Sometimes it can be challenging to come up with great, fresh,
and relevant Halloween costumes for those of us with facial hair. We know!
Who wants to shave off their hard-earned beard
or impeccable mustache just for a holiday that, naturally, only comes once a year?
There are of course the classics: the caveman, the wizard,
Paul Bunyan, and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few.
However, there are many more contemporary options for 2013!
Let us look to the films of the year for inspiration.
1. E. Aster Bunnymund from Rise of the Guardians (2013)
Bunnymund is a great costume for those with silver gray or white facial hair.
He would also be a good choice for someone with a little creativity
who would like to make his own props.
For Bunnymund, you will need a boomerang, thin rope to wrap around your ankles,
a strip of leather or synthetic leather for a sash, a pair of gauntlets, any pair of shorts,
and of course a set of rabbit ears and a tail.
If you want to go the extra mile,
use blue face paint to create the arm markings as tattoos.
(You could also be Santa Claus from RotG,
but some people might think you're dressed for the wrong holiday!
For best results, do that one with a RotG group.)
2. James P. "Sulley" Sullivan from Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Monsters University (2013)
Sulley is a fun costume for those who aren't afraid of some temporary color!
Use a light blue spray color on your head and facial hair
and comb through it after letting it dry.
Another great option to consider for the most realistic appearance is hair chalk.
For Sulley, you will also need a pair of horns and, if desired,
a set of black claw stick-on nails. They pull right off at the end of the night.
Use face paint or eyeliner to draw on Sulley's dog-like nose.
Wear any light blue and purple clothing, and you're set!
To really make an impression, get blue faux fur "monster" slippers.
3. King Fergus AKA Merida's father from Brave (2012)
Fergus is a Scottish king with a trimmed beard
and a mustache that feathers across the full width of his face.
Besides the facial hair, to keep this costume simple, all you need is a kilt, a furry cape,
and a prop sword with a wide cross-guard
(the thing at the top of the hilt that prevents your hands from sliding onto the blade).
The King has one wooden leg, so be creative with that aspect of the design if you choose.
If you have a daughter, let her be Merida alongside you for Trick-or-Treat,
or ask your wife or girlfriend to be Queen Elinor.
4. Stoick the Vast AKA Hiccup's father from How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
with a sequel in 2014 and Dragons: Riders of Berk (2012)
Stoick is a Norse-style chieftain with a massive,
partially braided beard and a wide mustache.
His key design features are (once again) a furry cape, a wide belt,
studded gauntlets, and of course, a horned Viking helmet.
He is a good option for those with large, full beards.
If you have a son or perhaps a beardless best friend, ask them to join you as Hiccup.
5. Logan "Wolverine" from the X-Men series and The Wolverine (2013)
Wolverine is not a costume for the faint of heart, if you want to be truly accurate!
That said, he is a classic character, and his costume is widely available for purchase
from a variety of costume and Halloween shops.
Alternatively, just buy or make the claws
and go with his jeans and wifebeater street clothes!
For the updated Logan as played by Hugh Jackman, the key feature is, of course,
his well-shaped and angular facial hair. Logan's style of beard is called "muttonchops".
This style is essentially extended sideburns connecting to a mustache,
with the chin and neck shaven.
The key to Logan's muttonchops is the angularity and short length.
Use a motorized trimmer to shape and trim the facial hair.
Go to a barber shop for the best results.
If you are not wearing the Wolverine mask, then don't forget to use hair gel
to style the sides of your hair upwards into the iconic sharp silhouette.
If you have a favorite character from this year's movies,
they would be a great choice for you to create this season.
Team up with your close friends and family and put together group costumes;
you could make a great impression at a party with the full cast of your film!
Don't be afraid to make your own costume or props, and use whatever you have on hand.
As with any good Halloween costume, use your imagination!
This guest post was written by Chicago cosplay queen Crystal Isis.
