Cruella De Vil Makeup & Hair Tutorials For A Wicked Transformation

So, you’ve decided to embrace your inner villain? Excellent choice! There's something undeniably captivating about Cruella de Vil, the queen of canine capers and haute couture chaos. Whether you're drawn to the classic, cackling cartoon antagonist or the edgy, punk-rock rebel played by Emma Stone, mastering a Cruella de Vil makeup & hair tutorial is your ticket to a truly show-stopping transformation. This isn't just about putting on a costume; it's about embodying a persona, creating a look that screams "I'm fabulous, I'm dangerous, and I'll get my way."
As a seasoned observer of all things theatrical and transformative, I'm here to guide you through every wicked stroke and dramatic sweep. Forget vague instructions; we're diving deep into the exact techniques, tools, and tricks you’ll need to nail either iconic Cruella aesthetic. Get ready to turn heads, inspire a little fear, and perhaps, just perhaps, make some dalmatians nervous.

At a Glance: Your Wicked Transformation Checklist

Choose Your Cruella: Decide between the exaggerated, green-eyed Classic Cartoon look or the smudgy, punk-rock Emma Stone style.
Prep is Paramount: Hydrate and prime your skin for a flawless, long-lasting canvas.
Master the Base: Foundation, contour, and highlight are key to reshaping your face into Cruella's distinctive features.
Eyes Tell the Story: From cartoon cat-eyes to smudgy punk glam, the eyes are where the drama unfolds.
Lips & Marks: A bold red lip and Cruella's signature beauty mark (for the movie look) complete the face.
Hair is Half the Battle: Wigs are your best friend, offering that iconic half-black, half-white shock of hair.
Accessorize with Attitude: Don't forget the fur (faux, of course!), cigarette holder, or other props to seal the deal.

Why Cruella? Deciphering Her Iconic Looks

Cruella de Vil isn't just a character; she's a fashion icon, a symbol of audacious ambition, and a master of unforgettable style. Her appeal lies in her unapologetic villainy, her flair for the dramatic, and, of course, that instantly recognizable two-toned hair and striking makeup. Over the decades, two primary interpretations of her look have captured our imaginations, each demanding a distinct approach to your makeup and hair.
First, there's The Classic Cartoon Cruella. This is the Cruella of your childhood nightmares, with her sharp angles, exaggerated features, and a permanent sneer. Her makeup is bold, almost theatrical, designed to be seen from a distance and leave a lasting impression. Think stark contrasts, vivid colors, and a decidedly unnatural, yet captivating, allure. This look is perfect for those who want to lean into the camp and caricature of the character, making every feature pop with over-the-top drama.
Then, we have The Emma Stone Movie Cruella, a more contemporary, gritty, and rebellious take. Inspired by punk rock aesthetics, this Cruella is still glamorous but with an undone, smudgy edge. Her makeup tells a story of rebellion and artistic defiance, featuring a distinctive beauty mark and a darker, more intense eye that mirrors her troubled genius. This style offers a more "realistic" yet equally impactful transformation, blending high fashion with a raw, rock-and-roll sensibility.
Both looks require commitment, attention to detail, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Whichever you choose, be prepared to channel that wicked energy.

General Prep & Essential Tools: The Foundation of Wickedness

Before you even think about brushes and palettes, let’s talk skin. A successful makeup look, especially one that requires heavy application and longevity, starts with a well-prepared canvas. Think of it as laying the groundwork for your masterpiece.
Skin Prep for Success:

Cleanse: Start with a clean face. Wash away any oils, dirt, or leftover makeup.
Hydrate: Apply a good moisturizer. This creates a smooth surface for your makeup and prevents it from looking cakey or settling into fine lines. For the Emma Stone look, a vitamin-enriched face base is specifically recommended for that extra hydration and glow.
Prime: A skin primer is your secret weapon, especially for a complex look like Cruella's. It blurs pores, smooths texture, and creates a tacky surface for makeup to adhere to, significantly extending its wear time.
Your Villainous Tool Kit: Must-Haves for Both Looks
While specific shades and items will vary, here's a general list of what you'll likely need:

