Budget-Friendly Halloween: Clever Dollar Store Costumes and Makeup Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Wear

Halloween is the one night a year where imagination beats any price tag. You don’t need a pricey, pre-packaged outfit to look incredible—you just need a little creativity, a few smart finds from Dollar Tree or Dollar General, and a splash of makeup to bring it all to life. In this guide, you’ll find seven witty, under-$10 costumes you can build from dollar-store staples, plus a practical breakdown of Halloween makeup—from easy, last-minute looks to glam and SFX techniques that transform your costume into a head-turner. Whether you’re dressing yourself, your kids, or even your pets, you’ll walk away with ready-to-go ideas, shopping lists, and step-by-step tips that keep things affordable, fast, and fun.

Ready to become a budget mastermind and still collect “Best Costume” bragging rights? Let’s dive in.

Why Dollar Stores + Smart Makeup Are a Power Combo

What makes dollar store costumes so good isn’t just the low price—it’s the creativity they unlock. A handful of props and accessories plus strategic makeup can look far more original than a mass-market costume, and you’ll spend a fraction of the cost. Here’s why this combo works so well:

Cost control: Most of the ideas below ring in at under $10–$15 total, even with makeup add-ons.
Customization: Swap colors, tweak accessories, and tailor makeup details to your vibe.
Time savings: Most looks assemble in 15–45 minutes. Several are true last-minute options.
Family- and pet-friendly: There are options for adults, kids, and four-legged friends.
Reusability: Repurpose accessories for future costumes or everyday wear (think tights, hairbands, socks).

7 Clever Under-$10 Costumes (Built from Dollar Tree & Dollar General Finds)

Below you’ll find quick-build costumes using items commonly found at Dollar Tree and Dollar General—plus simple makeup pairings that elevate the final look. Keep an eye out for seasonal aisles and everyday sections like party goods, toys, arts & crafts, and beauty.

1) DIY Scary Black Cat (Dollar General Kit, around $8)

Why it works: It’s classic, flattering, easy to assemble, and endlessly customizable. With an ear headband, a bow tie, and a tail, you’re 90% done. Finish with all-black clothing from your closet and you’re ready to prowl.

What to buy: A cat costume kit (ear headband, bow tie, tail). Optional: black tights or knee-high socks, eyeliner, press-on nails for “claws.”
How to style: Pair with a black top, jeans, or a dress. Add a faux-fur scarf if you’ve got one for texture.
Makeup pairing: Draw whiskers and a tiny nose with black eyeliner. Smudge dark eyeshadow along the lash line, add winged liner, and dab a bit of highlighter on cheekbones. If you’re feeling extra, add a subtle cat-eye flick with glitter liner.
Time and cost: 15–25 minutes; around $8–$12 depending on add-ons.

2) Your “Birthday Suit” (Party Hat + Suit You Already Own)

Why it works: It’s punny, instantly recognizable, and a guaranteed laugh. You’re not wearing that birthday suit—you’re literally a birthday party wearing a suit.

What to buy: Party hat, maybe a sash or blowouts/noisemakers for extra flair.
How to style: Wear any suit (or blazer and slacks) from your closet. Pin a paper “Happy Birthday” sign to your lapel.
Makeup pairing: Keep it festive: rosy blush, glossy lips, and a hint of shimmer on the eyelids. Draw tiny confetti dots near the outer corner of your eyes with colored eyeliner or face paint.
Time and cost: 10–15 minutes; $1–$5.

3) The Classic Sheet Ghost (Comfort Upgrade)

Why it works: It’s iconic, easy, and endlessly meme-able. Skip sacrificing a household sheet and grab a budget-friendly one to cut safely.

What to buy: A plain white sheet (consider a queen for drape), black marker or felt, and safety pins to secure the hem and eye holes.
How to style: Cut eye holes and outline them with black marker for a cartoonish finish. Pin up the back hem so you don’t trip. Add white gloves for a polished look.
Makeup pairing: If you’re showing your face, use pale foundation and set with powder. Darken eyes and lips. Or go glam-ghost: icy highlighter on cheekbones, white eyeliner on the waterline, and silver glitter in the inner corners of the eyes.
Time and cost: 20–30 minutes; $5–$10.

