These Halloween costume submissions are in a category of their own due to the DIY makeup and design effects. Each costume has special attention to makeup or visual effects. Browse through the hundreds of costumes, but be prepared to be terrified, amazed, and blown away by the creativity in each costume entry.
Explore Makeup / Special Effects costumes made and shared by the Costume Wall community. See real photos and read the stories behind each look.
Open an entry for more photos and the creator’s own costume story. Browse costume themes to find familiar characters, handmade props, and ideas for your next Halloween outfit.
Visit the past contests for entries and winners from each year, or explore Costume Wall’s guides for help putting a look together.
Looking for a costume to make yourself? Start with a character, a favorite film, or a group theme. Compare how different people approach the same idea: a handmade prop, a clever use of everyday clothes, or a detailed makeup look can give you a useful starting point.
The gallery includes solo looks, couples, groups, pets, and family costumes. Use the categories to narrow your search, or browse themes to see different versions of familiar characters together. Each entry credits its contributor and keeps their own description of the costume.
Our past contest pages bring together entries from 2017, 2018, and 2019. Explore the winning costumes where available, then follow the photos to see more of the details. These are community ideas to learn from and enjoy as you plan your next Halloween, cosplay event, or costume party.