Face: Foundation (light, full coverage), setting powder, contour kit (powders or creams), highlighter.
Eyes: Eyeshadows (black, white, green/kaki for cartoon), eyeliner (liquid and pencil, black), mascara, false eyelashes (Emma Stone look).
Brows: Brow pencil or powder (black/brown).
Lips: Red lip liner, red lipstick (matte is often preferred).
Tools: Various makeup brushes (flat shader, blending, angled brow, lip), beauty sponges, gluestick (for brow blocking), tweezers.
Specialty: White face paint (for cartoon teeth/highlights), black liquid eyeliner (for beauty mark), wig (essential for both!).
Now that our canvas is prepped and our tools are gathered, let's dive into the specifics of each Cruella transformation.

The Classic Cartoon Cruella: Exaggerated Evil

This is Cruella in her most iconic, animated form – all sharp angles, dramatic expressions, and a vibrant, almost painted quality. We're going for theatricality, so don't be afraid to exaggerate!

Face: Sculpting Your Villainous Canvas

The cartoon Cruella’s face is less about natural contours and more about creating a stylized, angular structure.

The Brow Block & Base: First things first: your natural eyebrows need to disappear.

Gluestick Method: Apply a layer of gluestick over your eyebrows, brushing against the hair growth, then smoothing them down. Let it dry completely.
Powder & Repeat: Apply a layer of compact powder over the glued brows to set. Repeat the gluestick and powder steps 2-3 times until your brows are completely flat and invisible. This creates a smooth surface for drawing on Cruella's high arches.

Foundation & Face Shape: Apply a full-coverage foundation over your entire face, blending it down your neck. Now, for the cartoon magic:

Outline Cruella's Shape: Visually imagine Cruella’s narrower, more angular face. If you’re not using a wig that heavily covers your temples and sideburns, consider painting the sides of your face with a light-colored body paint (like her white hair color) to visually "shrink" your face and mimic the distinct hair framing. Otherwise, rely on aggressive contouring to achieve this illusion.

Intense Contour & Highlight: This is where you sculpt.

Cheekbones: Apply a contour shade (a few shades darker than your foundation) to the hollows of your cheeks. Don't be shy; intensify this with a much darker brown eyeshadow or cream contour directly under the cheekbones to create a sharp, almost sunken effect. Blend upwards to avoid harsh lines, but keep the definition strong.
Highlight: Contrast is key! Use a bright, almost white highlight on the tops of your cheekbones, above your lips (cupid's bow), down the bridge of your nose, on your forehead, chin, and temples. This will make your contoured areas recede and your highlighted features pop, emphasizing Cruella's bone structure.

Eyes: The Gaze of a Schemer

Cartoon Cruella's eyes are always wide, often sinister, and framed by a distinctive green.

Primer & Green Shadow: Apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids to ensure your colors stay vibrant and crease-free.

All-Over Green: Apply a vibrant green eyeshadow all over your mobile lid.
Inner Corner Brightness: Use a lighter green shade on the inner corners of your eyes to open them up and add a mischievous sparkle.
Outer & Upper Depth: Blend a khaki or deeper green shade into the outer corner and slightly above your crease to add depth and dimension.

"Sexy Cat Look" Eyeliner: This is a classic cartoon element.

Use a black liquid or gel eyeliner to create a sharp, dramatic winged liner. Extend the wing outwards and upwards significantly, giving a "feline" lift to the eye. The line should be clean and precise.

No False Lashes: Interestingly, cartoon Cruella typically doesn't have visible false eyelashes. A good coat or two of black mascara will suffice to define your natural lashes.
Optional Super Arched Brows: Now that your natural brows are blocked, it’s time to draw Cruella’s exaggerated arches.

High & Wide: Using a brown eyeshadow or brow pencil, draw a large, highly arched brow shape starting from above where your natural brow would begin, extending upwards towards your mid-forehead, and tapering down. Think dramatically high and curved.
Define with Black: Circle this drawn brow area with black eyeliner to give it a sharp, cartoonish outline, making it stand out even more.

