We at Eloise Asylum were thrilled to be featured by WXYZ, where our experts shared valuable tips and tricks to help everyone look spooktacular this Halloween season. Halloween can be a stressful time for those seeking the perfect spooky look, but our team is here to help. Nena Marie, who assists nearly 100 actors every night at Eloise Asylum, emphasizes the importance of finding inspiration and piecing together the desired look. Shopping at local thrift stores is recommended for affordable garments, allowing you to create unique costumes such as clowns or doctors. Creating a distressed look is simple with the use of scissors, a surform shaver tool, and spray paint. And when it comes to makeup, our makeup director, Yann Graves, highlights the significance of proper makeup application to elevate any costume. By shading under cheekbones and eyes, one can achieve stunning effects with a basic makeup kit. We are delighted to share our expertise and help everyone prepare for the most wonderful time of fear while staying on a budget. Get ready to look spooktacular at Eloise Asylum this Halloween!

1. Find Your Inspiration

When it comes to creating a spooktacular look, finding inspiration is key. Whether you want to channel your favorite horror movie character or create a unique and eerie persona, taking the time to explore different ideas will help you bring your vision to life. Nena Marie, an expert at Eloise Asylum, suggests starting by watching movies or browsing through books and magazines that feature spooky characters. Once you’ve found your inspiration, it’s time to start piecing together your costume.

2. Shop at Your Local Thrift Store

One of the best ways to create a budget-friendly costume is by shopping at your local thrift store. Marie recommends searching for unique garments that can be transformed into spooky masterpieces. A striped shirt, an oversized coat, or a blazer can be the foundation of various costumes, such as a clown or a doctor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Remember, accessories can play a crucial role in completing your look, so keep an eye out for items like top hats or props that can enhance your costume.

3. Distress Your Costume with Ease

To give your costume a distressed and worn-out look, you don’t need to be a professional designer. Marie suggests a simple DIY approach. For example, if you’re going for a zombie look, you can use scissors to tatter the bottom of your garments. Additionally, a surform shaver tool can be used to create tiny holes, adding to the overall effect. Spray paint can then be applied in different shades of brown to give your costume a grime and dirt-like appearance. To make your zombie character even more realistic, consider adding trauma wounds by using fake blood and rubbing it in with your hands. This entire process can cost you less than $20 but can make a huge difference in your overall look.

4. Master the Art of Makeup

No spooky look is complete without the right makeup. Yann Graves, the makeup director at Eloise Asylum, emphasizes the importance of proper makeup in elevating your costume. You don’t need an extensive kit to achieve stunning results. Following the natural contours of your face, such as cheekbones and ocular ridges, can help you create a dramatic effect. Graves recommends shading under the cheekbones and eyes to enhance the spooky vibe. With a basic makeup kit and a little practice, you can transform yourself into a ghostly apparition, a wicked witch, or any other chilling character of your choice.

5. Embrace DIY Props and Decorations

To take your spooktacular look to the next level, don’t forget about DIY props and decorations. Eloise Asylum experts suggest getting creative and making your own accessories. For example, you can create a haunted doll by using old dolls from thrift stores and giving them a ghostly makeover with paint and tattered clothing. Crafting your own tombstones or eerie lanterns can also add a haunting ambiance to your Halloween display. Not only will these DIY projects save you money, but they will also add a personal touch to your decorations.

6. Utilize Online Tutorials and Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of Halloween costume ideas and tutorials. Take advantage of online resources to enhance your spooktacular look. From step-by-step makeup tutorials to DIY costume guides, there is a wealth of information available at your fingertips. Websites like YouTube and Pinterest are great platforms to find inspiration and learn new techniques. By utilizing these resources, you can expand your creativity and find unique ways to bring your Halloween vision to life.

7. Experiment and Have Fun

Above all, remember that Halloween is a time to let your imagination run wild and have fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different costume ideas, makeup techniques, and DIY projects. The possibilities are endless, and the more you embrace your creativity, the more spooktacular your look will be. Whether you choose to be a classic creature of the night or create a completely unique character, let Halloween be a time of self-expression and exploration.