How to Make a Granny Costume

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin makeup brush

  • Flesh-tone theater makeup

  • Translucent makeup setting powder

  • Soft bristle makeup brush

  • Flat makeup sponge

  • Temporary spray-on hair color, gray

  • Large-size bra

  • Socks for stuffing

  • Old house dress

  • Glasses

  • Cane

The granny costume hinges on older-style, baggy clothing.
Image Credit: xyno/iStock/Getty Images

Go for your granny's style for your next Halloween or other costume party. You only need some of your grandparent's clothing, and a bit of skill with the makeup kit. Creating the granny costume starts with using makeup to create the look of old age by enhancing natural creases. You complete the costume with the appropriate clothing and a couple of humorous accessories. Theater makeup is recommended for this costume, but you can get away with using different shades of traditional face powder.

Advertisement

Creating a Granny Face With Makeup

Step 1

Select a dark shade of face powder from the theater powder kit. The powder should be two or more shades darker than your skin tone.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Load the thin makeup brush with the darker powder. Apply to the areas around the corners of the eyes and around the lips, as well as to the forehead and frown lines. Smooth the edges to blend with your skin.

Step 3

Set the makeup. Load a soft bristle brush with translucent face powder. Brush over the areas with darker face powder to set.

Step 4

Select a lighter shade of the theater makeup powder. This shade should be about the same shade as your skin or a shade lighter.

Advertisement

Step 5

Load a flat sponge with the lighter makeup powder. Scrunch up your face at the corners of the eyes, mouth and forehead to create creases.

Step 6

Pat the lighter shade of makeup powder over the skin where your face is scrunched up. Slowly relax your face, patting lighter and working outwards with the makeup sponge. This will create the effect of wrinkles and creases from old age.

Advertisement

Step 7

Finish by applying eye and lip makeup as you normally would. Be careful not to disturb the creases you have created with the theater makeup.

Creating the Granny Outfit

Step 1

Pull hair into a simple bun and secure. Spray around the outside with the temporary hair color until it is completely gray.

Advertisement

Step 2

Put on the large size bra. Stuff with socks until the cups are full. Put on the house dress. Smooth out any lumps you notice.

Step 3

Finish the look with a pair of reading glasses and a cane to steady yourself. You may also add slippers with saggy knee-high stockings, a cardigan or a shawl.

Tip

Add a theme to your granny costume. Use garishly colored makeup and wear bedazzled clothing. Or go for a more severe matronly look with a black Victorian-style dress.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources