pearl & Crystal Skull ☠️⚪️💎 Inspired by the Catacomb Skeletons of Rome, Burning Man fashion and Pat McGrath SS 2016. Makeup, Styling & photography by me. I’ve always wanted to use pearls to create a skull and when @evol_uk kindly sent me every pearl shape imaginable it became possible. I’ve always had a passion for accessories, (I have recently gotten back into making them) I feel they make an outfit and speak volumes about a person’s personality. Through my Burning Man obsession I discovered the immensely talented Sam, @whocares_whynot of New York USA, he made me the Pearl Captain Hat and the incredible Skeleton Hand Epaulettes are made by the amazing Agnieszka @agnieszkaosipa of Silesia, Poland. I am so grateful for this platform connecting to other artists and artisans across the globe who are as passionate and excited about makeup, costume and fashion just like me. MAKEUP / Eyes. @anastasiabeverlyhills SULTRY palette ‘Birch, Twig, Pearl, Dystopian, Steampunk’ @katvondbeauty ‘Tattoo Liner’ in Trooper @nyxcosmetics Pigment Eyeshadow ‘Brighten Up’ @danessa_myricks Enlight Halo Powder ‘Sun’ & ‘Olive You’ @sugarpill Loose Pigment Eyeshadow ‘Goldilux’ @tatti_lashes TL6 FACE: @nyxcosmetics_uk Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation in ‘Fair’ & ‘Pale’ @ofracosmetics Highlighter ‘Rodeo Drive’ @fentybeauty Match Stix ‘Amber’ @illamasqua Powder Blusher ‘Tremble’ @katvondbeauty Vampira Everlasting Liner & Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in ‘Damned’ SKULL: @evol_uk flat back pearls @itsinyourdreams Sphynx Liners @face_lace hammered gold Skulltra hand and chest piece bespoke, decorated by me using flat back pearls and pearl crystal embroidered trimming from Berwick Street, cut out into shapes and positioned into a skull formation. Bespoke gold Eyebrows. #katvondbeauty #nyxcosmetics #halloweenmakeup #skullmakeup #anastasiabeverlyhills #fentybeauty #thehorrorgallery #crazymakeup #burningman #halloweencostume

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Oct 30, 2018 at 10:58am PDT

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The Great Wave 🌊💀 I’ve partnered with @theinstituteofmakeupartistry to offer you the amazing opportunity to win an online professional makeup artistry course. Have you dreamed of starting a career as a makeup artist or wish to further your skills from home? All you have to do to enter this draw is: 1. Follow me @the_wigs_and_makeup_manager 2. Follow @theinstituteofmakeupartistry 3. Visit the link @theinstituteofmakeupartistry bio and explain in your own words why you would like to become an #IMUAStudent The winner will be announced next week over on @theinstituteofmakeupartistry page ____________________________________________________ This makeup was inspired by one of the most recognisable works of Japanese art, called The Great Wave, by the iconic Hokusai, created over 200 years ago. Artistic inspiration of their interpretations include the following talents: @twistinbangs @makeupbybells @mimles @girlgreybeauty PRODUCTS: @nyxcosmetics_uk White Liquid Liner, Vivid Brights Liquid Liner in Sapphire, Cant Stop Wont Stop Foundation Beige & Buff @mehronmakeup paradise palette @danessamyricks lashes in ‘Thrive 04’ @jamescharles x @morphebrushes Palette #makeupcourse #nyxcosmetics #nyxprofessionalmakeup #jamescharles #morphexjamescharles #mehronmakeup #nyxcosmeticsuk #greatwave #hokusai #amazingmakeupart #ad

