Halloween Talk | All things Halloween, all of the time: from costumes to recipes to decor

How to Create Dramatic "Gypsy" Eyes

If you want to be a gypsy for Halloween, knowing how to create very dramatic, mysterious eyes with make-up will help you take your costume over the edge from so-so to fabulous. Here's what you need to know to have the best and the boldest gypsy eyes on the block:

Start with a clean face. Always make sure your face is clean, dried, and moisturized before you apply any make-up.
Cover eyelids with a light or creamy foundation. Apply a layer of foundation over eyelids, avoiding the corners of the eyes so as not to cause irritation. Make sure the foundation is well-blended. Dust with a loose powder to set.
Take care of trouble spots. Do you have dark circles under your eyes, or out of control bushy eyebrows? Take care of these trouble spots as best as you can. Try thick concealers to cover blemishes, and apply them with a brush for best results. Shape eyebrows regularly using tweezers or wax.
Get exotic with eyeliner. Make your eyeliner bold and thick when going for the gypsy look. For added mystery, extend the eyeliner past the outer corner of the eye, in a straight line or in a gentle upward curve or slant. Liquid eyeliners tend to look more dramatic, but they are hard to apply without lots of practice. If you have an unsteady hand, go for the pencil eyeliners, and apply two coats to darken the color.
Go Glittery. Finally, complete your gypsy eyes by dusting eyelids with metallic, glittery eyeshadow. Try gold, copper, or metallic lavender shades to enhance your mystique.
Mascara, people! Mascara makes a world of difference in bringing out the beauty of the eyes. Go for a basic black, and use an eyelash brush and curler for best results.

Although following these steps will get your eyes looking positively gorgeous, you don't have to fit this formula precisely. Let loose your creativity and allow your bold, eccentric spirit free reign.

Four Wild West Inspired Costumes for Halloween

Thinking of trying a wild west inspired costume this Halloween? Here are a few ideas for both guys and gals that are worth considering. They're all easy to make and highly customizable.

The Saloon Girl or Bartender: Get a long red ruffled dress, throw on some high-heeled ankle boots, put a feather or sequined accessory in your up-do, and you've got a great saloon girl costume. You might instead go for the bartender look: white shirt with rolled up sleeves, a vest, a towel, a bottle, and a pencil-thin mustache make for a believable wild west bartender.

The Cowboy or Cowgirl: Throw on a plaid shirt or flannel button-up, add a leather or denim vest, throw on some faded blue jeans, grab a cowboy hat, paint on a little beard stubble with an eyebrow pencil or just stop shaving for a few days, and you've achieved the wild west cowboy look. Add a rope lasso or a toy gun to complete the costume. For a more feminine look, opt for a short denim skirt or a fringed skirt instead of the blue jeans.

The Sheriff: Choose a solid-colored long sleeve button-up shirt, and pair with a vest and slacks. Add a sheriff's star to the vest—you can make one yourself, or pick one up from a toy store or party supply store. Make a funny “wanted” poster featuring the picture of someone you know or a celebrity to add humor and personality to the costume.

The Bandit: Wear a long sleeve black button up, add a vest if you like, throw on some slacks or blue jeans, and tie a bandana (folded in half to form a triangle) around the lower part of your face to turn yourself into a wild west bandit.

Adapt these basic looks anyway you see fit. Look for unusual twists to really bring something different—think space cowboys, political bandits, etc. With these ideas in mind to get you started, you shouldn't have any problem coming up with your own unique wild west look for Halloween.

Why Candles are a Halloween Must-Have

More Great Ways to Make Use of Candles this Halloween

Candles are a must-have for Halloween. Candles help create a spooky atmosphere, and with a little creativity, they provide lots of entertainment value, too. Here are a few ways to use candles this Halloween to make your celebration more meaningful and magical.

Games: Play games with candles. See who can blow out the candles from the farthest distance. You might also choose several candles of identical size and have people stake their bets on which one will burn the longest. Give prizes to the winning teams.

