Introduction: Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe

About: Reviews, Travel, Blog, Creative DIY

I've done some pop art costumes the past few years. This year, I went with an Andy Warhol (both literally and figuratively) for Halloween.

Step 1: For This, I Knew I Would Need:


1 white dress
1 blonde wig (highlighted with yellow and black paint for effect)
Pink face paint (I prefer water-based)
Black face paint
Teal face paint
Bright pink tights
1 tall gangly man to play my Warhol (optional)

Step 2: What to Do Ahead of Time:

1. Paint wig with yellow and black for highlights and lowlights. This took approx 30 mins, but you definitely have to wait for it to dry, I would suggest doing it a few days before.
2. I also made a cumbersome poster that had different shots of the Marilyn piece. I just glued them onto foam board and cut out a square for my face- easy peasy. I only ended up carrying it around for like 15 mins total- not necessary for the costume, but it looked pretty cool. 

Step 3: Day Of:

I put a picture of Warhol's Marilyn on the mirror for reference.
1. Paint exposed upper body pink with the facepaint and a sponge. Aim for full coverage for better photos. I needed a little help with my back, but in a pinch I was able to do it on my own one of the three nights I dressed up.
2. Now it's time for the shading. Follow the outline of Marilyn's face with the black facepaint- be sure not to add too much water, otherwise it will mix with the pink paint. The important part is to get the distance from cheekbone outlines and lips/ eyebrows right.
3. Use the teal facepaint to throw on that infamous eyeshadow. Really overdo it- Warhol wasn't about his art looking super realistic.
4. I also added a little cleavage line with black facepaint, because I'm sure Warhol would have if he had done a full body painting :)
5. Throw on the wig, dress, pink tights, and some bright colored heels and VOILA! You're done!

Step 4: The Final Product

Results:
Creepy in real life, but almost everyone knew who I was. My favorite picture was on the grate in Times Square- there were a crowd of about 150 people waiting to see what happened.

Difficulty:
Not the hardest costume, and it's relatively easy to get the materials, but you have to have some idea of how shadows work and a steady hand. Also, you've got to be comfortable walking around in pink paint all day and having people want to take their pictures with you.

Halloween Easy Costumes Contest

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Halloween Easy Costumes Contest