23 Oct 08 Halloween – How To Use Halloween Makeup

Clown faces, skulls, vampires, kitties and a thousand other makeup designs are possible for the Halloween holiday. But makeup can be a real chore to apply. Here are some tips from the Hollywood pros to make your face-decorating safer, less work and more fun.

Use quality makeup and facial products. All contemporary department store makeup is designed to be healthy for your skin. But things like spirit gum, heavy green or black face coverings, or (yikes!) dyes can cause problems. Stick to well-made products from trusted manufacturers that are specifically meant for Halloween and you can’t go wrong.

Test for allergic reactions on small portions of the face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Each of these sections can react differently to different compounds. The skin is a different thickness in each area, has different kinds of hair and varying pore structure. Apply and allow to dry for an hour, then remove it and look for any undue reddening and bumps.

Similarly, avoid using any makeup that causes eye or lung allergies. Spirit gum is particularly noxious to some, since it sits right under the nose and around the mouth. Any eye shadow or facial cream that produces tearing should be discarded.

Pancake or base is usually the first to go on. It helps create an even ‘canvas’ for your face and permits easier makeup removal later. Theatrical pancake has been used by stage actors for generations and the quality and usefulness just keeps getting better and better. Apply lightly with a sponge then powder.

Cream-based makeup is perfect for creating an overall color for ghosts, devils and more. It feels somewhat like grease paint (a very old type of thick makeup), but is much easier to remove and better for your skin.

For those all-important highlights, a tube stick is perfect for highlights, lines and small special designs. Use them sparingly. Never substitute an ink pen, magic marker or similar device. Not only will you have to scrub forever to get the material off, but it’s unhealthy for the skin.

For overall body painting, buy makeup that is specifically labeled as body paint. Apart from the need to easily remove it later, and health issues, it will spread more evenly without permanently staining skin or clothes. Speaking of health, always leave patches around the body unpainted. Air has to pass in and moisture out for the body to regulate itself properly. Some makeup can hinder that function.

Mustaches, fake eyebrows and more are applied with adhesive. Spirit gum is traditional, but can be difficult to remove. Here again, be sure to buy a quality product and you will protect your skin from harmful compounds.

Latex is best reserved for those who have more experience. Skin tearing, ammonia used in manufacture, and more can cause problems for the novice. Latex prosthetics are another matter. They are formations made from this special rubber-like material and attach to the skin with adhesive, rather than cover it like a second skin. Different considerations apply.

Use makeup the way the pros do and you’ll have a safe and fun Halloween.

23 Oct 08 Halloween – Fake Blood Tips from the Hollywood Pros

If there’s anything Hollywood special effects artists know well, it’s how to use stage blood to create a gory look. Your Halloween makeup and decorating efforts will be improved by following some of their tried-and-true methods.

First, you have to buy or make some fake blood, of course. We trust you don’t have plans to use the real thing!

There are dozens of recipes for making your own inexpensive version of fake blood. One ultra-simple recipe uses a tablespoon of water added to 3 tablespoons of corn syrup. That will serve as a good base. Then add red food coloring for bright, fresh-looking blood. For an aged or deep cut look, add a bit of blue. This type will work well on fake facial or arm cuts.

For applications calling for more volume or a wider area, a spray bottle works well. Thin down the mixture, whether homemade or purchased, and spritz a little on a t-shirt or prop.

Soy sauce works well for simulating blood spatter from a shotgun wound. Pour some into flexible plastic tubing and seal at one end. Use a syringe at the other end hidden inside a shirt to quickly force the sauce outward.

Another method involves using something called a ’squib’. These are small packets containing the stage blood mixture that release their contents under pressure, usually from a fake body blow or knife stab. The packets are sewn or taped inside pockets or glued onto the skin, then covered with latex. A sharp, short pressure squeezes the packet, which bursts and splatters ‘blood’ around.

For situations calling for a thicker blend, a little corn starch or flour can make it nice and gooey. For a darker, more gel-like mixture chocolate syrup works well. To get a truly thick, wet blend that works perfectly for dripping, try some dishwashing soap mixed with gelatin. Add food coloring to get just the right color. It can be poured slowly down a fake hand to simulate an oozing wound. Yuck.

