Hey, puddin'! Welcome back for another deep dive into one of the most iconic character makeup looks in pop culture history. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn is one of DC Comics' best casting choices, and Harley Quinn costumes have become a staple every Halloween.

Today, we're breaking down how Harley's look has evolved across three films starring Margot Robbie, with tutorials showing you how to recreate each iconic style while paying tribute to the artists that crafted her looks.

I've linked the entire collection above to shop, and now, let's travel back to her cinematic debut in Suicide Squad (2016).

Suicide Squad (2016)

In Harley's big-screen debut, her chaotic charm was brought to life by an award-winning creative team: makeup artist Alessandro Bertolazzi, hairstylist Giorgio Gregorini, and supervising makeup artist Christopher Nelson. Their work on the film earned an OSCAR for Best Makeup and Hairstyling!

The team drew inspiration from punk rock icons like Debbie Harry of Blondie, crafting a rebellious yet playful look for Harley. Her messy space buns feel so 2016, and the smudged pink and blue eyeshadow, dip-dyed pigtails, and mischievous tattoos perfectly matched her unpredictable personality. One of my favorite looks from the film is when she's in prison, rocking fuzzy pink slippers, sipping an espresso from her personal machine while in solitary confinement. Her smudged makeup screams "I do what I want," and we can get the down-to-clown look using the entire SheGlam collection!

Birds of Prey (2020)

When Margot Robbie pitched Birds of Prey, she wanted a more feminist take on Harley Quinn—one that highlighted her independence away from the Joker. Costume designer Erin Benach, makeup department head Deborah LaMia Denaver, and hairstylist Adruitha Lee embraced this vision, reimagining Harley's style with a bold, quirky twist.

Gone was the overtly sexy look of Suicide Squad, replaced with spunky pigtails, choppy bangs, and edgy fashion pieces full of personality. Think pink and gold hues, and DIY elements like her now-iconic caution tape jacket. This look feels more wearable and showcases Harley's playful yet powerful side. It's a great example of how the creative team brought Margot Robbie's vision of a more empowered Harley to life.

Want to channel this version of Harley with a silvery smoky eye and bold red lip? Check out my tutorial linked above! (This Harley look is my personal favorite—I'm obsessed with the perky pigtails!)

The Suicide Squad (2021)

By the time The Suicide Squad (2021) rolled around, Harley Quinn's look underwent another transformation. Makeup department head Heba Thorisdottir drew from Harley's comic roots, incorporating rich crimson and black tones into her aesthetic instead of the hot pink we came to know in the previous two films. Her hair ditched the pink and blue for striking red and black, signaling a darker, more mature side of the character.

Harley's makeup featured a darker red lipstick, winged liner, and still included her signature smudgy eye look. Want to try this fierce, crimson-inspired look? My tutorial gives a breakdown, of course!

Harley Quinn's Iconic Legacy

Harley Quinn's cinematic journey showcases a dynamic evolution in her makeup and costume design, and it's hard to pick a favorite style—but I'd love to know yours in the comments below. Feel free to drop a GIF of your favorite Harley moment!

From punk rock rebellion, to quirky independence, to a darker, more comic-inspired aesthetic, Harley's look continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless Halloween costumes. Tell me if you have any other favorite DC Comics characters you'd love to see me cover, and if you use my tutorials to nail the look—be sure to tag me!

(I loved seeing CallMeKris follow along and absolutely slay it! It's a funny watch for sure)

Keep reading about more iconic pop culture looks here.

Check out articles like this one referencing Heba Thorisdottir's work on The Suicide Squad: Variety Feature.

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