Update posts halloween costumes with a black wig

Looking for a fun costume idea to bring your child’s favorite storybook character to life? This list features over 20 easy, DIY book character costumes you can make at home! Some costumes are more elaborate than others, but I promise there are plenty of simple ideas that use items you likely already have, plus a few accessories (Amazon is a great resource). You can keep it easy or go all out with a full DIY approach—whatever works best for you!

‘CURIOUS GEORGE’ BY MARGRET REY AND H. A. REY

The Man with the Yellow Hat costume gets even better when paired with a friend or fellow teacher dressed up as Curious George!

DIY Librarian Costume

If your book-loving kiddo can’t pick just one character, why not have her dress up as a stylish librarian? A library card canvas tote makes the perfect on-theme bag for carrying treats!

DIY Tween Luna Lovegood Costume

This Luna Lovegood costume is perfect for tweens! Let her mix and match clothes from her own closet, and she can even help craft a felt scarf to complete the look.

DIY Anne: Anne of Green Gables

Let your child embody the lively, free-spirited Anne Shirley with this charming Halloween costume! Dress her in a cute green dress, add a straw hat, and style her hair in pigtails. Just be sure not to call her “Carrots”!

DIY Peter Pan: Peter and Wendy

This charming costume is the perfect reminder for your little adventurer to never grow up!

DIY Dorothy and Glinda Costumes: The Wizard of Oz

If you haven’t dived into The Wizard of Oz book series yet, now’s the perfect time! Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch make enchanting costumes for best friends.

DIY Wocket in Pocket Costume: There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!

Dr. Seuss is a treasure trove of delightful Halloween costume ideas, and this one is no exception! Inspired by the whimsical creatures from There’s a Wocket in My Pocket!, your child can bring the book’s playful wordplay to life with this fun and easy costume.

DIY Willy Wonka Costume: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Are you a big kid who can’t resist candy (even while trying to eat more kale)? Embrace the sugary whimsy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by transforming yourself into Willy Wonka himself!

DIY Lorax Costume: The Lorax

Here’s a Halloween costume that’s ideal for your little planet protectors! If they can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, dress them in orange shirts, furry glasses, and give them signs that say, “Save the Truffula Trees!”

DIY Giving Tree Costume: The Giving Tree

This book may be a tear-jerker, but you can celebrate those heartwarming moments by teaming up with your little one for Halloween! Dress as the boy in a small pair of overalls, while you don an all-green outfit adorned with felt leaves to represent the tree.

DIY Luna Lovegood Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

There’s no one sassier in the Harry Potter series than Luna Lovegood, and this costume perfectly captures her essence! With her copy of The Quibbler and oversized sunglasses, your girl will transform from a Muggle to a Hogwarts student in no time.

DIY Tin Man Costume: The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz was a beloved book long before it became a movie, and your child can pay homage to this timeless story with a Tin Man costume! A little silver spray paint and some cardboard can work wonders to create this iconic look.

DIY Mr. Fox Costume: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Download blogger Rachel Faucett’s printable mask template, grab your sewing machine, and get ready to craft this classic costume inspired by the beloved book!

DIY Hedwig Costume: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Whooooooo can create this seriously adorable Harry Potter Hedwig baby costume? The best part is, it’s a no-sew project, so the answer is everyone!

DIY Baby Max Costume: Where the Wild Things Are

Let the wild rumpus begin! With this DIY book character costume, your baby will look just like Max, adventuring among monsters and other fearsome creatures.

DIY Musketeer Costume: The Three Musketeers

Gather two more kids from the neighborhood and whip up three of these easy costumes together!

DIY Waldo Costume: Where’s Waldo?

If you’re an avid crocheter (or want to be one), this DIY Waldo hat is a simple project to tackle. Pair it with a red-and-white striped shirt and round black glasses for the complete look!

DIY Nancy Drew Costume

Channel your favorite teenage detective with this fun costume! Start with a yellow cardigan in the perfect shade, a white collared shirt, and a plaid yellow pleated skirt. Complete the look with a yellow headband, a vintage flashlight or binoculars, and a couple of classic Nancy Drew books as accessories.

‘Pinocchio’ by Carlo Collodi

You can make an adult or child version of this fairytale-inspired puppet costume, and it’s easier than you might think! Just remember, the long nose that grows when you lie is not included!

‘Cinderella’ by Charles Perrault

This time, when you (or your little one) dress up in a ball gown, you won’t have to worry about it turning into rags at the stroke of midnight!

Halloween is all about the costumes, and while we love going all out with DIY Halloween costumes for men, women, and kids, sometimes we simply don’t have the time or energy for an elaborate ensemble. That’s where the magic of face paint comes in. With just a few strokes of the brush, you can transform your look from the neck up, creating a spooky, fun, or even glamorous effect without the need for a full costume. Explore these top Halloween face paint ideas for both adults and kids as a fantastic alternative to a full-on costume. Whether you’re aiming for something simple or spectacular, these ideas will have you looking boo-tiful in no time!

MINI GHOST FACE PAINT

Heather from Cool Progeny has created an adorable mini ghost face paint that’s perfect for a minimalistic Halloween costume. This design is not only incredibly cute but also one of the easiest Halloween face painting ideas out there. It’s simply a white blob with eyes, making it a quick and fuss-free option that still captures the spooky spirit of the season!

TIGER HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

This might just be the most adorable little tiger we’ve ever seen! With just three colors—orange, white, and black—you can create this charming and surprisingly simple face paint design for kids. For an easier application, try using face paint crayons for the white and black details. It’s a fun and approachable way to transform your little one into a friendly tiger for Halloween!

