What could be a more iconic Halloween Costume than the Grim Reaper?  It’s a classic for a reason.

Deluxe Black Horror Robe from W S Inc for $48

Gauze Zombie with Flashing Eyes Adult Costume from Max Costumes for $49.95

Grim Reaper Elite Collection adult costume with black velvet trim from Need Costumes for $62.96

Grim Reaper with Scythe Deluxe Adult Halloween Costume and Latex fractured skull mask from Grim Reapers for $249.95

The scythe in the picture above can be purchased separately for $139.95 at Grim Reapers here.

This scythe is a little cheesy, but I think it could be repainted to create a cool prop. The staff looks like a spinal cord. Available from Max Costumes for $27.45

Ben Nye Skeleton Makeup Kit from Lynchs for $16.99

Skull Makeup Appliance is a two piece appliance that makes it look like your eyes are sunken deep into your face. Available from Mostly Dead for $49.95

Skull Mini Monster Mask from Scary Halloween Costumes for $17.99

Grim Reaper Skull Deaths Head Mask is custom made for the buyer by Masquefaire on Etsy for $34

Adult Grim Reaper Mask is a latex skull piece with a burlap hood attached for $49.99 from Hollywood Toys and Costumes

If you decide to go with a mask I recommend that you put some white or black makeup over exposed skin tone around the eyes and nose.

If you want some inspiration or how-tos for skull makeup effects, there are some good makeup tutorials on Youtube.  Search skull makeup and skeleton makeup for ideas.  eHow also has a whole series of skull makeup tutorials here.

Special effects contact lenses come in an almost infinite number of styles and colors. You do not need a corrective vision prescription to wear these lenses, but you do need a contact lens exam from a professional to get your base curve and diameter.  Otherwise the lenses will not fit properly.  Plus a professional still needs to do a proper fitting once the lenses are ready.

Special effect lenses should be cared for the same way regular contact lenses are cared for.  You should not sleep with them in and you need to clean them with the proper solutions.

One of the most popular suppliers of special effects contact lenses is WildEyes manufactured by CIBA.

Glow-Night contact lenses are designed for raves because they actually glow under a blacklight 1-save-on-lens.com has the best price at $20.95 per lens

Coastal Contacts carries a huge selection of Wildeyes products:

Necromancer Halloween contacts from Coastal Contacts for $109.99 per lens

Spider Web Halloween Contacts from Coastal Contacts for $34.50 per lens

Raven Halloween Contacts from Coastal Contacts for $109.99 per lens

T Virus Halloween Contacts for $214.99 per lens

If you’re ordering from Coastal Contacts, remember that the price they show is per lens so you have to double it.  See more special effects contact lenses available through Coastal Contacts here.

For superior quality and customization options, check out 9SFX.  9SFX has been creating theatrical and special effect contact lenses since 1994. Their lenses have been featured in loads of films.

Demon lenses for $100

Dark Angel for $299

9SFX lenses are custom, hand-painted and made-to-order so expect a minimum of five to ten days lead time before they ship.  The lenses are FDA approved and will last a long time if properly cared for.

Hemorrhage lenses for $149.50 to $154.50

Zombie lenses for $160

See more of 9SFX’s amazing contact lenses here.

Another specialist company similar to 9SFX is FX Eyes.  They hand paint their lenses as well and are also willing to do custom work.

White Dragon lenses for $289

Black Sclera contacts for $279

Mirrored (yes you're seeing a reflection) contacts for $400

Cavallero wearing FX Eyes lenses

FX Eyes also takes at least seven to ten days lead time before they ship.  See more of FX Eyes’ lenses here and see a freaky gallery of client photos here.

A new trend among Cosplayers is to use contacts to give the illusion of wider-anime character-like eyes.  Korean companies Geo and Dueba make these lenses which are tinted into the outer-ring of the eye to give you the appearance of wide eyes.  They cost around $30-$50 per pair.  Learn more about Geo lenses here and Dueba lenses here.

Or, try these contacts designed to look like specific anime characters.

Anime lenses from 1-Save-On-Lens for $43.95 per lens

If you want to be an evil fairy yourself, check out these Halloween costumes for inspiration.

Amy Brown Faerytude Fairy Adult Costume for $39.99 wig for $19.99 from Spirit Halloween

Wicked Dark Gothic Fairy Costume from Cosplay Costume Closet for $44.20 (wings and petticoat sold separately unfortunately)

Razzle Dazzle sells the above costume with the petticoat on Ebay for $78.95.  I think I also found the petticoat on Baby Girl Boutique’s website here for $32.  The wings are on Cosplay Costume Closet’s site here for $15.30.

Gothic Feather Wings from Cosplay Costume Closet for $41.23

Halloween Wig Pixie Demon Black and Red with horns for $23.99

Vampire Fairy Adult Costume for $49.99

Fallen Black Fairy Halloween or Theatre Costume for $41.80

Playboy Wicked Fairy Adult for $86.99-99.99

These are incredible! Moxie Fairy Wings -Cobweb Spider Wings by OnGossamerWings on Etsy for $250

“Not all treasure is silver and gold mate.” — Captain Jack Sparrow

Protecting his head from the elements, a pirate’s hat can become a part of him.  If you’re planning to dress up as a pirate this year, your choice of hat can be the most essential element of your costume.  If you’re serious, don’t cheap out.  There’s nothing worse than a respectable looking pirate wearing a ten dollar hat from a party-supply store.

Leather and Canvas Black Tricorn Pirate Hat with Feathers by ShannonDockeryBakos on Etsy for $62

The Silverbeard Tricorne hat comes in your choice of four colors and two trims from Center Stage Costumes for $195

The Skull and Cross Bone Pirate Hat is a sculpted leather hat with the pirate design burnt into the leather by Harlequincedesigns on Etsy for $333

Given the increasing popularity of pirate cosplay, specialty sites have popped up.  Pyrate Trading Company offers a large selection of hat styles in both leather and felt.

The Jack Sparrow Inspired Tricorn in Leather for $125

Davey Jones' Locker Hat comes in your choice of 20 colors in felt starting at $55

For a large selection and high quality, set sail for Captain Jack’s Pirate Hats.  The hats come in fifteen styles available in different fabrics and colors including replicas of hats seen in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.  These hats are probably the most authentic you can find.  They are designed to fit a little bit larger (over scarves) and come waterproofed so they are ideal for reenactors and history buffs.

Movie Version Captain Jack Sparrow hat is $140

The Captain Morgan Acrylic Treated hat comes in your choice of twelve colors for $130

Captain Jack’s Pirate Hats are in high demand.  Since they are handcrafted and made to order which requires at least two months lead time. Captain Jack’s Pirate Hats also offers these awesome Skull Hat stands starting at $175 which you can see here.