This costume is ideal for anyone with a wedding dress they'd like to wear again. (No wedding dress? You could dig up an old bridesmaid dress and be a "bridesmaidzilla.") The idea is a bride gone crazy, so be sure to make unreasonable demands on everyone all night (well, unless you want be invited to next year's party!).
For the makeup, start by applying traditional wedding-day makeup. Think bright pink blush (but apply way too much) and a nude/pink lip. Karsten recommends applying a ton of lip gloss so you look overdone (Try mark Shine Tubes Hook Up Lip Gloss, $5.50, it's small enough to keep with you to reapply all night).
For your eyes, create a smoky eye (to make you look a bit evil) with plenty of shimmer on top. Then apply dramatic false eyelashes -- but make one eye uneven so you look disheveled. For help applying them, check out this video.
For your hair, try any of these updos, and after you're done, mess it up (try taking a nap or just rolling around on your bed) to complete the crazed look.
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Barack and Michelle Obama
Obviously, it helps if you already look a bit like the first couple (unless you want to wear a mask, but we're not big fans of those). For Barack, a suit is a must and fake, large ears are optional (but would be pretty funny and distinctive) and for Michelle, don't forget to go sleeveless (and work out those arms!). For help perfecting Michelle Obama's hair and makeup, consult these how-tos.
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The Kardashian Sisters
This is a fun costume for a group of girls. You can each pick your favorite Kardashian and personalize your look to theirs (a baby bump for Kourtney, a Lakers jersey for Khloe, for example). The ladies do have some signature looks in common though:
Their makeup: Attention-getting eyes are a must! Try a smoky eye, or go for a silver shimmery look (like the one Kim did at the Emmy Awards, see that how-to here), but no matter what, you'll need false eyelashes or a ton of mascara. Finish the look with high-shine nude gloss, and if you don't already have the Kardashian's olive skin tone, apply bronzer (like Physicians Formula Summer Eclipse Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder, $12.89) to warm up your skin.
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The "Gossip Girl" Cast
Another fun costume for a group of girls. Check out past episodes for clothing inspiration, and try these tips to complete the looks:
For Blake Lively/Serena van der Woodsen: Use a golden-toned bronzer to get Lively's glow and use bronze and neutral shades on your eyes and lips. You'll also need perfectly tousled hair to pull off this costume, so check out this how-to for details.
For Leighton Meester/Blair Waldorf: Try going for a doll-like makeup look. Use pale, shimmery eyeshadow and false lashes (or lots of mascara) to emphasize your eyes. Blend cream blush (like Nars Cream Blush, $25) on the apples of your cheeks, and finish with a berry stain on your lips (Karsten recommends MAC LipGelee in Moistly, $14). And don't forget to wear a headband!
For Taylor Momsen/Jenny Humphrey: Taylor's character has gone for a darker look lately, so use a dark lipstick or gloss and go for a smoky eye. If you want to try out her recent hair extensions look, check out this how-to or pick up a long platinum wig.
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Eight More Costume Ideas!
Check out these other Halloween ideas, a mix of the more traditional -- and a few that will definitely help you stand out in a crowd:
Halloween costumes can be tricky. You don't want to look cheesy or lame, but you also don't want to be so creative/weird that no one gets what your costume is. Luckily, we've pulled together some foolproof costume ideas for this year. The best part? Most of them don't require you to buy a costume, just get creative with makeup and the clothes in your closet!