Often, stage blood is used to simulate wounds in which the liquid oozes from the mouth, nose or ears. In these applications, take care to buy or make a mixture that is safe for internal use.

Most of the blends above are harmless, provided they haven’t been exposed to air at room temperature for days. Otherwise they can serve as a medium for the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. They don’t all taste so great though. Ah, the sacrifices actors make…

Another thing to watch out for is staining. All of the mixtures above will wash out of clothing, except for those that use chocolate. If you mix that in, be prepared to discard anything it comes in contact with, unless you don’t care what the garment looks like later. Also, make sure that anyone near one of your effects doesn’t mind getting stained.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Scarecrow

Making a scarecrow costume for Halloween is not only fun, but you can allow the creative juices to flow endlessly. This is one easy homemade costume to make.

Youll need blue jeans, preferably faded; a flannel shirt – size large; a straw hat; some fabric to make patches; rope; straw and make-up.

Now that you have the necessary items, you can begin.

Match some patches using fabric, and sew them onto the jeans in no particular pattern. Dress the intended scarecrow with the flannel shirt and jeans. Use the rope as a belt. Ensure the jeans are long enough so you can cuff them.

Now comes the fun part. Take the straw and place it in the sleeves of the shirt so they stick out; stuff them into the shirt as well ensuring the straw sticks out as well. You may want your child to wear a body suit so the straw wont become too itchy. You can stuff the jeans with straw too.

Using eyeliner, you can draw stitches around the mouth, and use some red paint to make a triangular shaped nose.

The straw hat should look worn. So scrunch it up a bit before you place it on the scarecrows head. Put some straw in your childs hair, and have some sticking out of the hat as well. You may even wish to make a pointed hat using cardboard and black felt. Then you can decorate the hat however you wish.

Another idea would be to purchase a fake black bird, which resembles a crow, and attach it to your childs shoulder using wire. Poke the wire through the flannel shirt and twist it so it remains secure.

Scarecrow costumes are so much fun to make and utilizing all of the accessories mentioned herein, your child is sure to be a hit on Halloween.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: 80s Punk Rocker

Ah, the 80s. What a time that was. If you have a son or daughter or who wishes to recreate that time in the form of a Halloween costume, here are some suggestions.

The items needed are make-up, make-up, and more make-up. In addition, jeans with holes in the knees, a funky shirt, some stick-on tattoos, boots, hair gel, and thick black watches or bands for the wrists.

Obviously, its all about the make-up and hair. The clothes are the accessories in this case. However, the shirt worn should reflect the 80s. A punk rock band shirt or perhaps you can make really fantastic punk shirt using your creative talents, a white shirt and drawing logos from that time, or quotes and terms used during that period.

Lets begin with the make-up. Heavy eye-liner, worn on the eye-lids and under the eyes, red lipstick, eye shadow; the more colorful the better, mascara, and thick eyebrows just about cover the facial part of this costume.

For the hair, there are two ways to set about making a punk hairstyle. Either purchase a pink or blue punk wig or use hair gel to spike the hair. The hair can also be styled into the Mohawk or the Tina Turner look. You can even spray on some color to the tips of the spiked hair as well.

A chain belt would be cool as well. A black leather jacket, if you have one, would definitely be appropriate to wear. There are some pictures of 80’s punk rockers who wore spiked chokers and wristbands. Thick bangle bracelets were in as well as large psychedelic earrings.

Gloves can also be made to reflect the era by adding studs to them. Also, if you can find a pair of wild sunglasses, they would complete the entire outfit. One more item you may wish to add. No punk rocker is complete without a guitar. If you can find a cheap guitar with a shoulder strap, this would certainly enhance the look.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Pirate

One of the hottest recent movies is Pirates of the Caribbean. With pirates growing in popularity, well, it makes sense that your son or daughter may wish to be a pirate for Halloween. These are not only fun costumes to make, but quite easy as well. So lets make a homemade pirates costume!

