Last minute, cheap, quick DIY costumes. Do Halloween in Columbus GA on less than $25

In this spooky-season edition of Columbus on a Budget, we had all the harried, Halloween party-goers in mind. As a person who has never met a costume party she didn’t like and is constantly procrastinating, this was directly in my wheelhouse.

I set out, $25 in hand, to one of Columbus’s major retailers. I wanted to see what I could find at the last minute that was affordable, cute and easy. I didn’t have a prior plan or a list, I just went to see what was left on the shelves.

I quickly realized that I was not leaving there with a pre-made costume, so I pivoted to a DIY strategy that would involve a little more effort, but cost a lot less than $50+ costumes on the shelves.

What I got for $25

Once I knew I would have to be a little more creative, my focus shifted to transformation instead of disguise. A full face of dramatic makeup and an evil queen-inspired head piece was the answer.

The products

Most of the products were from the brand Hyde & Eek and were under $5.

• Black Solid Pot Just Add Water Halloween Makeup with Brush: $3 
• White Solid Pot Just Add Water Halloween Makeup with Brush: $3
• Black/White Palette and Crayons Halloween Costume Makeup Kit: $3
• Black Spray-on Temporary Hair Color: $3
• Kids’ Sorceress Costume Headwear: $5
• Rubies Brand Black and Silver Eyelashes: $3

Total (after tax): $21.80

I bought a coffee with the leftovers.

The outfit

I have a prolific selection of black dresses, black tops, black pants, and black accessories, so I shopped my own closet. I went for simplicity and comfort, which is also how I choose my outfits every day.

I chose a basic black dress and (for the pictures) black heels that turn into sneakers after an hour or so.

DIY costume tips

To keep the look cute, I enlisted the (free) advice of local makeup artist, Breanna Webber. She reminded me,” it doesn’t have to be screen-accurate or perfectly executed to be fun” so “just making the effort is enough.”

Here’s her advice:

• Find items around the house to use. DIY fake blood using corn syrup mixed with red food coloring. 
• Use more than you think you should. You want to go bold for Halloween.
• Cut yourself some slack. Most people don’t know what real gore looks like and it will be dark.
• Use basic shading and highlighting for drama. You can find endless tutorials online.
• Invest in an eyeshadow palette with a wide range of colors. It’s versatile and can last several Halloweens.
• Use a setting powder (baby powder/flour works) since most Halloween makeup is cream-based and will smudge easily.
• Find a good prop or accessory, preferably one on hand already. A ripped up shirt, kitchen knife or a stuffed animal can add to a look. Or if you’re more adventurous, you can get creative with paper towel rolls, paint and twine.

Free (or cheap) last minute costume ideas

Halloween is this week and if you haven’t sorted your costume out yet, now is the time. If the party invitation says “costumes requested” and you need something quick, here’s a few ideas to get you in the spirit.

• Exhausted Parent: Messy bun or wrinkled shirt, coffee mug, dark under-eye circles. Bonus: tote a laptop or an overflowing diaper bag.
• Identity Theft: Write random names on sticky notes and slap them all over your shirt.
• Error 404: Costume Not Found: White T-shirt with “ERROR 404: COSTUME NOT FOUND” written in Sharpie.
• The Economy: Dress in gray, carry a “Downturn” graph. Don’t forget to frown.
• Barista: Apron, coffee cup, Sharpie name tag.

The time spent versus the money saved was well worth it. For less than $25 dollars and a little elbow grease (paint) I had a full on Halloween costume.

Send me your pictures of cheap, quick and easy costumes, Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.