KISS 🤘

When I decided to transform into Gene Simmons for Halloween, I knew I wanted to go all out and create the costume myself. It seemed daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it was totally achievable! Here’s how I tackled my DIY Gene Simmons look, focusing on making it as authentic as possible without breaking the bank. First, let's talk about the foundation: the bodysuit. I started with a simple black catsuit, which you can often find at dancewear stores or online. If you're on a tighter budget, an old black long-sleeved shirt and leggings can work as a base. The real magic, though, comes from the armor pieces. For stability, I used thick craft foam sheets, which are relatively inexpensive and easy to cut. I sketched out the shapes for the shoulder pads, chest plate, and knee guards directly onto the foam. After cutting them out, I covered them with a shiny black pleather fabric, secured with hot glue. For the iconic spikes, I cut out cone shapes from more foam, glued them together, and then attached them securely to the shoulder and knee pads. Hot glue worked wonders here, but if you want extra durability, you might consider reinforcing with a few stitches or stronger adhesive. Next up were the boots. True Gene Simmons boots are massive! To achieve this without buying expensive custom footwear, I started with a pair of inexpensive platform boots from a thrift store. I then used more craft foam to build up the soles and extend the shafts, creating that exaggerated, towering look. Covering these additions with the same shiny black fabric used for the armor made them look cohesive with the rest of the costume. Don't forget those metallic silver accents – I used silver metallic paint for the details on the boots to really make them pop. And of course, the bat wings! These are a signature element of the Demon's look. I sketched out a large bat wing shape onto a big piece of black felt fabric. I cut out two identical shapes and reinforced them with bent wire hangers to give them structure and help them stand upright. This made them look much more dramatic. I then attached them securely to the back of the bodysuit, ensuring they were comfortable enough to move around in without feeling too heavy. The makeup is absolutely key to nailing the Demon look. I started by prepping my face with a good moisturizer to create a smooth canvas. Then, using a professional-grade white face paint (the kind often used for theatrical makeup), I applied a thick, even layer over my entire face, neck, and ears, carefully avoiding the eye area. Getting a smooth, streak-free white base can take a bit of practice, so take your time! Once the white was set, I used black face paint or black cream makeup to outline the iconic bat wing shape around my eyes. This part requires a steady hand! I then filled in the black areas, making sure the lines were sharp and clean. Don't forget the lips – black lipstick or face paint works perfectly. For that infamous Gene Simmons tongue, a little red food coloring or a red lip paint can really emphasize it for photos. To complete the look, a long, straight black wig is essential. If you have long dark hair, you might even be able to style your own! The final touch for me was a prop axe bass, which I crafted from sturdy cardboard and painted metallic silver and black. It really brought the whole look together and was a fantastic prop for pictures. My biggest tip for anyone attempting this DIY Gene Simmons costume? Don't be afraid to experiment with materials and remember that thrift stores are goldmines for base items. Watch YouTube tutorials for makeup application techniques, especially for SFX looks. Most importantly, have fun with the process! Creating your own costume is incredibly rewarding, and the reactions you get make all the effort worthwhile.