Do it yourself zombie costume ideas 2024

Materials Needed

Clothing

• Old clothes (shirt, pants, dress, etc.)
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Sandpaper
• Fabric dye (optional)
• Fake blood
• Dirt or coffee grounds

Makeup

• White face paint
• Black face paint
• Red face paint
• Green and yellow face paint (optional)
• Liquid latex or gelatin (optional)
• Fake blood
• Makeup brushes and sponges

Accessories

• Zombie mask (optional)
• Fake wounds and scars
• Props (e.g., fake weapons, torn-up dolls)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Clothing

Choosing the Clothes

• A white or light-colored shirt
• Jeans or pants
• A dress or skirt for a female zombie

Distressing the Clothes

1. Cutting and Tearing: Use scissors or a craft knife to make random cuts and tears in the fabric. Focus on areas that would naturally wear out, such as the knees, elbows, and hems. Be careful not to overdo it; you want the clothes to look naturally worn, not intentionally shredded.
2. Fraying the Edges: Use sandpaper to fray the edges of the cuts and tears. This will give the fabric a more realistic, worn-out look.
3. Adding Stains: Use fabric dye to add stains to the clothes. You can also use coffee grounds or dirt to create a dirty, grimy appearance. Rub the dirt into the fabric and let it set for a while before shaking off the excess.

Applying Fake Blood

1. Dripping Blood: Dip a sponge into fake blood and squeeze it over the clothes to create a dripping effect. Focus on areas around the cuts and tears.
2. Blood Splatter: Use a toothbrush to create blood splatter. Dip the toothbrush into the fake blood, aim it at the clothes, and run your finger over the bristles to flick the blood onto the fabric.

2. Creating the Zombie Makeup

Base Makeup

1. Pale Skin: Apply white face paint all over your face to create a pale, lifeless base. Use a makeup sponge for even coverage.
2. Sunken Eyes: Use black face paint or eyeshadow to create dark circles around your eyes. Blend the edges with a makeup brush to create a sunken, hollow look.

Adding Details

1. Bruises and Decay: Use green and yellow face paint to add bruises and decayed areas to your face. Apply the paint in random patches and blend the edges for a natural look.
2. Fake Wounds: If you have liquid latex or gelatin, you can create realistic wounds and scars. Apply the latex or gelatin to your skin, let it dry, and then peel it back slightly to create the appearance of torn flesh. Use red face paint to add blood and gore to the wounds.

Finishing Touches

1. Blood Drips: Apply fake blood to your hairline and let it drip down your face. You can also cup some blood in your hand and dip your mouth in it to create the appearance of a fresh kill.
2. Teeth Stains: Swish red food coloring around your mouth and between your teeth, then spit it out. Brush your teeth with baking soda afterward to remove the stains.

3. Adding Accessories

Zombie Mask

Fake Wounds and Scars

Props

• Fake weapons (e.g., a bloody machete or axe)
• Torn-up dolls or stuffed animals
• Chains or ropes

4. Completing the Look

Hair

1. Messy and Unkempt: Tease your hair to make it look messy and unkempt. Use a small comb and hairspray to hold the style in place.
2. Gray and Ashen: Sprinkle baby powder into your roots to achieve a graying, ashen effect.

Nails

1. Dirty Nails: Use black or brown face paint to dirty up your nails. Apply the paint to the tips and underneath your nails for a realistic look.

5. Putting It All Together

1. Get Dressed: Put on your distressed clothing and make any final adjustments to the cuts and tears.
2. Apply Makeup: Follow the steps outlined above to apply your zombie makeup.
3. Add Accessories: Attach any fake wounds and scars, and carry your chosen props.
4. Style Your Hair: Tease your hair and add baby powder for the final touch.

6. Additional Tips

• Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to special effects makeup, practice applying your zombie makeup a few times before the big event. This will help you get comfortable with the techniques and achieve the best results.
• Stay Comfortable: While it's important to look the part, make sure your costume is comfortable to wear. Avoid using materials or products that may cause irritation or discomfort.
• Have Fun: Creating a DIY zombie costume is a fun and creative process. Enjoy the experience and don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and styles.

Conclusion