Halloween Traditions: One important Halloween tradition for many celebrants is making contact with the deceased, our ancestors and other loved ones who have passed on. Candles can be used for a simple form of spirit communication. Some say that a candle will flicker if a ghost is present. Invite your guests to have fun posing questions to any “visiting spirits,” and watch the flame of a candle. A growing flame can indicate a “yes” response, while a shrinking flame says “no.”

Magic: Halloween is a night heavily associated with witches, so why not have a little fun working some real life magic? Invite your guest to carve meaningful symbols into the wax of unlit candles to represent their goals and dreams. A person desiring more wealth might make a dollar sign, while a person seeking greater romance might make a heart. Burn the candles to symbolize the burning desire and the light of hope and success that makes our dreams into realities.

With these ideas in mind and a few candlesticks and candles on hand, your Halloween will be off to a great start!

Costume Ideas for Short People

If you're a little on the short side, why not make it work to your advantage next Halloween and choose a costume in which shortness will be an asset? Here are a few ideas to consider.

Fairy: Petite girls make great fairies and other breeds of woodland folk. Accessorize short dresses and tights with fake leaves and flowers to become a woodland sprite; add wings and become a fairy or nymph.

Leprechaun: Pick up some ugly green slacks, jacket, and tie from a thrift store, then pick up a green top hat from a party supply store. For an extra nice touch, add a pouch of fake gold coins or chocolate coins you can share with the people you meet.

Elf: Dig out your old stocking cap, attach a bell to the top, and sew bells on a pair of red or green socks you can slip over shoes. Wear a red or green skirt and shirt paired with cute tights, or opt for green slacks with a red button-up shirt and green vest, and you've achieved instant elf.

Baby: Short girls and guys have the ideal body type for pulling off the baby costume. Wear a cloth “diaper” made with a sheet or towel, grab a pacifier and a rattle, and you're good to go. Girls can opt for short baby-doll dresses and pigtails to complete the look.

By choosing a Halloween costume that works well with your own personal assets and uniqueness, you'll convey a sense of authenticity, realism, and humor that the other trick-or-treaters will love.

How to Make a Cupid Costume

It's true that no one really wants to see a man in a diaper, but that doesn't change the fact that a cupid costume can get big laughs. You can make a cupid costume very easily and for very little cost. Here's how to do it.

You'll Need:

One white sheet or large white towel
Short shorts
Large safety pins
Child's toy bow and arrow
Cardboard
White feathers
Glue
Length of elastic
Red paint
Glitter (optional)
magic markers (optional)

Fold the sheet or towel into a large, diaper-sized rectangle. Put on the short shorts, then pull the sheet or towel up between your legs. Tie or pin the “diaper” together at each side.

Cut the cardboard into the shape of angel wings, and cover the wings with glue. Attach the feathers, sprinkle on a little glitter if you like, and allow the wings to dry. Cut two small slits in each wing and run the elastic through the slits, tying it together to make an arm-sized loop on each side. Slip your arms through the loops, and your cupid wings are strapped on.

Cut a large heart out of more cardboard and paint it red. If you like, use magic markers to add your own special message to the would-be lovers of the world. Carry this around with you along with the bow and arrow, and your cupid costume is complete. For a special touch, pack a bag of chocolate “kisses” or message heart candies to share. With a cupid costume, you can spread love and laughter year round, whether it's Valentine's Day or Halloween!

How to Make a Zombie Costume

Zombies are all the rage these days. From locally organized Zombie Crawls to Zombie's Night Out events, the living dead have swept the nation. Thinking of making your own zombie costume? Just follow these simple steps to become the best zombie on the block:

Choose Old Clothes: You'll want to go with either the fancy zombie or the blue-collar zombie. For a fancy zombie, choose an old prom-style dress—something from the thrift store that you won't mind messing up. For the blue-collar zombie, plain cotton trousers, a t-shirt, and a cotton blazer or sports jacket works well. Zombies emerge from underground, so rub the clothes in the mud to get them nice and filthy. Find a sharp, abrasive rock and rub it vigorously over the fabric to create natural-looking wear and tear.