Mouth & Nose: A Wicked Grin and Pointed Sniff

Cruella's expressions are everything, and her mouth and nose are central to conveying her wicked personality.

The Large, Red Mouth with Teeth:

Outline: Using a bright red lip pencil, outline a mouth that is significantly larger and wider than your natural lips. Exaggerate the cupid's bow and extend the corners outwards and slightly upwards into a permanent "wicked smile."
Fill: Fill in the entire outlined area with a vibrant red paint, liquid lipstick, or highly pigmented red eyeshadow.
Teeth: Once the red is dry, use white face paint or a white eyeliner pencil to draw prominent, slightly uneven rectangular teeth within the red mouth. This is a defining cartoon feature.
Details: For added realism (or cartoonism!), use black eyeliner in the very corners of the mouth and a touch of grey paint on the sides of the teeth to create depth and shadows. Outline the entire mouth and each tooth with black eyeliner for that crisp, illustrated look.

Pointed & Upturned Nose:

Contour: Use your contour shade to dramatically slim the bridge of your nose and create a distinct upward curve at the tip, making it appear pointed and upturned.
Fake Nostrils: With brown eyeshadow and black eyeliner, draw small, defined "fake nostrils" higher up on the tip of your newly sculpted nose, reinforcing the cartoon effect.
Highlight the Tip: Apply a light cream concealer or white paint to the very tip of your fake nose to make it stand out.
Expression Lines: Finally, use a brown eyeshadow to lightly contour around your nose, creating subtle lines that suggest a perpetual sneer or look of disdain.

Hair: Cartoonish Coiffure

The hair for cartoon Cruella is all about dramatic volume and the unmistakable black-and-white split.

Wig Wisdom: While some might try to create this look with their natural hair, a high-quality wig is highly recommended for the classic cartoon style. Look for one that's already styled with significant volume, perhaps even a slight bouffant or backcombed crown, and a clear, symmetrical black and white split.

Secure: Glue the wig on securely if you want it to look truly seamless. Otherwise, use wig caps and bobby pins.

Styling for Impact: Ensure the wig frames your face dramatically, perhaps with some hair sweeping back from your temples to further enhance that "painted" face shape. Hairspray is your friend for holding volume.

Final Sinister Touches

To complete your classic cartoon transformation, don’t forget the signature accessories. Slip into a luxurious (faux!) fur coat and elegantly wield a long cigarette holder (empty, of course). These props instantly transport you into Cruella’s world and amplify the overall wicked effect.

The Emma Stone Cruella: Punk Rock Rebellion

The Cruella we meet in the Emma Stone movie is a visually stunning departure, blending high fashion with a gritty, rebellious edge. This look is about smudgy allure, sharp contrasts, and a hint of vulnerability beneath the punk facade.

Face: A Grungy Glam Base

Emma Stone's Cruella often sports a pale, almost ethereal base, hinting at her artistic, nocturnal existence, contrasted with dark, smudgy details.

Hydrate & Prime: Start with intense hydration. Apply a vitamin-enriched face base to give your skin a healthy, slightly glowing canvas. Follow with a skin primer to blur any imperfections and create a smooth, long-lasting surface.
Light Foundation: Apply a light-colored foundation all over your face and down your neck. The goal is a slightly paler complexion, but not stark white. Blend seamlessly.
Setting Powder: Lightly dust setting powder over your entire face to remove any unwanted shine and lock your foundation in place, ensuring a matte, yet not flat, finish.

Brows: Edgy & Defined

Cruella's brows in the movie are sharp, defined, and expressive, often playing into her two-toned hair.

Mix & Define: Combine a matte black eyeshadow with a matte brown eyeshadow. This blend creates a softer, less harsh black that still has strong impact.
Shape & Extend: Follow your natural eyebrow shape, but don't be afraid to sharpen the front of the brow for a bolder look and extend the tail slightly for added drama. The idea is defined but not overly "drawn-on."

Eyes: Smudgy, Sultry, and Iconic

The eyes are arguably the most distinctive feature of Emma Stone's Cruella, characterized by a dramatic, smudged black shadow that extends uniquely onto the nose.

