Introduction: Rival Cheerleader Costume
Okay, so I'm going to start off saying I'm new to Instructables.... I've tried to upload a few of my homemade ideas, but I have no idea if they are actually working (I know, I can make a lot of things, but I can't figure out a website!).
That being said, this is my favorite halloween costume ever. And it got amazing raves at all the parties!! I think one of my favorite aspects is that (despite being ridiculously easy and cheap) it can be adjusted to fit just about anyone's needs.
So it may be a bit obvious that I'm a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I decided a few years ago that I would spoof our rival team's cheerleader, a team who was having a particularly rough year. It was one of the few costumes where being a little over weight actually worked in my favor. Since the team was taking a real beating on the field, I figured the cheerleaders would be a bit bruised as well.
First step was the makeup. I used a $2 halloween makeup kit from the clearance rack for the black eye and the cut on the right cheek. It was pretty much a paint-by-numbers job, copying a black eye and bruise I found on google image search. Seriously, just google "black eye" and "road rash"... you'll find some great templates. As a general rule, less is more. Colors are much more realistic than darks... the old school black shoe polish is nice, but just not realistic.
I added a couple "road rash" burns to the inside of my nose and outside of my cheek (lightly pressing the thick-pore sponge that came with the kit on my face, don't smear or brush). The black out teeth looked good from a distance. This whole thing required no fake skin or clay appliqué or any other irritating details that are difficult to wear during a long night. My guess would be that anyone with an extensive makeup drawer could do this for free.
For the rest of the makeup and hair, trashy is key. I thought white lipstick with black lip liner worked well. For hair I teased pigtails. Then added super-hoop earrings for an extra kick of situation-inappropriate "low life".
The costume was the easiest and cheapest part. I got a $4 Old Navy long sleeved tee in the right color, then added a felt sticker cut-out of the team logo that I cut from an online template of the logo... I just outlined the blue letter with yellow fabric paint. The skirt was the only piece that actually cost "real" money, and I bought it online from a cheerleader outline store for about $20.
The shoes are matching yellow stilettos... with socks, for extra class. I also wore pantyhose since it's cold here in October. It made it easy to draw on trashy tattoos (i.e. "Go Blue").
I apologize in advance to any fans of the Team Up North... but I assure you, just switching the colors makes it easy to adjust this to any team or sport you like!
That being said, this is my favorite halloween costume ever. And it got amazing raves at all the parties!! I think one of my favorite aspects is that (despite being ridiculously easy and cheap) it can be adjusted to fit just about anyone's needs.
So it may be a bit obvious that I'm a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I decided a few years ago that I would spoof our rival team's cheerleader, a team who was having a particularly rough year. It was one of the few costumes where being a little over weight actually worked in my favor. Since the team was taking a real beating on the field, I figured the cheerleaders would be a bit bruised as well.
First step was the makeup. I used a $2 halloween makeup kit from the clearance rack for the black eye and the cut on the right cheek. It was pretty much a paint-by-numbers job, copying a black eye and bruise I found on google image search. Seriously, just google "black eye" and "road rash"... you'll find some great templates. As a general rule, less is more. Colors are much more realistic than darks... the old school black shoe polish is nice, but just not realistic.
I added a couple "road rash" burns to the inside of my nose and outside of my cheek (lightly pressing the thick-pore sponge that came with the kit on my face, don't smear or brush). The black out teeth looked good from a distance. This whole thing required no fake skin or clay appliqué or any other irritating details that are difficult to wear during a long night. My guess would be that anyone with an extensive makeup drawer could do this for free.
For the rest of the makeup and hair, trashy is key. I thought white lipstick with black lip liner worked well. For hair I teased pigtails. Then added super-hoop earrings for an extra kick of situation-inappropriate "low life".
The costume was the easiest and cheapest part. I got a $4 Old Navy long sleeved tee in the right color, then added a felt sticker cut-out of the team logo that I cut from an online template of the logo... I just outlined the blue letter with yellow fabric paint. The skirt was the only piece that actually cost "real" money, and I bought it online from a cheerleader outline store for about $20.
The shoes are matching yellow stilettos... with socks, for extra class. I also wore pantyhose since it's cold here in October. It made it easy to draw on trashy tattoos (i.e. "Go Blue").
I apologize in advance to any fans of the Team Up North... but I assure you, just switching the colors makes it easy to adjust this to any team or sport you like!
