DIY Halloween costumes, step by step

Sixteen costumes you can make yourself. Each guide lists the pieces and the three steps that matter.

Vampire

Powder your face one shade lighter, then shade under the cheekbones. Dark red lips, blotted, and a thin line of red at one corner.

White base on the face, black around the eyes and the tip of the nose. Draw teeth across the lips with a thin black line.

Put the sheet on and mark the eyes with a pencil while wearing it. Cut small holes, then glue black felt ovals around them.

White base across the cheeks, bright colour above the eyes. A big painted smile and a star on one cheek.

Smoky eyes and a dark lip. Layer the shawl over the dress and belt it loosely.

Cut a pumpkin face from black felt and pin it on the top. Orange cheeks, a green leaf drawn by one eye.

Dot a few freckles across the nose with brown shadow. Shirt tucked into the jeans, the buckle front and centre.

Gold shimmer on the cheekbones and a few gems at the corner of each eye. All white on, top to toe.

Winged liner and a red lip. Red on top, black below.

Grey base on the face, dark around the eyes, a touch of green at the edges. Rip and scuff the clothes, then rub a little dirt or coffee into them.

Highlighter on the cheekbones and glitter along the top of each. Dress or skirt on, flower crown in your hair.

A black nose tip and three whiskers on each cheek. All black on, the tail pinned at the back.

Smudge a little stubble or a thin scar with brown shadow. Shirt on, vest over it, sash tied at one hip.

Stain the strips in tea and let them dry. Grey shadow around the eyes.

Brown and grey shading along the jaw and brows. Pin faux fur inside the collar and cuffs of the flannel.

A small black nose and two tiny drawn fangs. Cut scalloped wings from felt and pin them from wrist to waist.