Black Eyeshadow on the Nose Bridge: This is a key differentiating element.

V-Shape: Using a matte black eyeshadow, carefully bring the color onto the bridge of your nose, starting widest off the brow and thinning into a distinct V-shape towards the bridge of the nose. This creates a striking, almost mask-like effect.
Soften & Blend: Take a clean blending brush and, with a tiny bit of foundation, soften the edges of this black V-shape. It should look intentional and artistic, not just a smudge.

White Matte Eyeshadow:

Using a flat shader brush, apply white matte eyeshadow over your entire mobile lid.
Extend it slightly higher than your natural crease and also apply it on your brow bone. This creates a stark contrast with the black and really makes the eyes pop.

Eyeliner: Waterline & Tightline: Apply black eyeliner along your waterline (the inner rim of your lower lash line) and tightline your upper lash line (applying liner directly into the roots of your upper lashes). This creates immediate depth and intensity.
Build Smudgy Black Eyeshadow: Now for the signature punk-rock smudginess.

Outer Edge & Inner Corner: Use a small, dense brush to build matte black eyeshadow on the outer edge of your eye. Blend it along the inner corner, bringing the color into that black nose ridge and up towards the brow.
Dramatic Wing: Create a smoky, slightly messy wing on the outer edge, aiming perpendicular to the highest point of your brow. Blend the color well, softening the harsh lines while maintaining significant definition.
Lower Lash Line: Apply black eyeshadow only on the outer half of your lower lashes, keeping it very close to the root for a smudgy, rock-and-roll vibe. The key here is an "undone" perfection – defined but not overly neat.

Lashes: False & Mascara:

False Lashes: Carefully apply a pair of dramatic false eyelashes.
Mascara: Once the lash glue is dry, apply mascara over your false lashes and your natural lashes. The goal is a slightly punk, undone, and smudgy feel. For your bottom lashes, apply a very light amount of mascara – just enough to define them without looking heavy.

Signature Marks & Lips: The Devil in the Details

These are the small but mighty details that truly cement the Emma Stone Cruella look.

Cruella's Distinctive Beauty Mark: This is a must-have.

Using a liquid eyeliner, draw Cruella's signature beauty mark (often a stylized star, dot, or small diamond) on the same side of your face as the black portion of your wig. Place it strategically – a common spot is high on the cheekbone or temple, but referencing images will help you find the perfect placement.

Lips: Sharp, Cherry Red:

Liner: Use a cherry red lip liner to line your lips, focusing on creating an extremely sharp and defined cupid's bow. Emma Stone's Cruella often has a very pointed, almost exaggerated, cupid's bow.
Pencil Fill: Fill in your entire lip with the cherry lip pencil. This creates a strong base color and enhances longevity.
Matte Lipstick: Apply a matte red lipstick over the lip pencil to amp up the color and achieve that sophisticated, yet rebellious, matte finish.

Cheek Definition:

Use a small amount of sculpting powder (a cool-toned brown works best) through the hollow of your cheeks and gently around your jawline. This creates soft definition, adding structure without the harshness of the cartoon contour.

Hair: The Deconstructed Diva Wig

The Emma Stone Cruella wig is less about cartoon perfection and more about voluminous, slightly messy glam.

Wig Application: Put on your Cruella wig, ensuring it's securely fastened. Crucially, make sure the wig doesn't cover your newly sculpted eyebrows. If needed, carefully snip away any wig hair that obscures your brows to ensure they're fully visible.
Styling for Edge: Her hair often has a deconstructed, voluminous feel. Use hairspray and perhaps a light backcombing tool to add texture and volume, giving it a slightly wild, untamed quality while maintaining the iconic half-black, half-white split. Think dramatic, yet effortlessly cool.

Hair Hacks for the Iconic Black & White Mane

Cruella’s hair is arguably as famous as her makeup. That striking half-black, half-white split is instantly recognizable. While the cartoon look often calls for a more structured, voluminous style, Emma Stone’s version embraces a wilder, more textured aesthetic. Whichever style you choose, a wig is almost always the easiest and most impactful route.