Heres is what is needed: A red bandana and thick red ribbon or large red scarf; old pair of black pants and a white shirt or blouse; an eye patch; hoop earrings preferable clip-on; black and red eyeliner; cardboard and tin foil; fake bird and wire; and black and brown masking tape.

Fray the edges of the pants and shirt. Place the red bandana on the childs head and then tie the red ribbon or scarf around the waist. Use some black eye liner to paint the face with a mustache. Use some red eyeliner to paint a scar on the face. Put on the earrings and the eye patch.

To make a sword (every pirate needs a sword), use cardboard and cut out the shape of a sword. Cover it with tin foil. Use black masking tape for the handle.

To make the pirates costume authentic to the movie, you can purchase a fake bird and use wire to attach it to the pirates shoulder or sleeve. The funkier the bird, the better.

Heres another tip: If you wish to have the pirate wear a peg leg, you can simply tape one pant leg with brown masking tape all the way down to the tip of the shoe. Keep the toe part uncovered. Or if this is not suitable for your child, you can always spray paint the leg with brown spray, simulating a wooden peg leg.

Making a pirates costume allows you to be as creative as you wish. Add sparkles to the eye patch, find an old black hat in a thrift store, or instead of a sash, have the pirate wear a belt with a large buckle. There are so many ideas one can use to make a pirate costume for Halloween extra special. Have a happy Halloween.. Argh!

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume Ideas for Mom & Dad

Grownups enjoy Halloween just as much as the kids, sometimes more. It can be fun to dress up as a family, either for trick or treating or to go to a party. There are many possibilities for coordinating costumes for mom and dad. Some ideas can easily coordinate to the kids costumes, but they dont have to. It can be a family affair or mom and dad can go to their own grown up party while the kids are with a sitter.

King and Queen Make cardboard crowns and cover with foil. The dad can wear simple black pants, a white shirt and a plain colored cape. A simple long dress works for the queen. Decorate them with some fancy ribbons and trim and you have a regal outfit. Metallic belts will also help set off the outfits. The kids can be dressed as young royals to fit the theme.

Tarzan and Jane If you are brave enough (and if its warm enough), some animal print fabric/clothing can make a quick costume. You can dress the kids up as jungle animals and have a wild time trick or treating. If its cold out, you could wear flesh toned clothing underneath the animal prints.

Adam and Eve Wear all white or tan clothing and attach paper of fabric leaves in the appropriate locations and you have a simple costume thats sure to be a conversation starter.

Frankensteins Monster and His Bride A favorite Halloween pair is Frankensteins monster and his bride. Some make up, the right clothes and a wig and you have a classic costume set for both of you.

Wizard and Witch Some black clothes, hats, wigs, the appropriate jewelry and other accessories, will result in a simple, yet fun costume for a wizard and witch duo. They can be as cartoony or as serious as you decide to make them.

Angel and Devil Opposites can also be fun. Dressing in all white and all red, with the halo, wings, horns and pitchfork can be an amusing costume choice as well. Its up to you to decide which costume fits whom better.

Prince Charming and Cinderella Fairly tales and happily ever after also make great costume ideas. A fancy suit and dress and youre both ready to go to the ball. The kids could be dressed as the mice.
Batman and Catwoman Another good couple costume idea would be Batman and Catwoman. They are popular and easy to find costumes. Robin and Batgirl would popular for the kids as well.

Superman and Wonder Woman Superheroes are always a popular costume idea and Superman and Wonder Woman make a good pairing.

Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast has long been a popular story and can be brought to life pretty simply. Beast needs a nice suit and an animal mask of some sort and Beauty can dress in her finest gown and jewelry.

Wizard of Oz Pick any of your two favorite characters from the Wizard of Oz and you have great costumea. The kids can either be the other main characters or munchkins, leaving lots of room for colorful costumes.

23 Oct 08 Halloween: Little Old Lady/Man

You know whats so great about dressing up for Halloween? You can be just about anyone you want to be. Dressing up as a little old lady or little old man are no exceptions. These costumes are so easy to make. You just need the help of your parents to accessorize the look.

