If you’re going for thrilling theatrics this All Hallows' Eve, finding the perfect costume is only half the battle. The satisfaction you feel when you’ve finally nailed down the details that go into your ensemble is unlike any other, but those who make Halloween history are the ones who focus on both aesthetic and cosmetics. For example, it’s cool if you decide to don Count Dracula fangs or zombie wraps, but you’ll want to up the ante by adding some gore to your get-up. You can easily find tutorials showing you how to make fake blood for Halloween, and the best part is, it doesn’t take guts.
If you’ve read any of my previous Halloween pieces, you’ll know by now that I am obsessed with horror. I love scary movies and scary costumes, but I'll admit I am not and never have been keen on blood. I fully believe that beautiful red stuff belongs in our bodies, pumping through our veins, and not on the big screen for entertainment value — mostly just because I’m squeamish. Cowardly feelings aside, however, I am in awe at the level of realism Hollywood has reached with special effects, and how real it looks when teen vampires suck the blood out of their girlfriends' necks. I’m even more impressed when makeup artists and DIY-savvy creatives can make fake blood IRL.
If you're interested in taking your own menacing Halloween costume up a ghastly notch, adding some gore will definitely earn you a little extra recognition. Here are a few simple ways you can make fake blood work for your own creepy costume this year.
One of the downsides of going all out on the gore for Halloween is that fake blood can do a number on your clothes — which isn't a big deal if you're buying a costume you'll only wear once, but if you're pulling pieces from your everyday wardrobe, you'll definitely want to use something that washes out easily.
I came across Twitter user @mrnazred's recipe while scouring the internet for some inspiration. This recipe not only promises stain-free gore, it's also pretty simple to make.
In a large bowl, stir in karo syrup, red poster paint, and coco powder for a crimson, dark tint you can douse your clothes in without any permanent consequences.
I've always just assumed the most efficient and convenient way to make fake blood would be to use a can of paint. If you follow along with YouTuber Rachelleea's tutorial, however, the beauty vlogger proves bloody can be quite tasty.
In a small glass, pour in chocolate syrup and gradually add drops of red food dye until you've made a convincingly gory mixture. Because the blood isn't made from cosmetics, you'll want to be careful about placement around the eye area. Other than that, it's really as easy as it sounds (and you'll probably want to take a little taste).
This could also be an amazing additive to festive Halloween treats like cupcakes or cookies! (Sorry, my sweet tooth had to put its two cents in.)
This promo image literally makes me want to gag, but in the best way possible, because how awesome does this fake blood look?
Maybe your costume isn't overtly gruesome, like a zombie cheerleader or hospital patient, and you're looking for just a tiny bit of blood to tie it all together. YouTuber Janelle Estep's tutorial can assist.
The process to get from normal, healthy skin to all stitched up is a little more involved than tossing a bunch of ingredients into a bowl. But to master the craft, the items you'll need are red nail polish, black nail polish, black thread, scissors, and a clear base coat to act as glue.
While this isn't really a look you'll be able to throw together at the last minute right before your BFF's Halloween party, the final product is definitely worth the extra effort.
Who knew formulating fake blood could be so ridiculously delicious?
Another syrup-based blood, à la Twitter user Adrienne Finch, calls for pancake syrup, red and blue food dye, and a bowl and spoon to stir them all together.
This one is probably my favorite because you can easily control how thick or thin the consistency is simply by adding water.
Party City Pint of Fake Blood, $7.99, Party City
Hey, I totally get it. Not everyone is crafty, and not everyone wants to be. So if you either aren't interested in that DIY life, or you just don't have time to whip something up before the festivities start, Party City's Pint of Fake Blood will definitely get the job done.
However, just be aware that the product description does warn users that, while their theater-quality goop mops up easily with a little soap and water, it may stain fabrics or finished surfaces.
Mehron Coagulated Blood Gel, $5.50, Mehron
Mehron is a leading professional beauty brand that understands cosmetics are a luxury, and that well-performing products are essential every day of the year, but especially on Halloween.
Their line of faux blood makeup includes blood splatter, coagulated blood gel (pictured above), squirt blood, and stage blood to adhere to every level of theatrics, and every type of "wound."
Stephanie Koutikas, creative director at Mehron Makeup and makeup artist, tells Elite Daily,
Creating a bloody effect to your Halloween costume look is exceptionally easy with Mehron Makeup. With a wide variety of fake blood products that are easily removed with soap and water, it’s a go-to product for Halloween looks.
The Mehron Blood Splatter creates a realistic splatter/drip effect when applied six to 12 inches away from the subject, while Mehron Coagulated Blood Gel is a thickened, syrup-based blood great for creating clots and scabbing effects.
For a more intense look, try Mehron Squirt Blood, which can be used to project squirting blood effects that can run and eventually dry on skin.
Bonus: Each product page from Mehron's fake blood collection features a video tutorial on how to use them correctly. You wouldn't want to make a fake blood faux pas come All Hallows' Eve, would you?