Wig Wisdom: Your Best Bet for Cruella Hair

Investing in a good quality wig is the secret to a flawless Cruella hair transformation.

Choosing Your Wig:

Pre-styled vs. DIY: You can find wigs pre-styled in Cruella’s classic or Emma Stone’s punk-rock fashion. This is often the easiest option. If you buy a straight, two-toned wig, you'll need to style it yourself.
Quality Matters: A cheaper wig might look shiny and unnatural. Look for synthetic wigs with a matte finish or, if your budget allows, a human hair blend.
Comfort: Ensure the wig cap is comfortable and fits your head well.

Styling Your Wig (if needed):

Volume (Classic): For the cartoon Cruella, use hairspray and backcombing to achieve maximum volume and a slightly bouffant shape. Hot rollers or a curling iron (on low heat if synthetic) can add bounce.
Texture (Emma Stone): For the movie look, focus on adding texture. Backcomb sections, use a wide-tooth comb to gently tease, and spray with texturizing spray. The goal is controlled messiness, not perfect smoothness.

Securing the Wig:

Wig Cap: Always wear a wig cap to flatten your natural hair and create a smooth base.
Bobby Pins & Glue: For extra security, especially for a long night, use bobby pins to anchor the wig to your wig cap/hair. For an ultra-secure, seamless look (like for cosplay or performance), consider using spirit gum or lace wig glue along the hairline, as mentioned in the cartoon tutorial.
Hairline Blending: If your wig has a visible lace front, use a bit of foundation or concealer to blend it into your skin for a more natural look.

Temporary Transformation: Hair Paint & Sprays

If a wig isn't an option, or you want a less permanent solution for your natural hair, consider these alternatives:

Hair Color Spray: This is the quickest way to get the black-and-white split. Simply part your hair down the middle and spray one side black, the other white. Ensure you protect your clothes and skin during application. The downside: it can feel stiff and transfer easily.
Hair Chalk/Paint: For lighter hair, hair chalk can work, but achieving true black and white contrast might be difficult. Hair paint, designed for temporary coloring, offers better opacity.
Half-Wig/Clip-ins: You could wear a half-wig or use clip-in extensions in black and white, blending them with your natural hair. This offers more styling flexibility than just spray.

The Commitment: Dyeing Your Hair

While beyond the scope of a temporary tutorial, some brave souls commit to dyeing their natural hair for Cruella. This is a significant undertaking, often requiring professional help, to ensure a clean split, even color, and to minimize damage. It’s certainly the most authentic route for long-term Cruella cosplay!
Ultimately, your hair should reflect the Cruella you've chosen to embody. Whether it's cartoonishly perfect or punk-rock wild, the black and white divide is non-negotiable. For a truly immersive experience that ties into your overall look, don't forget to explore Ultimate Cruella costume ideas to complement your stunning hair and makeup.

Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Cruella Look

Now that you've mastered the core makeup and hair techniques, let's talk about those extra flourishes that turn a great transformation into an unforgettable one.

Accessorize with Attitude

Cruella is nothing if not a fashion icon, and her accessories are as integral as her fur coats.

Gloves: Long, elegant gloves (often red or black) instantly elevate the look, adding a touch of sinister sophistication.
Jewelry: Think bold, chunky statement pieces. Large rings, dramatic necklaces, or striking earrings in silver, gold, or even green to match the cartoon eyes.
Props: A long cigarette holder (empty, please!), a vintage handbag, or even a leash (perhaps with a faux dalmatian stuffed animal, for irony) can complete the narrative.
Mani-Pedi: Don't overlook the details! Sharp, blood-red nails or even black and white split nails add another layer of villainous polish.

Adapting for Occasion: Beyond Just Halloween

While Cruella is a Halloween favorite, her versatility means you can adapt her look for various events.