To dress up as a little old lady, one can utilize an old house dress, a pair of heavy knee-hi stockings, a white wig, glasses, sneakers, a really old-fashioned pocket book, and bobby pins.

Shorten the house dress to fit just below the knee. Then put on the knee-hi stockings and roll them down a bit. Sneakers or old shoes would be fine. If you can find a white wig, it would be perfect. If not, you can make the childs hair gray using flour. The pocket book is perfect for show. The bobby pins are wonderful as you can make pin curls on your childs head. If you have an old hat, add that to the mix as well. Finally, the eye glasses and voila, a little old lady has been made.

To dress up as a little old man, use dark pants, a dress shirt, vest, and a jacket. Youll need a hat as well as a cane. Use flour on the hair for the graying effect. Brown shoes would be appropriate, as well as brown or black socks, depending upon the color of the suit. If you happen to have a pocket watch, you can add that accessory as well.

If you wish to add some additional accessories, you can always have the little old lady push a wagon the kind used for grocery shopping. You may also want to have the little old man carry a newspaper under his arm as well.

Have fun creating these costumes. You certainly have enough to work with. Look at pictures of your parents or their parents. Perhaps you may want to dress up your kids in a different period such as the 30s or 40s. Either way, your entire family will have a great time.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Clown

Be a clown, be a clown, all the world loves a clown. Just singing that song puts you in a happy mood, right? One of the most fun costumes to make at home for Halloween is the clown costume. It can be as wild and as imaginative as ever. Here are some suggestions.

Let your imagination run wild. Start with a white, red, or black sweat suit. Then go to town painting all different colors and shapes on it, from polka dots to triangles. With some make-up you can paint your childs face in any way you wish. Draw triangles around the eyes, paint the nose red or find a red nose in a craft store, and use red lipstick to make a happy smile on the face of your child. If you can find an inexpensive clown wig, that would be great as well.

Another idea is to wear a menagerie of different clothing. Find an oversized shirt with loud stripes, plaid pants, and red suspenders. Add a funky oversized jacket, and youre good to go. For the shoes, you can find large-sized shoes that your child can fit into with his or her own shoes on.

If your child wishes to wear a hat, you can use a plain party hat and spray paint it with different colors and add polka dots to it or glimmer as well.

Heres a tip: Add one or two balloons inside the jacket, and when your child goes trick or treating and someone asks for a trick, you child can open up the jacket and the balloons will pop out!

Oh, dont forget the big bowtie! You can make it out of different color satin fabrics. Add a ruffled fabric to wear around the neck and you have the makings of the best clown in your neighborhood.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Butterfly

Butterflies are lovely to look at, but it is even more beautiful when your child decides to become one for Halloween. Here are some tips on how to make a homemade butterfly costume.

Before you begin this project, you may wish to take a trip to the library and check out the books on butterflies. Let your child choose one she particularly likes and follow the color scheme when making the costume.

Purchase sheer fabric in the color your child has chosen. Find fabric that has spots or designs which closely resemble a butterfly. Then cut the fabric in half. Since the body of the butterfly tends to be black, your child can wear a black turtleneck or body suit and leotards. Sew each piece of fabric down the back of the leotard and take the other ends and sew each piece to the sleeve of the turtleneck or body suit. When your child lifts her arms, the wings will show their brilliant color.

Use black eye-liner to place dots on the childs face. Use pipe cleaners to make the antennae by taking long strips of construction paper and wrapping it around your childs head to ensure a good fit. Attach the pipe cleaners to the construction paper with staples, then place cotton balls at the tip of each of the pipe cleaners. You can color the cotton balls with whatever color is dominant in the butterfly.

Another creative idea is to dress your child up in a warm solid color outfit, especially if its a cold Halloween day. Perhaps one that is similar to a jogging suit and has a stripe down the side of the pant legs. Make the wings by using cardboard to trace the design. Cut it out and then paint the wings a color that closely matches the outfit. Add glimmer or stickers to the wings as well. You can attach the wings by taking ribbon of the same color and wrapping it around the center part of the wings (where it curves inward), and then around the child. In this way, it wont fall off the back.