SPOOKY SPIDER FACE PAINT

Go green this Halloween with a spooky spider face painting idea from Families Online. This design features a creepy-crawly spider, perfect for adding some festive fright. To make it even more fun, sprinkle some glitter for an extra sparkle, and let your little ones enjoy the excitement of having a green face that’s both eerie and enchanting!

SPIDERMAN FACE PAINT

Little Marvel fans will be thrilled to be turned into a spider-inspired superhero, blending the iconic elements of Spider-Man with the boldness of Superman. This face paint design is sure to make any child feel like a true hero on Halloween!

MINNIE MOUSE HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Complete the Minnie Mouse look with a large polka dot bow, which perfectly complements the iconic red lips and black nose. To enhance the cartoonish effect, add white highlights to bring the design to life. This playful combination captures the essence of Minnie Mouse and makes for a charming and recognizable Halloween costume.

BAT GIRL HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

A simple painted-on mask paired with an all-black outfit makes for an effortlessly cool low-life Batgirl costume. To add a touch of magic, sprinkle on some green glitter powder for that extra shimmer. It’s an easy yet striking look that will let you channel your inner superheroine with style!

CAT HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Girls of all ages can elevate a kitty-cat makeup look from sweet to sassy with this playful design. Featuring a heart-shaped nose and paired with a black kitty-ear headband, it strikes a perfect balance between adorable and bold.

FRIENDLY BLACK CAT FACE PAINT

For a quick and adorable Halloween face paint idea, consider these sweet black cats. Coordinate the glitter with your Halloween costume for a cohesive look. Top off the ensemble with kitty ears and a cat tail for a simple yet effective outfit. This combination creates a charming feline look that’s perfect for a festive occasion!

KID WITCH HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Perhaps it’s the haunting black eyes, the blood-red lips, or that eerie gray wig that sends shivers down your spine. But when combined, the effect is truly chilling! Add graphic highlights of white and dark green on the eyebrows, cheeks, and chin for a modern twist on classic witch makeup. This combination not only amplifies the spooky factor but also gives a contemporary edge to the traditional witch look, perfect for a Halloween that stands out.

VAMPIRE HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Achieving this kid-friendly vampire look is simple and fun. Start by creating dark circles under the eyes using a blend of black makeup with pink or purple on a white base. For the fangs, use black eyeliner or face paint crayons to draw them on, then fill them in with white. It’s an easy way to add a spooky touch without too much effort!

PANDA FACE PAINT

Easy Halloween face paint can be both fun and non-scary! From cute animal designs to colorful fantasy characters, there are plenty of options that are playful and perfect for kids and adults alike. Think of cheerful designs like friendly monsters, playful pumpkins, or whimsical fairies that add a touch of festive spirit without the fright.

FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER FACE PAINT

Dr. Frankenstein would be impressed with this simple yet striking monster face paint! Inspired by Good to Know, this face painting idea covers the entire look. Just pair it with a dark green T-shirt, and you’ve got a complete Halloween costume ready to go.

PUPPY DOG HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Ideal for kids’ parties or a fun night of trick-or-treating, this adorable Snapchat filter-inspired puppy makeup is a breeze to create with just a bit of black-and-white paint. For even simpler application, face paint crayons are a great alternative.

WEREWOLF FACE PAINT

JoJo’s Face Painting reigns supreme when it comes to easy Halloween face paint ideas. Just add a shaggy coat to complete the look, and you’ve got a quick and effective werewolf costume painted directly onto your little one’s face. It’s a speedy and fantastic choice for Halloween fun.

CLOWN FACE PAINT

Whether you’re spooked by clowns or find them amusing, they make for an effortlessly easy Halloween costume. Just add a curly wig and a red nose to complete the look, and your little one is ready for the festivities!

PIRATE HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Transform your kids into swashbuckling pirates with just some black face paint! Draw on a rugged mustache and beard, and they’ll be all set to sail the Seven Seas. Add a pirate hat and maybe a toy sword for a complete look that’s sure to ignite their adventurous spirit!

SCARECROW FACE PAINT

Easy and adorable! JennySueMakeup guides you through creating a scarecrow face paint for Halloween on her Instagram. She even has a version for adults, so you and your mini-me can coordinate your looks.

BAT MASK HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

If you’ve got black eyeliner on hand, you’re already halfway to achieving this bat-tastic look. Start with bold cat-eye makeup, and you’ll be well on your way to a spooky and stylish Halloween transformation!

COBWEB EYES HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Looking for a quick Halloween costume? This spider-inspired face paint is perfect for a last-minute fix and can be completed in under 20 minutes. Simply team it with an all-black outfit you already own, and you’re all set for a spooky and stylish look!

LION HALLOWEEN FACE PAINT

Complete your kid’s costume effortlessly by pairing this face design with a lion’s mane and tail set. The face paint will provide a fantastic foundation, while the lion accessories will transform them into a roaring lion in no time. This combination ensures a cohesive and eye-catching look, making it a simple yet effective choice for a memorable Halloween costume.

HULK FACE PAINT

With just green, white, and black face paint, along with a touch of creativity, you can easily transform your kids into the Hulk. Start by applying a base of green face paint all over their face, then use black for the dramatic facial details and white for highlighting the eyes. With these simple steps, your little Hulk will be ready to take on any Halloween adventure or costume event!

CONCLUSION

Face painting is an affordable and creative way to get into the Halloween spirit, often costing less than making or buying a costume. Many of the Halloween face painting ideas we’ve shared can be achieved with makeup you probably already have at home.

Whether for adults or kids, face painting offers endless possibilities for Halloween fun. It’s also a fantastic way to coordinate family costumes—match your face paint with your little ones for a cohesive look. With just a few accessories or a simple outfit, you can complete your Halloween ensemble and be ready for a spooktacular celebration in no time.