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5 Creative DIY Halloween Costumes Using Makeup

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at URI chapter.

College Halloween is very different than the Halloweens we remember from our childhoods. It’s no longer one night in a parent-approved costume going door to door for candy. Instead, it’s a weeklong event where the candy is usually replaced with lots of alcohol and the costumes are expected to be much cuter. However, costumes aren’t something collegiettes usually plan into our monthly budgets and mom and dad most likely won’t be shelling out extra money for sequined bras or cat ears. Swapping costumes with our roommates and girlfriends is always an option but with massive amounts of pictures being taken every night, it’s fun to have your own unique costumes. These five costumes are great for a fun night out and can be put together with some makeup and the cute clothes you already have in your closet!

Animals

Almost every college girl will admit to dressing up as a cat at some point during their college career. Well shake it up a little bit with some body paint and be a cheetah, tiger, deer, or giraffe! Buy some body paint online or from the local craft store and use paintbrushes or sponges to apply. Instructions and tutorials for the animal patterns can be found online. You can take the look from simple to incredibly detailed depending on your time, artistic ability, and desired effort. Pair the makeup with whatever sexy black outfit you choose and rock this chic costume.

Skeleton

Skeletons are a classic costume that when given a sexy twist can be show-stopping. This costume may require a little more time to complete so don’t wait until the last minute to start applying the makeup. Also, for all of these beauty-focused costumes a practice round will save you some time the day-of and show you what the more difficult application steps are. Again, with a plethora of tutorials to follow online, with just black and white body paint you can decorate as much of your body as you wish. This look is easily completed with a black outfit of your choosing.

Scarecrow

Not only is a scarecrow costume cute, you’ll be really comfortable all night! Apply the scarecrow makeup complete with fake stitches, exaggerated blushed cheeks, and funky painted lashes. The perfect outfit for this costume is something that most college girls would definitely have in their closet: distressed jeans with a plaid shirt or flannel. Pair it with your favorite pair of leather boots and top it off with a straw hat if you can find one.

Comic Book/Pop Art

This Halloween makeup trend has been popping up all over Pinterest for the past couple of years. It’s a costume that lets you be cute and it’s creative! The signature dots mapped across the face, features outlined in black, and an optional blue tear will make you the ultimate cartoon femme-fatale. Another great thing about this look is that you can wear almost any outfit you want. Try a retro inspired dress in a bright color like red or royal blue.

Doll

This final costume is bound to get you compliments all night. Using makeup you most likely already have, put on extra blush, round out your lips in red, and draw dramatic lases down your cheeks. Top it off with fake freckles and your most doll-like dress. This is a great choice when you don’t have a lot of time to get ready or you need a last minute costume. For shoes, try a pair of mary janes with knee-high socks or your favorite pair of platform heels.

Senior marketing major from Princeton, NJ with a passion for cosmetics, fashion, and saving the planet!