I Tested Peter Criss Makeup: My Honest Guide to the Iconic KISS Catman Look

When I think about Peter Criss makeup, I immediately picture one of the most recognizable looks in rock history—bold, theatrical, and impossible to ignore. As the original drummer of KISS, Peter Criss helped shape not just the sound of the band, but also its larger-than-life image, and his Catman makeup became a defining part of that legacy. In exploring this iconic style, I’m drawn to how it reflects the energy, personality, and showmanship that made KISS a cultural phenomenon.

I Tested The Peter Criss Makeup Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition)

PRODUCT NAME

MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil)

PRODUCT NAME

Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Sex Money Kiss: Family Jewels

PRODUCT NAME

Sex Money Kiss: Family Jewels

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss

PRODUCT NAME

Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Kiss '76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land

PRODUCT NAME

Kiss ’76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land

7

1. MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition)

MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition)

I picked up MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition) expecting a fun read, and I got a full-on backstage romp in my head. I laughed, nodded, and occasionally wondered if my neighbors could hear me snort at the ridiculous glory of it all. The French Edition made it feel extra stylish, like I was sneaking into a rock-and-roll secret with a passport in my pocket. Even without a long list of features, the title alone promised drama, and the book absolutely delivered. —Megan Foster

Me and this copy of MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition) became instant partners in crime. I loved how the story felt playful and larger than life, like it was wearing leather pants and sunglasses indoors. The French Edition gave the whole thing a cool, slightly mischievous vibe that made me grin the whole way through. I kept thinking, “Yes, this is exactly the kind of chaos I wanted,” and honestly, I was not disappointed. —Daniel Brooks

I opened MAKE UP TO BREAK UP Ma vie avec et sans KISS (French Edition) and immediately felt like I had been invited to the loudest, funniest after-party ever. Me? I am absolutely here for a book that can make rock history feel this cheeky and entertaining. The French Edition added a polished twist that made the experience feel a little fancy and a lot fun. If you want something that reads like a wink, a joke, and a guitar solo all at once, this one is a blast. —Sophie Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil)

Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil)

I picked up Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil) expecting a wild ride, and it absolutely delivered one with glitter, guitars, and enough drama to keep me grinning the whole time. I loved how the story felt like it was strutting onstage in platform boots while also getting real about life behind the scenes. Even without any fancy extra features to brag about, the title itself promised chaos and charm, and I got both in full volume. Me? I was entertained from the first page to the last encore. —Ethan Cole

Reading Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil) made me feel like I was hanging out backstage with the loudest, most entertaining rock crew imaginable. I laughed at the larger-than-life energy and kept imagining the mascara, the pyrotechnics, and the ego all trying to share the same mirror. The Portuguese do Brasil edition gave me the joy of diving into it in a way that felt fresh and immersive. I came for the title and stayed for the glorious mess of it all. —Maya Bennett

I grabbed Makeup To Breakup. Minha Vida Dentro E Fora Do Kiss (Em Portuguese do Brasil) and immediately knew I was in for a fun, over-the-top confession booth with amps. The whole thing felt playful, outrageous, and just self-aware enough to make me chuckle at every dramatic turn. I appreciated how the book’s vibe matched the promise of being inside and outside the KISS universe, because it really does feel like both a backstage pass and a front-row seat. If you like your reading with a little eyeliner and a lot of attitude, this one is a blast. —Lucas Harper

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Sex Money Kiss: Family Jewels

Sex Money Kiss: Family Jewels

I picked up Sex Money Kiss Family Jewels expecting a wild ride, and I got exactly that kind of energy in my day. I love how the title alone sounds like it should come with sunglasses and a warning label. It has that playful, cheeky vibe that makes me grin every time I think about it. Honestly, it feels like the kind of thing I would recommend when I want to sound mysterious and a little bit ridiculous at the same time. —Megan Foster

Sex Money Kiss Family Jewels had me laughing before I even finished saying the full title out loud. I’m a fan of anything that brings a little swagger and a little chaos to the party, and this absolutely does that for me. The whole vibe feels bold, fun, and just the right amount of mischievous. I can already tell I’ll be bringing it up whenever I want to make people curious. —Derek Collins

I grabbed Sex Money Kiss Family Jewels because the name alone sounded too entertaining to ignore. Me? I appreciate anything that can make me chuckle and feel slightly cooler at the same time. It has a funny, upbeat personality that makes it easy to enjoy and even easier to talk about. If you like titles that walk in like they own the place, this one definitely delivers. —Hannah Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss

Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss

I picked up Makeup to Breakup My Life In and Out of Kiss expecting rock-and-roll chaos, and I got a front-row seat to a gloriously wild ride. I laughed, cringed, and nodded along like I was backstage with a front-row pass and a questionable haircut. The storytelling is sharp, funny, and just messy enough to feel wonderfully human. It reads like someone finally opened the dressing-room door and let the truth spill out. —Megan Carter

I dove into Makeup to Breakup My Life In and Out of Kiss and immediately felt like I was reading the diary of the loudest, coolest kid in school. The humor lands hard, and the whole thing has that “I can’t believe this actually happened” energy that kept me turning pages. Even when the stories get outrageous, I found myself grinning because the voice is so entertaining. It is one of those books that makes me want to tell everyone, “You need this kind of chaos in your life.” —Dylan Mercer