4) The “Cereal Killer” (Pun Intended)

Why it works: Puns win Halloween. A cereal box plus a “knife” prop and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s budget and selfie-friendly.

What to buy: A box of cereal and a toy knife (glow-in-the-dark options are extra fun). Tape, safety pins, or a strap to attach the box to your shirt if you want hands-free.
How to style: Wear a neutral outfit. Affix the cereal box to your shirt or carry it. Bonus: add splatters on an old shirt using washable red paint for a playful effect.
Makeup pairing: Smudge a smoky eye, add a faux “scratch” using red and brown face paint, and finish with a bold red lip for campy drama.
Time and cost: 10–20 minutes; $3–$6.

5) “Smarty Pants” (Sweet and Simple)

Why it works: It’s quick, clever, and candy doubles as a built-in snack later. Kids and adults both love this one.

What to buy: Smarties candies and clear tape or safety pins.
How to style: Tape individual Smarties rolls all over a pair of pants. Add suspenders for extra nerd-chic.
Makeup pairing: “Nerdy” glam: rosy cheeks, a dotted faux-freckle moment, and glossy lips. Draw a tiny brainy lightbulb near your temple with eyeliner for a wink.
Time and cost: 15–25 minutes; $2–$5.

6) “Sugar Mama” (Literal Laughs)

Why it works: It’s a fun wink that’s as easy as it gets. Carry a “baby” that’s actually a box of sugar wrapped in a blanket. Done.

What to buy: A box of sugar and a small blanket or baby swaddle.
How to style: Dress like a mom-on-the-go (athleisure, messy bun, tote bag). Cradle your “sugar baby.”
Makeup pairing: Keep it “busy mom glam”: tinted moisturizer, soft bronzer, brow gel, and a hydrating lip color. If you want more camp, add winged liner and glittery tears.
Time and cost: 5–10 minutes; $2–$5.

7) “Chip on Your Shoulder” (DIY for Pennies)

Why it works: Store-bought versions can be surprisingly pricey. Yours is better—and costs the price of a snack.

What to buy: A small bag of potato chips and tape or a safety pin.
How to style: Tape the bag directly to your shoulder. Wear a simple outfit so the gag stands out.
Makeup pairing: Keep it cheeky: bright blush, a warm bronzer, and a crisp cat-eye. If you’re leaning humorous, draw a tiny “salty” label near your cheek with an eyeliner.
Time and cost: 5 minutes; $2–$3.

Bonus: A Paw-fect Pet Tee (For Your Furry Sidekick)

Why it works: Pets make every costume better. Grab a novelty pet tee—like an “I ate my costume” shirt—and they’re party-ready in seconds.

What to buy: A Halloween-themed pet tee, plus treats for cooperation and photos.
How to style: Coordinate your own outfit: if your pup’s shirt is black, match in black and add themed accessories.
Makeup pairing: Keep yours simple and cohesive—black liner and a bold lip tie the duo together.
Time and cost: 2 minutes; $3–$5.

Makeup That Makes the Costume: From Easy to SFX

You don’t need a professional kit to level up your costume—just a few well-chosen products and some basic techniques. Below, we’ll walk through three tiers of Halloween makeup: easy, glam, and SFX (special effects). Mix and match based on your skill level and the time you have.

Easy Halloween Face Makeup (15 Minutes or Less)

Perfect for last-minute plans, trick-or-treat chaperoning, or when you want something low-maintenance that still looks polished.

Cat in a snap: Use eyeliner to draw a small heart-shaped nose, a short line to the cupid’s bow, and three whiskers on each side. Add a quick winged liner and mascara. Optional: dot white eyeliner over whiskers for dimension.
Vampire, minimal: Pale out your complexion with a lighter foundation or face paint. Deepen the eye sockets with matte brown/gray eyeshadow, add a berry or burgundy lip, and use red face paint to draw two tiny drips at the corners of the mouth.
Witch, chic: Smoky green or purple eyeshadow, black liner, and a soft contour. Finish with a deep lipstick. Add a single star or moon near the outer corner of your eye for a magical nod.
Half-skeleton: Choose one side of your face. Use black eyeliner to hollow the eye, add a rounded “socket,” draw a skeletal nose, and sketch teeth lines over the lips. Keep the other side glam for a dramatic contrast.
Pro tips: Start with moisturizer and a primer; cream products blend fast; set with translucent powder so it lasts; and keep makeup wipes handy for quick fixes.

