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Halloween a Hassle? Here’s How to Make the Most of It

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

Between hours of class, extracurriculars, and stacked social calendars, it is difficult enough to balance our busy lifestyles as collegiates.  That means whenever a big event or project comes around that requires our attention, creativity, or even worse, money, it’s not always easy to get psyched about it.  For many of us, Halloween can be that event. 

The day my mom stopped picking out my costumes and making sure that I was the cutest little Cinderella in my Kindergarten class, Halloween simply felt like a dreaded chore.  Sure, the candy’s great and the prospect of being someone else for a night seems seductive, but when it comes down to it, Halloween requires a lot of creativity, cash, and time that we’re not always so eager to give up.

If you find yourself suffering from Halloween cynicism, there are solutions to this holiday hassle:

1. Make it Easy On Yourself

Huge midterm the night before your Halloween mixer?  No time to prepare?  This is where the staples come in.  A smart collegiate knows that having a few cheap costume accessories can seriously come in handy in an array of last-minute theme-party situations.  If you don’t have any, your friends are sure to have something they can lend you.  Cat ears make for the easiest 2-second costume.  Put on a black dress, draw those eyeliner whiskers on and you’re ready to go.  Not feeling feline? Throw on a flannel, braid your hair, and scour your friend’s dorm rooms for a cowboy hat—someone’s sure to have one from that Brad Paisley concert last summer.

 

2. Keep it Cheap

While Halloween can be expensive, there are so many creative DIY costumes popping up on Pinterest that won’t break the bank.  One of my personal favorites is the piñata.  Hit up Michaels for some crepe paper, party hats, lots of glue, and a crafty mindset.  If that route requires too much patience, no need to worry. Channel your inner Greek goddess and let your bestie help you tackle the creation of a bed sheet toga.  Top it off with some gold bangles and a headband made out of braided gold ribbon. 

3. Take Advantage of Your Make-Up Drawer

Some of today’s coolest costume trends are entirely revolved around makeup.  If you’re feeling creative and happen to have an impressive makeup collection, hit up YouTube for some awesome Halloween makeup tutorials.  One of my personal favorites is the tutorial for the new rainbow filter on Snapchat.  Feeling a little edgier?  Search “Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial” on YouTube and you’ll get a bunch of awesome options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgEJJWROmk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-n7DbrD79g

4. Make the Most of It

Easier said than done, but if you happen to come up with a costume idea that you love, or commit to something super funny or creative with a friend, you might actually really enjoy it.  Is there a new Netflix show you’ve been binge-watching like a fiend?  Did your favorite artist just come out with a great new album?  Can’t get enough of the Kardashians?  Try and get really into channeling a celebrity, or anything you’re obsessing over, and chances are you’ll love your costume and have an awesome time. 

While Halloween can present some stress-filled moments, the direction of your night all depends on your perspective.  Laugh it off, make the most of it, and you’re certain to have an unforgettable Halloween.

http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Cheap-Homemade-Halloween-Costumes-20064402#photo-31583398

Emmy is currenty a senior at Bucknell University studying Managing for Sustainability.  She's a believer in horoscopes, a Jersey girl at heart, and a lover of all things outdoorsy.
What's up Collegiettes! I am so excited to be one half of the Campus Correspondent team for Bucknell's chapter of Her Campus along with the lovely Julia Shapiro.  I am currently a senior at Bucknell studying Creative Writing and Sociology.