Zombify your Face: Choose a gray cream base, and cover your face entirely, taking care to not get the make-up in your eyes. Cover the base with a dusting of loose powder. Next, use a black cream around your eyes. Dust black eyeshadow over the eye cream. Cover lips with concealer or a flesh-colored base, add a touch of blue eyeshadow and rub it in, then dust your lips with powder.

Walk like a Zombie: You can't just look like a zombie; you've got to act like a zombie, too! Imagine that you've really been dead for ages and have just reawakened and ventured out of your tomb for the first time in years. Wouldn't your voice be a little scratchy, your walk a little stiff? Wouldnt's you also be more than ready to party and let loose? Get in the zombie mindset through imagination and play-acting. Don't overdo it on the zombie walk, either—if you're too stiff and Frankenstein-like, you'll scream “amateur”!

Now that you've got the perfect zombie costume, you're not only ready for next Halloween, but you're also prepared for any zombie-related events that might come sooner!

Spooky Halloween Fun

Sure, trick-or-treating is a fun and indispensable Halloween activity, but some of us crave something a bit more spooky. Try these ideas next Halloween, and get your fright on.

Go to the Graveyard. Take the party to the cemetery for a traditional Day of the Dead picnic. Have the picnic at sundown, then stick around and see if more mysterious spirits come to call once the moon begins to rise. Leave offerings of herbs and flowers on the graves, and take some time to sit quietly near any graves that intrigue you. Pay attention to your senses, thoughts, and surroundings. You might receive a special sign or message from the great beyond.

Break out the Spirit Board. Spirit boards are a very old tool used for communication between the living and the dead. In modern times, they are often called “Ouija boards,” named after a commercial version of the spirit board that was manufactured by Parker Brothers. Making your own spirit board is easy. Just take a large piece of cardboard or wood and write on it the letters of the alphabet along with the words “yes,” “no,” “hello,” and “goodbye.” You might want to add numbers 0-9, as well. Use a small triangle of cardboard or wood to act as the planchette—that's the part that's moved around the spirit board, pointing to individual letters. Use the spirit board with a friend or two; it's best if a person can take notes and write down the messages as they're received. Sit quietly on either side of the board and have the participants gently place their fingertips on the edges of the planchette. If a spirit is nearby and so inclined, the planchette will start to glide around the board. Once contact is made, questions can be posed to the spirit. Try inviting a particular spirit to communicate with you through the board. If things get a little too spooky, just take your hands off the planchette and end the session.

Halloween is meant to be scary, so why not try some spooky fun?

Secrets to Make an Authentic Witch Costume

So you want to be a witch next Halloween—join the club! Since Halloween happens to be one of the most sacred nights of the year for real Witches, the witch costume is a long-standing favorite in Halloween garb. Before you grab the warty rubber nose and head out the door looking exactly like all the other broom-toters out there on the Halloween streets, take a look at these quick tips for creating a Halloween witch costume with greater authenticity, uniqueness, and flair.

Skip the Warts and Fake Nose: While not all real witches are beautiful by any means, they certainly aren't all covered in warts, either! Same goes with those giant, hairy, honker of a nose latex prosthetics you can buy—these items merely perpetuate an artificial stereotype, and will hurt the realism of your costume if you really want to look like a genuine witch.

Just Say No to Face Paint: Although it can be argued that the green face paint often seen as part of a witch costume actually symbolizes the deep connection to nature felt by real witches, and despite the fact that some real witches do use body art in a ritualistic context, you'd still be hard pressed to find a genuine witch with her face completely covered in that ugly green and greasy mess so often sported by “artificial” witches. Skip the all-over face paint, and opt for a natural look or a little black eyeliner, instead. Try accentuating your face with small, tasteful symbols drawn on with an eyeliner pencil—a tiny spider, a pentacle, even a lucky number can do a lot to play up your mystique and add flair to your look.