Glam Halloween Makeup (Sparkle Meets Spooky)

Glam is all about drama—bold eyes, gleam, and clean lines. It works beautifully with simple costumes like the black cat or “birthday suit,” transforming them from clever to striking.

Glam witch: Blend emerald or amethyst eyeshadow into a wing, top with a touch of glitter. Carve cheekbones with cool-toned contour. Finish with matte black or deep plum lipstick. Add a subtle sprinkle of star stickers at the temple.
Elegant vampire: Flawless base, high contrast contour, and a precise red lip with a sharp cupid’s bow. Blur a bit of dark shadow under the lower lash line for the “sleepless immortal” effect.
Dazzling ghost: Go monochrome with silvers and whites. Highlight cheekbones, brow bone, and inner eye corners. Use white eyeliner on the waterline to open the eyes. A clear or silver gloss seals the look.
Fairy or celestial being: Soft pastel shadows, a wash of shimmer, and face gems clustered around the outer eyes. A gradient lip (darker in the center, lighter at the edges) keeps it ethereal.
Glam essentials: A neutral palette, one glitter topper, black and white eyeliners, mascara or lashes, highlighter, and a setting spray to lock it all in.

SFX Makeup Basics for Beginners (Big Impact, Low Stress)

Special effects makeup sounds advanced, but you can get surprisingly far with a few accessible tools and patience. Great for zombies, scars, and creature transformations.

Starter kit: Liquid latex or scar wax, tissues or cotton, cream face paints, fake blood, a stipple sponge, and skin-safe adhesive if using prosthetics. Always check labels and patch test first.
Simple wound: Apply a thin ring of latex, press in torn tissue, and repeat to build texture. Once dry, paint the area in bruise tones (yellow, green, purple), add reds at the center, and stipple fake blood sparingly for realism.
Decayed skin: Use a mixture of gray, olive, and brown face paints to create blotchy undertones. Shade hollows (temples, under cheekbones, around the eyes) with matte brown. Add a glossy red at the inner lip for a dehydrated, unsettling finish.
Adhesion and removal: Follow product directions precisely. Remove with the recommended remover or oil-based cleanser to protect skin. Moisturize after.
Safety notes: Avoid latex if you have sensitivities; do not apply SFX products near eyes or on broken skin; remove contacts before starting; and give yourself time to work in thin layers.

Trend Spotting: Zombie, Clown, and Beyond

Each year, certain looks dominate for a reason: they’re endlessly remixable and photograph well. Here’s how to nail a few favorites without blowing your budget—or your evening.

Zombie Makeup, Simplified

You can go subtle or full-apocalypse with just a few steps and products.

Base: Mix a small amount of green or gray face paint into your foundation for a lifeless cast. Set lightly with powder.
Hollows: Shade under cheekbones, around eyes, and at the temples with matte brown/purple. Don’t forget to smudge a bit under the lower lash line for that sunken look.
Texture: Stipple a mottled pattern with a sponge—greens, purples, and yellows mimic bruising. Leave some skin peeking through for realism.
Details: Add a cracked lip effect by dabbing concealer in the center and softly shading the edges darker. Use fake blood sparingly near the mouth or a “wound” you created with tissue and latex.
Finish: Messy hair, torn clothing, and smudged hands complete the picture.

Clown Makeup, Two Ways

Clown looks range from cheery to chilling. Choose your vibe, then lock in the details.

