fangtastic

If you're still figuring out your Halloween costume, you're not alone. Some people (present company included) crack under the pressure of picking something clever, and then going out to find all of the elements that bring the costume together. So consider this: The vampire costume.

No, being a vampire for Halloween isn't going to win you any points in the novelty department. But the classic Halloween icon is enjoying quite the revival thanks to the TV show True Blood and the Twilight books. Lucky for us costume slackers, the vampire can actually be thrown together with a minimal amount of effort or investment.

• Black attire is a must. Vampires of this millennium don't do silly capes, so just stick to the basics. This is the perfect time to break out the leather boots or fishnet stockings that are hiding in the back of your closet.
• Go to the drugstore and pick up a compact of powder foundation in the lightest shade available — don't get translucent powder since it won't give enough coverage. Whether you're male or female, chances are you could benefit from a generous dusting of porcelain powder to achieve the vampire complexion.
• Guys, you can stop with the powder if you're squeamish about makeup. But if you want to take it up a notch (it is Halloween, after all), smudge a little gray shadow around your eyes for that undead appeal. And if you've always wanted to rock some guyliner (you know you have), this is your chance.
• Ladies, go all out with smoky eye shadow, deep red lipstick and black nail polish. Bonus points for faux lashes.
• If you're going to splurge on anything, do it on the fangs since they're what will differentiate your costume from any ol' goth. Vampfangs has a selection of chic-looking fangs that will keep you from looking too kitschy. The goofy, plastic kind above may be good for 10-year-olds, but they ruin that vampire mystique.
  

Comments

OMG, you can't talk about vamps without mentioning BUFFY!!!! I want to go as Buffy and make my boyfriend be Spike!

Definately an easy way to go and generally a crowd pleaser. I actually got a round of applause a few years ago when I entered the theater for opening night of a vampire movie wearing all black with a black cloak and fangs. Just wish I could find those old fangs, they were definately the splurge, but I found quite a few good excuses to pull them out over the years.

Oh, and I agree Buffy's always a Classic!