Black is Best: Alright, so it's a cliché that witches wear black—but that doesn't do anything to lessen the reality of the fact! Because of its association with magic, protection, and mystery, black is, has been, and always will be a favorite color amongst the real witches of the world. Sure, not all witches wear black—some might prefer to cast spells while clad in a bright color like green, white, yellow, or even red. For Halloween authenticity, though, nothing says “witch” like all-black clothing. Consider this yet another reason to skip those oh-so-out-of-fashion stripey tights!

Moons are for Magic: Finally, adorn your outfit and accessories with plenty of lunar symbolism. Create a crescent moon arm band, head band, or necklace for a truly witchy look.

With these tips, your witch costume is bound to be more unique and genuine, and your Halloween all the more enchanting and magical!

Four Ways to Use Candles on Halloween

Halloween just isn't the same without candles. From adding to the fun to enhancing the general spookiness, candles are a versatile addition to your Halloween celebration. Here are a few ways to use candles next All Hallows Eve.

Blow out the Flame Game: Line up two candles of the same size and type and light each one. Give two party goers each a squirt gun filled with water. Have the contestants stand about five feet back from the candles and attempt to extinguish the flames using the squirt guns. Whoever puts their flame out first wins.

Fortune-telling Game: Write a yes or no question on a small slip of paper. Light the edge of the paper using a candle flame, then quickly drop it into an ashtray or other fireproof dish. Let it burn undisturbed, then examine the remains. If the whole of the writing remains intact, the answer to your question is no. If it's fully burnt, the answer is yes. If it's only partially burnt and you can make out some, but not all, of the words, the answer is a resounding maybe!

Mystical Ambiance: Use candles to illuminate a room. Choose sturdy holders, and place candles at varying heights around the area to give the room a spooky, mystical glow.

Help out a Ghost: Traditionally, candles are lit on Halloween night to help good spirits find their way back home during their respite from the grave.

Candles are inexpensive, and their versatility in providing both entertainment and atmosphere makes them a great value for Halloween.

How to Make a Paper Mache Mask

If you're seldom satisfied with the selection of Halloween costumes you can find in stores and online, why not make your own one-of-a-kind paper mache mask and be something truly unique? It sounds kind of daunting, but it's really pretty easy.

All you need is a big, sturdy balloon, some flour and water, a bit of glue, and lots and lots of newspaper. You'll also need a space where you can make a mess and leave your project out to air dry safely where it won't be disturbed by naughty pets or curious children.

Begin by measuring the distances between your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you don't have a tailor's measure, just mark off the lengths on a piece of string or strip of paper. Next, blow up the balloon until it's fully inflated—not too squishy, but not about to burst, either. Use a marker or tape to mark off spaces on the balloon to correspond with eyes, nose, and mouth—these areas will be left “empty” so you'll be able to see and breath through your finished mask.

The next thing you need to do is tear a stack of newspapers into strips about one inch wide and five to seven inches long. This is a great activity to do when you're feeling stressed—it's like you're ripping up your worries!

Next, create a thick paste with flour, water, and glue. Make a lot of it in a big bowl or other large container, preferably something you can seal closed when you're in between mask crafting sessions.

Finally, begin your mask, dipping the newspaper strips one by one into the glue mixture, then carefully smoothing them down on the surface of the front half of the balloon. Let the paper mache dry thoroughly between layers. Build up the mask anyway you like—you can use cardboard or crumbled up chunks of newspaper where you want to add greater dimension. Once your mask is complete, decorate it with paint, pop the balloon, and add ribbon or string to the sides to tie the mask in place.

It can take up to a week or two to make a paper mache mask, but you can speed up the process by setting your project out in the sun or carefully warming it with a hairdryer so that it dries more quickly between layers.

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