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Dec 13, 2018 at 11:20am PST

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Opulent Punk Skull ☠️💀💎⚪️⚫️ Here is a previously un-posted angle guys! I used the updated 'Hair Color' App to colour the hair in and sharpened the details using the great new Facetune2 app. These are my both go to apps for editing an image. I also use Afterlight which is good if you're low tech like me and still trying to figure out exposure and focus and you are a bit of a photography novice. Up until my last two makeups I have literally just used my iPhone 6 to capture all my work. Now I am still trying to understand how to use my new DSLR. Thanks @jadedeacon and @annalingis for the apps / photo tech support and advice. These chicks know what they are doing 👍🏼 Makeup details in previous post. #LifeIsAStage #amazingmakeupart #skullmakeup #dupemag #skulltress #skullart #artoftheday #mua #faceart #facepainting #maccosmetics #maccosmeticsuk #bbloger #makeupoftheday #sopormagazine #thehorrorhub #skulltress #feature__my_stuff #StyleArtists #iphone6 #arts_secret #wolfefx #100daysofmakeupchallenge #artwonderful #beardedhorror #art_daily #sketch_daly #featuring_mua #artsviral #facetune2

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Dec 12, 2016 at 4:33pm PST

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Seahorse Skull 🌊🐎 These ethically sourced Seahorse Exoskeletons are from @fasanarock These beautiful creatures live out their life dancing amongst the corals until they pass away in the ocean and get washed up on shores to then be hand picked by @fasanarock who then preserve their bodies by coating them in a metallic oxide substance through a special chamber using a 🔝Secret method. This creates this beautiful blue toned aura finish and is the same process used to manufacture astronaut space shields!!! 😮Fascinatingly, Seahorses mate for life. In courtship they dance and display vivid colours to each other. When a seahorse hatches her eggs she hands them over to her partner and he stashes them in a special pouch, caring for them until they are ready to hatch. No Seahorse is born the same. Just like a human they have their own set of 'finger prints'. Each individual seahorse has a defining characteristic, a small crown on the top of its head which is called a Coral Net, is unique on every seahorse in both its design and size. 🌊🐎 Products used EYES 👀: @suvabeauty 'Fairy Dust' Shimmer Eyeshadow @urbandecaycosmetics Electric Palette @nyxcosmetics Lid Lingerie in 'Morning Sky' @nyxcosmetics_uk Prismatic Eyeshadow in 'Mermaid' Lashes from @eyelureofficial in 'Luxe' SKULL 💀: @danessa_myricks 24 hour Cream Colour in 'Magnetic' & 'Fireworks' highlights are my favourite Dazzliners from @face_lace DÉCOLLETAGE: @glitterinjections Huge Pressed Glitter in 'You Teal Me' Brushes used to create this look @spectrumcollections #skullmakeup #skulltress #skullart #artoftheday #mua #faceart #facepainting #bbloger #makeupoftheday #thehorrorhub #StyleArtists #arts_secret #artwonderful #art_daily #sketch_daly #artsviral #crazymakeups #nyxprofessionalmakeup #skulltress #مكياج #макияж #визажист #maquillaje #calavera #seahorse #メイクアップアーティスト#スカル# ドクロ＃ハロウィン

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Aug 20, 2017 at 6:32am PDT

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Can you guess how long it took? ZOOM IN🔎 My Makeup, Wig/ Headdress, Costume, crystal and doll pearl clusters by me for @tushmagazine Issue 44 Photography by @arminmorbach on the exquisite Muse @jeanaturner with Set design by @_friederike.m_ Tush 44 Styling by @laurentdombrowicz Bespoke Pink SKULLTRA Face Neck & Hands by @face_lace embellished by me inspired by the works of @freyajobbins and @margauxlangejewelry @charlielemindu #tushmagazine #editorialmakeup #barbie #punk Some makeup in this was GIFTED

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Mar 24, 2019 at 10:22am PDT

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I’ve done English and Dutch ceramics, which country shall I do next? ¡Quisas algo Mexicano ♥️🇲🇽♥️ para mi mamá y mi familia Mexicana. Además algo en Español para mis seguidores Latinos Americanos! Escribeme un commentario en español, me gustaria hablar mas con ustedes. Abrazos ♥️ 💀_____________________________________________ Products: SKIN: @mehron paradise palette + @dinair air brush (available from @gurumakeupemporium) EYES: @nyxcosmetics White Eyeshadow Base & Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette USP05 Electric @katvondbeauty Lock It Concealer in ‘White Out’ @Eldora false lashes Spray painted white @katvondbeauty Ink Liner ‘Neruda’ PROSTHETICS: White Pro Bondo @maekup from @makeuparmoury WIG: set and styled by me, wig from Alex Rousse Film & TV Wigs BOAT: Paper Gallion from @amazon spray painted using @montana Spray paint in Denim Blue #hudabeauty #skullmakeup #katvondmakeup #katvondcosmetics #maryhadalittleglam #skulltress #nyxprofessionalmakeup #arts_mag #art_spotlight #artistsoninstagram #halloweenmakeup #halloweenmakeupideas #wedgwood #marieantoinette

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on May 14, 2018 at 10:39am PDT

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Halloweenmas Skull 💀🎄❤️ What should I call her? @sugarpill loose eyeshadow in 'Asylum' and lashes in 'Plush' @thegypsyshrine forehead crystals #amazingmakeupart #skullmakeup #dupemag #skulltress #skullart #artoftheday #mua #muashoutouts #faceart #facepainting #bbloger #makeupoftheday #sopormagazine #thehorrorhub #makeuptutorials #FeatureMeDita #mythcosmetics #skulltress #feature__my_stuff #StyleArtists #arts_secret #artwonderful #art_daily #sketch_daly #featuring_mua #artsviral #horrorhub #brideoffrankenstein #halloweenmas

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Dec 21, 2016 at 2:34pm PST

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Which strong woman inspires you? Celebrating the release of @disneyuk ‘A WRINKLE IN TIME’, in cinemas in the U.K. March 23rd. My golden winged creation was inspired by Mrs Which played by the legendary @oprah #wrinkleintime #beawarrior #ad _____________________________________________ EYES: @nyxcosmetics White eyeshadow base @juviasplace The Magic palette, ‘Faso’ @patmcgrathreal Ultra Violet Blue Pigment @urbandecaycosmetics Electric Palette @kikomilano 8 hour No Transfer Eyeshadow Stick 08 @nyxcosmetics_uk Vivid Brights liquid Liner ‘Vivid Violet’, Prismatic Eyeshadow ‘Mermaid’ LASHES: @rouge.and.rogue False lashes ‘Electra’ spray painted gold FACE: @maccosmetics Studio Sculpt NC20 @makeupforeverofficial Extreme Camouflage Concealer 01, 05, Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder @fentybeauty Matchstix ‘Amber’ HIGHLIGHTER: @hudabeauty Winter Highlighter Palette ‘Arctic Glow’ & ‘Northern Lights’ SKULL: @makeupforeverofficial Metal Powder Gold + Mist & Fix @bluestreakcrystals Swarovski crystals @face_lace Dazz Paper _____________________________________________ #hudabeauty #fentybeauty #shophudabeauty #iamanartist #urbandecay #nyxprofessionalmakeup #patmcgrath

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Mar 21, 2018 at 10:45am PDT

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This is Makeup! Black & Gold Skull Makeup by me. Titled ‘Art Nouveau’ this is the first release of my collaboration with Fine Art Photographer @jonasleriche Jonas found my work through several of his colleagues and friends who suggested the collaboration after spotting a viral video of my work on Facebook. After seeing Jonas’ fascination with skulls, luxury materials and his relationship with nature, I knew I had to work with him. Jonas’ appreciation for the art of makeup, the hours of transformation and bringing creatives together made this collaboration one of the most challenging, yet worthwhile projects yet. The culmination is some of the most beautiful pictures ever taken of my work. I look forward to sharing the videos of the makeup with you all. The pictures will be blown up to 2 metres high and are being displayed and exclusively sold by art gallery @edenfineart in London New Bond Street, NYC, San Francisco, St Barths USA and Mykonos, Greece. Huge thanks to my amazing Makeup Artist Assistant @gabihavens for all her hard work, body marbling and help with Swarovski application. Art Direction & Photography @jonasleriche Production & Photography Assistant @lenaertsthomas Model @sebadancer86 (Behind the Scenes): @carolerichephotography @jessedavidharris _____________________________________________ MAKEUP PRODUCTS: @gurumakeupemporium Airbrush makeup products: @temptu airbrush machine & gun with @makeupforeverofficial Airbrush makeup in Black @patmcgrathreal 005 Gold Metalmorphosis, Gold Pigment Powder @graftobianmakeup Gold Metallic Powder & Magic Set Mixing medium @face_lace hammered gold baroque shapes @jt_makeup_studio Gold Leaf @maccosmetics Kohl Eyeliner in ‘Smoulder’, pressed eyeshadow in ‘Carbon’ Studded Mohawk by me using @swarovski crystals adhered using @dermaflage Ethically sourced butterflies immortalised in gold leaf #skullmakeup #punk #patmcgrath #maccosmetics #maccosmeticsuk #art_spotlight #halloweenmakeup #instagram #temptu #swarovski