Cute circus clown: White base (optional), rosy circles on the apples of the cheeks, baby-blue or pink eyeshadow, heart-shaped nose, and rounded brows. Glossy red lip with a tiny bow shape at the center adds charm.
Sinister jester: Pale base, elongated triangles above and below the eyes, sharp brows, and a smudged dark lip pulled into a slight grin at the corners. Add a controlled drip of fake blood for drama.
Pro tip: Set cream products with translucent powder. If using a white base, dust with powder before adding colors to prevent muddiness.

Other Quick Wins (When You’ve Got an Hour or Less)

Scarecrow: Orange nose patch with stitched lines, bronzy eyes, and a flannel shirt. Straw-colored eyeliner strokes at the hairline sell the look.
Pirate: Smoky brown eyes, smudged liner, and a red bandana. Add a drawn-on beard shadow or mustache for character.
1920s flapper: Soft smokey eye, deep berry lip, and finger waves or a headband. Pearls and a fringed scarf from the party aisle complete it.
Mermaid scales hack: Press a clean fishnet stocking lightly over your cheek/temple and dab shimmery teal/purple shadow through the net. Remove to reveal instant “scales.”

Mix-and-Match: Build Full Looks Under $15

Here are ready-to-go combos that pair dollar-store costume pieces with makeup approaches from above. Adjust to your budget and what’s in stock locally.

Black Cat Glow-Up: DG cat kit + black outfit + winged liner + highlighter + optional glitter. Estimated cost: $8–$12. Time: 20 minutes.
Cereal Killer with a Wink: Cereal box + toy knife + smoky eye + small faux scratch. Estimated cost: $3–$8. Time: 20 minutes.
Classic Ghost, Glam Edition: Budget sheet + white gloves + silver shimmer eye + glossy lips. Estimated cost: $6–$12. Time: 25 minutes.
Birthday Suit, Party Ready: Party hat + suit from closet + rosy glam + confetti dots detail. Estimated cost: $2–$6. Time: 15 minutes.
Sugar Mama, Campy Chic: Sugar box baby + athleisure + winged liner + glitter tears. Estimated cost: $3–$8. Time: 15 minutes.
Chip on Your Shoulder, Comedy Central: Chip bag + tape + bright blush + crisp liner. Estimated cost: $2–$5. Time: 5–10 minutes.
Owner-Pet Duo: Pet tee + matching human accessories + simple cohesive makeup (liner + lip). Estimated cost: $5–$10. Time: 15 minutes.

Shopping Smart at Dollar Tree and Dollar General

Before you shop, make a mini list: one costume anchor (ears, hat, sheet), one or two accessories, and two makeup items max if you’re on a strict budget. Then shop the store beyond the Halloween aisle—party goods, crafts, seasonal home decor, and toys are gold mines for costume components.

What to Buy Where (and Why)

Dollar Tree: Great for party hats, sashes, candy (Smarties for “Smarty Pants”), toy props (like plastic knives), craft supplies (glue, felt, foam sheets, glitter), and small accessories (socks, hairbands). The food aisle is your secret weapon for pun costumes (chips, cereal, sugar).
Dollar General: Look for budget costume kits (cat ears/tail), face paints, eyeliner, press-on nails, and basic clothing accessories (tights, gloves). You’ll also find pet tees and seasonal decor that doubles as costume gear.
Beauty staples: If you’re building a tiny kit, prioritize black eyeliner, a neutral shadow palette, translucent powder, and one statement lip color.

Hygiene and Skin Safety (Worth the Minute)

Patch test: When trying a new face paint or latex, dab a small amount on your inner arm. Wait 15–20 minutes.
Ingredient check: Look for products labeled as skin-safe or non-toxic. Avoid craft acrylics on skin.
Eyes first: Be extra cautious near eyes. Keep SFX products away from lids and waterline.
Removal plan: Have a gentle cleanser and a hydrating moisturizer ready. For SFX, use the recommended remover or an oil-based cleanser to melt away latex or wax.
Brushes and sponges: Clean before and after use. If buying dollar sponges, grab a few extras and toss after the night.

Time-Saving Timeline: Your Week-Of Plan

Even low-cost costumes benefit from a tiny bit of planning. Here’s a quick timeline that keeps stress low and results high.

