From blood red lips and dark, smoky eyes, it is possible to look drop dead gorgeous without looking as though you’ve just escaped from the Chamber of Horrors.

Here Bournemouth stylist Helen A’Court of A’Courts hair salon based at Castlepoint, and make-up artist Lisa Mac, show you how to look bewitchingly beautiful this Halloween. The look is modelled by salon receptionist Leah Trimby. Helen says Halloween is the perfect time to experiment with some of the latest hair and beauty trends.

“The vintage, 1950s look is very on trend at the moment which can be exaggerated for any Halloween look so you can look spooky but glamorous,” she explains.

“When it comes to hair it is all about volume which involves lots of back-combing and hair spray. Make sure you use a water soluble hair spray so it washes out easily.

“It works better on slightly dirty hair rather than hair that’s been freshly washed that morning. For this look I have created big quiffs which are very popular at the moment. To dress the hair you can use old hair accessories like flowers or old wedding fascinators or you can even rip up an old pair of fishnet tights and add a few plastic spiders too.”

Lisa Mac, a local freelance make-up artist who specialises in wedding and theatrical make-up, said it is about having fun and experimenting.

“I call it pretty ugly – we’re looking for dramatic yet sophisticated. The key is to keep it simple and not make it too complicated and have fun,” she explains.

“This is a look that can be re-created at home fairly easily. It doesn’t have to be too perfect either, so it doesn’t matter if it smudges.

“The key look is the pale face, dark eyes and blood red lips.”

  • For more spooky beauty ideas, both Helen and Lisa are involved in The Ultimate Fashion Party on Thursday, October 30 at the Wessex Hotel in aid of the children’s charity NSPCC.

There will be a catwalk show featuring the latest dresses from Fab Frocks of Westbourne and dinner suits from Moss Bros of Bournemouth. There will also be a pop up hair salon courtesy of A’Courts, beauty treats, pamper booths, retail therapy and live music. £20 includes welcome drink and canapés.

To book tickets, contact Sarah Wilton on 01202 700979 or alternatively email sdwilton@gmail.com