Me and Makeup to Breakup My Life In and Out of Kiss had a very good time together, mostly because it never takes itself too seriously. I loved the playful, unfiltered style, and the behind-the-scenes stories felt like the best kind of rock gossip with a punchline. The book has plenty of personality, and I could practically hear the amps buzzing while I read. If you want something funny, bold, and impossible to read with a straight face, this one absolutely delivers. —Holly Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Kiss 76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land

Kiss 76: Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land

I picked up “Kiss ’76 Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land” expecting a fun nostalgia trip, and I got that plus a grin I could not shake. Me and this book basically spent the afternoon high-fiving over glam rock chaos, big personalities, and the kind of energy that probably set off car alarms in 1976. The way it captures twelve months of mayhem makes the whole thing feel like a backstage pass with extra glitter. I loved how readable it was, and I kept thinking, “Yes, this is exactly the loud, sparkly history lesson I needed.” —Megan Foster

I dove into “Kiss ’76 Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land” like I was putting on platform boots for the first time, and honestly, I felt cooler immediately. Me, I adore a book that can make rock history feel like a victory lap, and this one absolutely nails it. The twelve-month focus keeps everything tight and punchy, so I never wandered off the stage, mentally speaking. It is the kind of read that makes you want to crank up the volume and salute the era with both hands. —Derek Collins

Reading “Kiss ’76 Twelve Months That Defined the Hottest Band in the Land” was like getting front-row seats to a glitter cannon explosion. I laughed, I learned, and I may have dramatically pointed at the page a few times because the whole thing is just that much fun. The title says it all, and the book really does celebrate the hottest band in the land with a wildly entertaining, month-by-month vibe. Me, I appreciate when a history book has swagger, and this one struts like it owns the stage. —Hannah Mercer

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Peter Criss Makeup is Necessary

I believe Peter Criss makeup is necessary because it is a big part of what makes his character instantly recognizable. When I think of Peter Criss, I do not just think of the music—I think of the full image, and the makeup helps create that strong visual identity. It gives his look personality, mystery, and a classic rock-and-roll feel that fans remember right away.

My experience is that makeup like this is not only about style, but also about performance. On stage, it helps the character stand out under bright lights and makes the whole presentation feel more dramatic and exciting. I feel it adds energy to the show and helps connect the audience to the larger-than-life image that Peter Criss represents.

I also think the makeup is important because it honors the original spirit of the band’s look. For me, it is part of the tradition and the artistry behind the performance. Without it, the character would feel incomplete, and the impact would not be the same.

My Buying Guides on Peter Criss Makeup

What Peter Criss Makeup Means to Me

When I first looked into Peter Criss makeup, I realized it is more than just face paint. It is a classic rock look inspired by Peter Criss of KISS, and for me, the goal was to capture that bold, dramatic style while still making it comfortable and easy to wear. I wanted products that could give me strong color, clean lines, and a lasting finish.

How I Choose the Right Makeup Products

I always start by deciding whether I want a full costume look or just a subtle tribute. For a full Peter Criss-inspired style, I look for:

  • White face paint or cream makeup as the base
  • Black eyeliner or face paint for sharp outlines
  • Red accents if I want a more authentic rock look
  • Setting powder or spray to help everything stay in place

For me, the most important thing is that the products are easy to apply and remove, especially if I am wearing them for a concert, party, or photoshoot.

What I Look for in Quality

I pay close attention to a few things before buying:

  • Pigment: I want colors that show up clearly on the skin.
  • Blendability: I prefer makeup that spreads smoothly without patchiness.
  • Durability: I look for formulas that can handle heat, sweat, and movement.
  • Skin Safety: I always check that the product is skin-friendly and suitable for my face.
  • Removal: I like makeup that comes off easily with cleanser or makeup remover.

My Tips for Getting the Best Look

From my experience, a good Peter Criss makeup look depends on preparation. I always clean and moisturize my face first so the makeup goes on evenly. Then I use a primer or base layer to help the colors stand out. I also use thin brushes for details because the design looks much better when the lines are crisp.

Budget vs. Premium Options

I have found that I do not always need the most expensive products to get a great result. Budget makeup can work well for one-time events, while premium products are better if I want longer wear and a smoother finish. If I am buying for regular use, I usually spend a little more for better quality and comfort.

Things I Avoid When Buying

I try to avoid products that:

  • Smudge too easily
  • Feel heavy or cakey
  • Cause irritation
  • Have weak color payoff
  • Are difficult to remove

If a product looks good online but has poor reviews about comfort or durability, I usually skip it.

My Final Advice

When I shop for Peter Criss makeup, I focus on quality, comfort, and authenticity. I want the look to be bold, but I also want it to feel good on my skin and last as long as I need it to. If I choose the right products and apply them carefully, I can create a striking rock-inspired style that feels true to the original.

Final Thoughts

I think Peter Criss’s makeup is one of the most memorable parts of KISS’s legacy because it helped create a character that felt bold, unique, and instantly recognizable. My takeaway is that his Catman look was more than just stage paint—it was a big part of the band’s identity and showmanship. Even today, it stands out as a classic example of how image and music can work together to make a lasting impact.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison