Tackling the Grayscale Costume

These photos were not touched up/photo shopped in any way.

I will admit that I’ve admired this costume for a while but have been too intimated to give it a go. But my awesomely amazing co-worker with great skills (not to mention a flawless record of kickass Halloween costumes) made me feel confident we could pull it off. Obviously from our pictures, I agree. It worked out. But it wasn’t without its challenges.

I think the first thing to accomplish is clothing. Finding gray, black and white clothing in your closet should be pretty easy. I only had to supplement a few new things like gray tights and I couldn’t resist the argyle cardigan when I saw it in the store. Or you can go my co-workers route and buy your wardrobe from the thrift store, which made her outfit extremely inexpensive. (And a bit painful, her shoes were a size too small. But a small price to pay to have a knockout Halloween costume.) My tips: #1) Load up on as many grays as possible. It adds dimension. #2) Cover as much skin as possible. Having to paint your skin gray is very time consuming.

Now onto the tough part…the makeup. We purchased Ben Nye Face Paints - Grey LA-23. We started applying the makeup and we immediately noticed it was going to be way too dark to use as an overall complexion. What to do? It was Halloween morning and we didn’t have a backup planned. Luckily the year before my co-worker purchased Ben Nye Zombie Wheel for her costume and had leftovers. We demolished the small gray section of that wheel. Luckily it goes along way. We used it on our face, neck, ears (if showing) and forearms. Basically any skin that is exposed.

We used charcoal eye shadow pencil for our lips, white eye liner pencil for lower inside lid, an eye shadow pallet of white/gray/dark gray for our eyes as well as for highlighting our nose, cheeks and forehead with the white and the dark gray for blush. We purchased the cheapest makeup possible. (Aka Wet n’ Wild) We also added some dark black eyeliner and  false lashes for that extra glam. 

During your makeup application, here are some answers to questions that will come up:

“Yes, you will look like the tin man.”
“Yes, you will want to throw in the towel.” 
“You’ll look like a hot mess up close but otherwise a perfect Monet from afar.”

During your day, here are some answers to questions that will also come up: 

“Yes, you will be a shiny grease ball after a few hours.” (So bring some baby powder to dry it up!)
“Yes, you will be extremely hot and uncomfortable all day.” (Bring a hand fan.)
“Yes, you will have to explain your costume to everyone!” “No, I am not a vampire, or zombie.” 

Some hidden bonuses to this costume: 
You will most likely win a costume contest. (We did)
Everyone will want pictures with you which adds to the fun.

Costume List:
·        Gray/White/Black Outfit
·        Wig – Gray or Black
·        Makeup – Ben Nye Zombie Gray, Charcoal Eyeshadow Pencil, Eyeshadow Pallet with White/Gray/Black, White eyeliner, Black eyeliner, False Lashes

That’s it. Well patience and confidence it’ll come out also helps. Good luck!