Joker, Khaleesi or Freddie Mercury: Dress up as your favourite character this Halloween

From the creep-tastic Joker to the bulky green Hulk - there's pop culture inspiration aplenty for those looking for that perfect Halloween outfit. And these comic, superhero movie and TV show characters are giving vampires, demons, and ghouls a run for their money on the night of Oct 31 in recent times.
What's more, cosplaying is surprisingly easier than it looks - and not too hard on the pocket either.Pooja Samartha, a cosplayer from Bengaluru, shares that a lot of references and DIY tutorials are available online to help you get these looks just right.

“From Joker (inspired by Heath Ledger or Joaquin Phoenix) to Hulk, Freddie Mercury, and Michael Jackson, among others - you can go all out on Halloween,” she adds.
For those looking to recreate their fav iconic character's get-up without splurging, here are some tips on getting the look right:
The Joker
Joker, played by different actors in different films, has been a go-to Halloween look for years. However, this year, it's the Joaquin Phoenix version that's having the last laugh.

“All you need is a green shirt, a yellow waistcoat and a red blazer. However, it is important to do the makeup right. Although it's relatively simple to do, and only requires a few items, if you go wrong with the smile or the eyes, you might end up looking like a Joker from another movie,” says Pooja, adding, “Make sure you are clean-shaven first. Start with moisturising your face well, and then apply white face paint all over it. Use dark blue paint to draw the triangle-shaped eyes, and the iconic teardrops. Now, pick up a red lipstick to draw your 'eyebrows' higher on the forehead (closer to your hairline), and use the same shade to paint your nose and that horrifying broad grin. Having said that, the real magic lies in the attitude with which you carry off the look.”
Freddie Mercury
Freddie was a fashion chameleon, with exuberant and gender-bending outfits. This Halloween, you can go all out and opt for this experimental, barrier-breaking, androgynous fashion to take the center stage at any Halloween party.

Shekhar Raj, a makeup artist from Pune, says that creating the look is easy. All have to do is borrow a few items from your wife, girlfriend or sister’s closet.
“Throw on a pair of tight velvet pants, and team them up with black leather and studded belts. You can also take the retro route and wear a pair of high waisted jeans, a white vest and a pair of aviators. Those wanting to make a statement can flaunt sequined pants. And don’t forget the moustache!” advises Shekhar.
Nina Sayers in Black Swan
The haunting ballerina, played by Natalie Portman, is an easy yet impactful look. And while the movie character wore the ballerina tutu in the flick, you could make do with what you have in your wardrobe too. Sameena Sheikh, a costume designer, has a few tricks up her sleeves.

“You could wear a plain black corset top and a black ballet/short skirt, with a black waist belt. Put on a pair of black mesh stockings, black heels, and black lacey gloves along with that, and a black tiara to complete the look,” says Sameena.

Nina’s signature winged black eye is a must. “A lot of detailing is important for this look,” says Preeti Tejawasee, a city-based makeup artist, adding “Firstly, apply a lot of foundation that is lighter than your skin tone, and then apply primer to your eyelids. Cover the entire eyelid - from the inner corner to the end of your eyebrows - in black eye shadow. Then, add some setting spray to a flat brush spray, and dip it into dark grey glitter pigment or eyeshadow. Coat the eyelid with the silver eyeshadow, extending it till the end of your eyebrows, right where the black eyeshadow ends. Extend the eyeliner to a sharp beak-like curve at the lower lid of the eye. With a black gel eyeliner, line your eyelid and end it with an exaggerated wing. Keep the lip simple, in a deep matte red." To add more detailing, you can use false eyelashes with feather detailing.
Bellatrix Lestrange from Harry Potter
“We all have a black long gown in our closet. It is time for you to take it out. Also, don’t forget the black boots while you're at it. The most significant part of the look, however, is the hair. To become Bellatrix Lestrange, you need to work a lot on your hair. Start with applying a stronghold styling mousse throughout your detangled, wet hair, and curl it with a curler. Spray some volumising hairspray. Now, pull your hair up into a half-up ponytail on the top right side of your head and secure it very loosely with a hair tie and bobby pins,” suggests Sonia Khanna, a makeup artist and cosplayer from Mumbai.
Since this ‘death eater’ is described as a straggly-haired woman with a gaunt, skull-like face and heavy-lidded eyes in the book, it is equally important to do justice to the face.

“Apply an eye primer or concealer on your eyelids, followed by an eyeshadow that matches your skin colour. Put matte light pink eyeshadow on the edge of the eye, with light brown eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eye. Now, take a brown matte eye shadow on a flat brush and line your eyelid to create an exaggerated wing going up to your hairline. From the inner corner, extend the eyeliner downward along the bridge of the nose to create an illusion of a sharp inner corner. Line your waterline with a brown eye pencil. Use a brown nude lipstick with a satin finish. Once you’ve finished applying the foundation, use sharp line contouring right below the cheekbone to give a fierce look and an illusion of sharp cheekbones,” adds Sonia.
Alice from Alice In Wonderland
If you like to keep your look simple, yet alluring, Alice is the way to go. This is one of the simplest looks to create. Just wear a light sky blue dress, with a white kitchen apron.

"Wash your hair with a volumising shampoo and conditioner, and apply hair spray to give more structure and volume to it. Twirl or scrunch individual sections of hair for more defined waves. You can also braid your hair and leave it overnight for defined waves if you have straight hair. For the makeup, start by priming your eyelids and set it with an eyeshadow darker than your skin colour to give your eyes some depth. Use an illuminating foundation and buff it out on the skin with a dense blending brush. Use light pink blush on your cheeks and a nude lipstick with an orange undertone," advises Heena Goenka, a Delhi-based makeup expert.
Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad

"If you want to unleash your mysterious side, this look is just perfect!," says Pooja, adding, "Creating the look is very simple. Apply some foundation, followed by red and blue eyeshadow and kohl eyeliner, which you can smudge a little bit. Don't forget the bold red lip and the black mole on the cheek. Add some pigtails to the mix, and you are good to go!" says Pooja.
Khaleesi

Wanna dress up as the Mother of Dragons aka Khaleesi? Here's how - "All you gotta do is make pulled-back rope braids while keeping the hair a bit messy. Wear a long flowy gown with cape sleeves. If you do not have an outfit with cape-sleeves, use a dupatta or stole to create the sleeves, using pins. As far as the face is concerned, keep it simple. Just tint your eyebrows, apply beige or brown eyeshadow, mascara and nude lipstick," says Sameena.