We're not exactly sure how summer flew by so quickly. But, all of a sudden it's about to be Halloween, and we're left scratching our heads. While some have been planning costumes since last year, others... Well, let's just say some people work best under pressure.
Of course, brainstorming and executing a costume at the last minute means it's not going to be as involved. But, that doesn't mean it has to be any less clever. So, with the help of makeup artist James Vincent and hairstylist Gianluca Mandelli, we came up with easy how-tos that indulge our laziest inclinations without compromising on quality. Think: Everything you need is probably already in your apartment right now!
Ahead, four Halloween DIYs so simple, you could practically do them in a cab on the way to the party.
#WokeUpLikeThis
We think you wake up flawless every day, regardless of the state of your hair or undereye circles. This costume pays homage to all those #WokeUpLikeThis selfies that don't feature model skin and shiny hair. You know, the ones that look like us on Saturday mornings.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Scrunch a mousse into your hair to give it grip, and then gently tease it with a comb until you reach the desired level of messiness. As for your makeup, we're assuming you're creating the costume at night. Don't take your daytime makeup off: We're going to build on it for a less-than-fresh effect.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Apply a glossy balm to your lips and lids to recreate the shine of a just-woke-up face. "This will also reflect light to give you a disheveled look," says Vincent.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Throw on some black eyeliner. Then, brush down and outward with a fan brush.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Don't forget to take off all this makeup before you go to bed. Just because you #WokeUpLikeThis doesn't mean you should go to bed like this.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
French-Girl Beauty Secrets
French girls have the effortless-chic market cornered — at least, according to anyone in beauty or fashion. Ask a Parisienne what her beauty routine is and she’ll probably say that she doesn’t wash her hair, doesn’t like makeup except red lipstick and maybe the occasional cat-eye, and focuses on enjoying life rather than worrying about her appearance. It’s as infuriating as it is charming — and it's the inspiration for this minimal-effort costume.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
The most authentic way to score this look would be to skip base makeup altogether, but we know that’s not for everyone. If you don’t want to have totally bare skin, Vincent says to prep your face with a beauty oil and follow with a sheer foundation "for that Parisian glow."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Rather than doing a full-blown cat-eye, the French girl may only have time for a kitten-eye. Make small flicks in the outer corners with black eyeliner.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
"French women love a red lip because it's an easy way to make an impact, and it brings out a natural flush in the skin," says Vincent. "It's both classic and very right now — timely and timeless."
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Now, for that perfectly messy Parisian hair. Mandelli says to twist small sections away from your head, add hairspray, and blowdry. Then, separate the twists and mess them up with your fingers. "There should be a dirty feel to it," he says.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
"Bangs are so French," our hairstylist says. So, we got this clip-in fringe. If the ones you get don't match your natural shade exactly, Mandelli recommends adjusting the colour with mascara or brow gel. Create a middle part before clipping your new bangs into place.
Hairuwear Clip-In Bang, available at Ulta.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Throw on a striped shirt, and put on your best French-girl air. You'll have bloggers asking you for skin-care secrets in no time.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Kardashian Contour, Mid-Process
Sure, you could just be Kim Kardashian for Halloween, but a partially finished look is much more creative (and easier). Besides, the Queen of Contour loves to post selfies of the magic moments before she's blended her makeup — so, we think she'd support this.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Start by putting your hair into a sleek, middle-parted ponytail.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Using a dark-brown pencil, line around your lips and the creases of your eyes. Fill in and exaggerate your brows with the same pencil.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
With a foundation that's a few shades darker than your skin tone, brush vertical lines onto your nose, diagonally along your cheekbones, and across your forehead.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Use some Banana Powder (a Kardashian favourite) to highlight the middle of your forehead, your nose, and your cheeks.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.
Now, stop and take a selfie. The best part of this costume: If you get sick of it, you can just blend in the contour.
Photographed by Erin Yamagata.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
How To Contour For Every Skin Tone