Halloween lovers say originality is key when coming up with the perfect costume

There’s a lot that goes into the spooky holiday lurking just around the corner. On Halloween, younger children have the opportunity to go trick-or-treating for the chance to load up on candy. Others carve pumpkins to light and set on the porch. And one thing adults and children alike can enjoy on Halloween is playing dress-up and turning into a completely different person — or monster — for a day.

Some people go all-out and prepare for weeks, and even months, to achieve the perfect costume, while others might just throw something together last-minute.

Richard Taylor, owner of Halloween Headquarters and Taylor Maid in Tooele, will transform into the old-fashioned character of the grim reaper this Halloween. His costume includes the scythe and a mask that comes with a movable jaw that conforms to his face. To Taylor, the most interesting costumes are those that show the most individuality.

“Finding something that is original is key,” he said. “You also want to go with a costume that fits your character, and the more accessories the better.”

Halloween has been a part of Taylor’s life as far back as he can remember and it is a complete family affair. Coming from a family with nine total siblings, Taylor is just one of many family members who love the holiday.

At his costume store, Taylor said he hasn’t noticed one costume to stand out in popularity this year.

“This year has been a little different,” he said. “Costumes usually follow popular movies and this year there haven’t been any blockbusters that people have really wanted to imitate.”

In years past, Taylor said many people copied characters from the “Harry Potter” movies or “Pirates of the Caribbean,” complete with ragged clothes, long hair and pirate hats.

Classic costumes, like Jason from “Friday the 13th” and even Frankenstein have also been popular.

Sean Teisher, an employee at Halloween Headquarters, mentioned popular girls’ costumes include insects, like a bumblebee or ladybug. Guys, on the other hand, tend to go for the costumes that are a little suggestive and that will make people laugh, he said.

It’s Teisher’s first year working at Halloween Headquarters and his first time dressing up. He is planning on dressing up as a beast or creature with plenty of makeup to create authenticity.

Richard’s daughter, Maika, does makeup work for local movies and theatrical productions. She also does work for the tougher Halloween costumes that require makeup and even has a corner in Halloween Headquarters to do makeup for customers.

Maika usually has to have a costume that allows a lot of flexibility because she does makeup while in her costume. This year she is leaning toward dressing up as the Tin Man or a corpse bride.

“I really enjoy doing makeup for Halloween,” she said.

“The costumes that require makeup are usually the most unique,” Richard said. “The masks that are attached and have makeup around them are not like any other costume that will be seen at a party.”

Richard said part of Halloween’s appeal is it gives people a chance to be something or somebody different, at least for one night.

“With dressing up for Halloween, I think a lot of people feel the need to escape or be somebody else,” he said. “It gives everyone a chance to let their alter egos break free.”

Jake Gordon: jgordon@tooeletranscript.com