5–7 days out: Pick your idea and make your list. Hit Dollar Tree and Dollar General for essentials. If you want specific shades (e.g., glitter liner), grab them now.
3–4 days out: Test your makeup once. Time yourself. Adjust steps to fit your schedule. If using latex, patch test.
1–2 days out: Assemble the costume. Cut and pin the sheet if you’re doing a ghost. Pre-attach Smarties or a chip bag. Pack a small touch-up kit.
Party day (1–2 hours before): Lay out everything, moisturize, and prep your skin. Do makeup before putting on anything you could stain. Get dressed last.
Just before you go: Set makeup with powder or spray. Bring lip color and a few bobby pins or safety pins for emergencies.

Photo-Ready Finishing Touches

Your look doesn’t have to be complex to photograph beautifully. Small tweaks go a long way.

Set and forget: Lock cream products with powder. For glitter, use a sticky base or lash glue (sparingly) on non-sensitive areas.
Lighting matters: A quick check in natural light helps you balance contour and highlight so it reads well on camera.
Portable kit: Pack lip color, mini powder, a travel-size setting spray, and a cotton swab or two for smudges.
Comfort first: If something pokes, pin it down. If shoes rub, add a bandage. You’ll look better when you feel good.
Weather-proofing: If it’s warm, choose long-wear products and blotting papers. If it’s chilly, layer under costumes and opt for liquid or cream makeup (it’s less likely to crack).

Sustainable and Inclusive Tips

Great costumes work for more than one night and feel comfortable for everyone.

Re-wear and recycle: Choose accessories you can repurpose (black tights, plain headbands). Keep a small costume box for future Halloweens.
Thrift add-ons: A blazer, scarf, or dress from a secondhand shop pairs perfectly with dollar-store accessories.
Size and sensory needs: Avoid scratchy fabrics; cut off tags; use soft layers underneath. Swap headbands for hats if pressure bothers you.
Mobility-friendly: Keep props lightweight or wearable (taped cereal box vs. handheld) and ensure vision isn’t obstructed.
Pet safety: Choose breathable pet shirts, check for tightness around the neck and legs, and bring treats for positive reinforcement.
Allergy-aware: For candy-based costumes like “Smarty Pants,” keep a note card listing common allergens if you’ll be around kids.

FAQs, Fast

What’s the easiest last-minute costume here? “Chip on Your Shoulder” or “Sugar Mama” take under 10 minutes with items you can grab in one quick run.
Which makeup looks last all night? Start with primer, apply in thin layers, and set with powder or setting spray. For SFX, let each layer dry fully before adding the next.
How do I elevate a simple costume without buying more stuff? Go heavy on one feature—graphic eyeliner, a glittery lid, or a bold lip—and add one focal accessory, like dramatic earrings or a statement hair clip.
Can beginners do SFX? Yes. Start with one wound using tissue and latex, keep the color palette simple (bruise tones + red), and practice once. Thin layers and patience beat complexity.
What’s a good group costume from this list? Do a pun parade: one person is “Smarty Pants,” another is “Cereal Killer,” another is “Chip on Your Shoulder,” and someone else is the classic “Black Cat.” Tie the group together with a shared makeup detail (e.g., the same lip color).
How can I make a ghost costume more comfortable? Use a larger sheet for better drape, pin the back hem to avoid tripping, and outline eye holes with soft felt so the edges don’t scratch.
Any tips for kids’ versions? Keep makeup minimal and skin-safe. Swap eyeliner whiskers for a soft brown eyeshadow applied with a small brush. Ensure all accessories are lightweight and secure.

Final Thoughts: Creativity Over Cost, Every Time

You don’t need a bulky budget to make a big impact on Halloween. The real magic is in the concept—clever ideas, a few well-chosen dollar-store finds, and makeup that tells the story. With the seven under-$10 costumes above (plus a pet bonus), a practical guide to easy, glam, and SFX makeup, and a simple week-of plan, you’re set to look incredible without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat. Whether you’re after cute, creepy, punny, or polished, your best costume is the one you can’t wait to wear.

Now it’s your turn: which clever dollar-store costume are you trying this year—and what makeup look will you pair it with?