Countless movies, a “Thrilling” music
video, and a remarkably powerful TV show have made zombies an iconic image in
our culture. While zombies are as popular as ever, there are some people who go
a little overboard attire. We all want to experiment with new things to make
our costume look more realistic but in the end safe is better than sorry. Some
people have tried using chemicals on their skin or clothes that shouldn't be
there or dressed too heavily and hurt themselves in the act. Here is a list of
do’s and don’ts for enjoying your time portraying one of the “walking dead”.
Clothing
·
Do get comfortable and creative with your threads.
Everyone is always impressed to see a new themed zombie. Try something people
rarely do like a Monk zombie, anything that’s not the cliche mail man, suit, or
cheerleader.
·
Don’t try and be a superhero turned zombie.
It’s trying a little too much and only going to take away from whatever side of
the costume you want to portray most.
Makeup and Props
·
Do use the fake blood, the full face of makeup or black
and white face paint. Give yourself a few nasty wounds to enhance the flavor of
the image.
·
Don’t ever use real blood or led-based
paint on yourself. The last thing you want is to use substances that give off a
completely repulsive smell, make people sick, or damage your skin. Remember
there are certain types of paint that are harmful to your skin, know exactly
what you are getting on you first. Some people try so hard to pull the zombie
act off that they actually try to smell like one by using vinegar or some other
fowl substitute for disgustingness, don’t do that. Rub some dirt and water based paint on your
clothes and skin and call it good.
Hair
·
Do make your hair look the part. Use some pomade or other
type of gel to give yourself a more outlandish look. A small bit of dirt is ok
but as I’m about to explain, be careful what you put in your hair.
·
Don’t rub anything in your hair that could
mold or die. Have you ever picked up poison oak and made it sit in your hair or
rubbed some dirt in up there that had a spider in it. Remember you’re trying to
make other people scream, they’ll on laugh if you’re the one screaming because
poison oak got on your scalp or bugs are crawling down your face.
Marie Sumner
enjoys writing about entertainment and art. She owns more anime than she thinks
appropriate to reveal to polite society. Recently, she started writing for Costume Super Center, which gives her
an excuse to talk about cosplay costumes, comic books and zombies all day.
