How to Choose Halloween Masks

Let's be honest: Halloween is about one thing--the candy! And everyone knows that the best way to get the most candy is with a great costume. A really special Halloween mask can make any costume stand out, be remembered and get you that extra candy bar, too. These tips will help you choose a Halloween mask.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide on a costume. Unless you are planning on wearing only a mask, take into consideration the other elements your costume will need for a complete look. The amount of money you can spend on the costume as a whole will determine how extravagant you be when choosing a Halloween mask. Having an idea of the whole costume will also ensure that your mask and the rest of the pieces fit together into a cohesive and effective combination.
2. Set a budget. Halloween masks can range greatly in price, depending on if you want just a standard plastic face mask or an elaborate latex piece with lots of realistic detail. Be realistic about what you can afford and allow yourself a little room to account for the possibility of finding the "perfect" mask that you just have to wear.
3. Consider making your own. Many craft stores have blank mask templates available throughout the year, and purchasing one of these along with the paint, feathers, beads or other supplies to make your own mask may be less expensive than purchasing a premade mask. Creating your own mask will also guarantee that yours will be a truly unique creation.
4. Be creative! Every year there are dozens of little ones dressed exactly alike as the latest cartoon character du jour. Instead of choosing a mask that everyone else is going to be wearing, try using your imagination to make yourself the most otherworldly space alien or the creepiest, hungriest zombie of the year. Remember that Halloween is all about expressing yourself.
5. Remember "when." Nostalgia can be a great inspiration for choosing Halloween masks. Instead of reinventing yourself as the current commander in chief, why not search the Internet for an old Richard Nixon mask? Choose a mask that will allow you to re-create an old movie star or a 1950s icon.
6. Put safety first. No matter what mask you ultimately choose, making sure that it is safe for you to wear is the most important thing to consider. Check that you are able to see out of both the mask's eye holes and that the mouth and nose holes are large enough to provide adequate ventilation. If you have a latex allergy, make sure that the mask does not contain any latex-based elements. Try the mask on to make sure that it does not restrict your hearing or your neck movement.