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Aug 11, 2018 at 10:00am PDT

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Aqueous 💦 💀 This is MAKEUP! A combination of hand painted makeup and Airbrush Makeup. I’ve been doing airbrush makeup for 15 years now. If you want a quick and perfect blend, that’s the tool. Droplet Skull inspired by a water skull I did three years ago. 16th Century style Russian Kokoshnik headdress made by the astonishingly talented, unique and skilled Costume & Accessories Designer @agnieszkaosipa SKIN: @nyxcosmetics_uk SFX creams in White, Blue @makeupforeverofficial Flash Palette @katvondbeauty Lockit Concealer ‘White Out’ HIGHLIGHT: @sugarpill Pressed Eyeshadows ‘Tako’, ‘Candy Crush’, ‘Ice Angel’ CONTOUR: @maccosmeticsuk Art Library Palette ‘It’s Designer’: ‘Triennial Wave’, ‘Carbon’ @makeupforeverofficial Airbrush in White & Blue using @temptu available from @gurumakeupemporium EYES: @jamescharles x @morphebrushes Palette ‘Playground’, ‘Brother’, ‘Cola’, ‘Flashback’ @tatti_lashes TL6 SKULL: @mehronmakeup Paradise Paints @makeupforeverofficial Flash Palette ***ALL OF THE MAKEUP SND FACIAL PRODUCTS WERE GIFTED @nyxcosmetics White Liquid Liner Hair styled using @babylissuk Tripple Waver #skullmakeup #makeuptransformation #morphe #nyxcosmetics

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Feb 20, 2019 at 10:12am PST

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Nana Joy 1932-2018. Today is the funeral of my grandmother who passed away on 5th October 2018. This is my tribute to her. Nana Joy 1932-2018. Hoy es el funeral de mi abuela que falleció el 5 de octubre de 2018. Este es mi homenaje a ella. Nana was a multi-talented woman with a will of iron, toughness  and strength of character. Born in the east end of London and at age 8 was evacuated twice during the war to escape The Blitz. At 14 she left school to learn dressmaking and became a highly accomplished dressmaker. She had a fabulous and powerful singing voice and could sing anywhere and in any company. She wrote, produced, directed and performed in many pantomimes even making many of the costumes herself. Every show was a resounding success. Nana and Grandad managed and owned hotels and pubs. She was an excellent cook and in the 80’s opened a Mexican restaurant “La Casita Chiquita” in the middle of Somerset. With help from my Mexican mother, Patricia, she developed a menu and cooked authentic Mexican cuisine from scratch with authentic imported ingredients. The food was delicious and the restaurant became a huge success. People travelled far and wide to enjoy the food. In her later years she took up water colour painting, poetry, knitting and crochet. She was prolific in everything creative and worked with uncanny skill and speed. But the place where Nana felt most at home was in her garden. She spent many hours digging and cultivating and she grew just about everything you would expect to see in an English country garden. And so I dedicate my tribute to Nana on the theme of her love of flowers and her garden which this headdress and makeup represents. I will always owe her a debt of gratitude for her encouragement, faith and inspiration. Her creativity lives on in me and whatever success I achieve in my creative life I know in my heart that it will in no small way be thanks to Nana.  Thank you Nana, I love you, you will be missed. Your Golden Girl

A post shared by VANESSA DAVIS THE SKULLTRESS™️ (@the_wigs_and_makeup_manager) on Nov 2, 2018 at 12:38pm PDT