Halloween & Cosplay: Go all out! Embrace every detail from the tutorials. The more exaggerated, the better. This is your chance to fully commit.
Themed Parties: If it's a villain-themed or "dress to impress" party, you might dial back some of the extreme elements for a more chic, fashion-forward Cruella. Perhaps a toned-down eye or a more refined lip, while keeping the hair unmistakably Cruella. The Emma Stone look lends itself well to this adaptation.
Photo Shoots: These are perfect opportunities to experiment with lighting and angles to enhance your Cruella makeup. Dramatic shadows can emphasize contour, and creative posing can bring her character to life.

Troubleshooting & Touch-Ups: Longevity is Key

A masterpiece needs to last! Here are tips to ensure your wicked transformation stays flawless all night long:

Setting Spray is Your Savior: After all your makeup is applied, use a generous mist of good quality setting spray. This will lock everything in place, preventing smudging and fading, especially crucial for those bold cartoon lines or smudgy movie eyes.
Blotting Papers: Keep blotting papers handy to absorb any excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Lipstick & Liner: Carry your red lipstick and liner for touch-ups, especially after eating or drinking. A bold lip is the first to go!
Q-tips and Micellar Water: A few Q-tips and a travel-size bottle of micellar water can be invaluable for fixing any accidental smudges or sharpening lines throughout the night.
Wig Security Check: Periodically check that your wig is secure. A runaway wig is a transformation killer!

Common Cruella Makeup Questions Answered

We get a lot of questions about bringing Cruella de Vil to life. Here are some quick answers to common dilemmas:
Q: Can I do Cruella makeup without a wig?
A: You absolutely can, but it requires a bit more effort and creativity with your natural hair. If you have long enough hair, you can part it down the middle and use temporary hair color sprays (black and white) on each side. The downside is that sprays can be messy, stiff, and sometimes lack the full impact and volume of a well-styled wig. For a truly authentic and hassle-free transformation, especially for either the classic cartoon's structured volume or the movie's deconstructed glam, a wig is usually your best bet.
Q: How do I make my Cruella makeup last all night?
A: Longevity is all about layers and setting. Start with a clean, moisturized, and primed face. Use long-wear or waterproof formulas for foundation, eyeliner, and mascara. Layer your cream products with powders (e.g., cream contour followed by powder contour). Finish everything with a high-quality setting powder and, most importantly, a generous application of setting spray. Don't forget touch-up essentials like blotting papers and lipstick for your bag!
Q: What's the biggest mistake people make with Cruella makeup?
A: The most common mistake is being too timid! Cruella's looks, especially the cartoon version, thrive on exaggeration. Whether it's the dramatically blocked brows, the intensely contoured cheeks, the bold lip, or the smudgy, artistic eyes, holding back will dilute the character. Embrace the theatricality, the sharp lines, and the dramatic contrasts. Don't be afraid to go "over the top" – that's where Cruella lives!
Q: Is Cruella makeup suitable for sensitive skin?
A: If you have sensitive skin, always perform a patch test of new products (especially paints, primers, and heavy foundations) on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin at least 24 hours before your full application. Opt for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free makeup whenever possible, and ensure you use a gentle makeup remover at the end of the night to minimize irritation.
Q: Can I combine elements from both cartoon and movie Cruella styles?
A: Absolutely! While these tutorials provide distinct guides, you are the artist. You might love the cartoon's vibrant green eyes but prefer the Emma Stone-inspired beauty mark and smudgier aesthetic elsewhere. Feel free to experiment and blend elements to create a Cruella that’s uniquely yours. The key is to ensure the combined elements still tell a cohesive story and maintain her iconic, villainous spirit.

Your Wicked Transformation Awaits

Whether you're stepping out as the cackling diva of animated infamy or the punk-rock provocateur with a penchant for high fashion, mastering your Cruella de Vil makeup and hair is a journey into artistic expression and character embodiment. You've now got the playbook for both iconic looks, from the precise lines of the cartoon to the smudgy rebellion of the movie.
Remember, the true magic of Cruella isn't just in the makeup or the wig; it's in the attitude you bring. Her confidence, her flair for the dramatic, her unapologetic villainy – these are the final ingredients to a truly show-stopping transformation. So, practice your wicked grin, perfect that menacing glare, and prepare to unleash your inner de Vil. The world is your runway, and a wickedly good time awaits!