Halloween Masks
All types of masks for Halloween
The right mask is the foundation of any impressive Halloween costume. In fact, masks date back to ancient times and have been used for millennia to frighten, excite and mystify. You’re sure to find the perfect mask to complete your costume, whether you’ve chosen to be a vampire, werewolf, movie star, cartoon character or anything else you can imagine!
Scary Halloween Masks
Many masks are made to represent monsters, demons or horror movie characters, and they are generally made from painted latex. These scary (but fun) Halloween masks can look fairly realistic, and there is quite a wide variety to choose from. For example, if you decide to dress up as Jason from the Friday the 13th movie series, you have a few choices in Jason masks: there is the regular hockey mask, the damaged hockey mask with blood splatter, and the disfigured facial mask. And you can combine them as well – wear the facial mask with the hockey mask on top.
Alternatively, you could go for the less detailed but equally frightening Michael Myers (Halloween) mask, with its unnerving blank stare. Other famous horror movie masks include Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Pinhead from Hellraiser, Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street and the ghostface killer from Scream. With masks like these, you’ll be sure to scare everyone in sight!
The main thing to consider when selecting your mask is whether to choose a half-face, full-face or full-head mask. Although full-head masks offer extra realism and you won’t need to worry about styling your hair, they also tend to impede air circulation. So you might want to choose a half- or full-face mask instead – both attach using a lightweight band that extends around the back of your head.
Masquerade Masks
If you’re attending a Mardi Gras–themed Halloween party or ball, or just need a quick costume, try a beautiful masquerade mask. These masks are made from lightweight materials such as paper or wood and are covered with festive, brightly colored feathers, sequins and beads. In the light, masquerade masks glitter and shine in a rainbow of colors. Typically, they are held up to the face using a stick, which makes them lighter and easier to wear than latex masks. Although they don’t fool the viewer in the same way that full-faced or scary masks do, they’re a delicately beautiful addition to any Halloween costume.
For extra fun, look for animal masks created in a traditional masquerade style. These lightweight feathered and beaded masks represent the animal of your choice, often in combination with a simple feathered or furred costume – perfect for any Halloween party. To enhance the effect, try painting your face using greasepaint or brightly colored eyeshadow, blush and lipstick to match the natural colors of the animal you have selected.
