KISS Costume
Unleash your inner rock god with iconic face paint and leather.
Dressing up as the legendary rock band KISS is a classic choice for music lovers who want to make a bold, theatrical statement. This guide focuses on the band's iconic '70s glam-rock look, characterized by dramatic black-and-white face paint, studded black leather, and platform boots. Whether you choose to go as Gene Simmons (The Demon) or Paul Stanley (The Starchild), this costume is guaranteed to turn heads.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~90 min
- Budget
- $50–250
Try it on
See yourself as KISS
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a KISS costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete KISS costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black jumpsuit or leather pants
A form-fitting black spandex jumpsuit, or a combination of black faux-leather pants and a matching vest or tank top.
DIY: Use tight black jeans and a black tank top you already own.
Silver studs and rhinestones
Adhesive silver studs, metallic trim, or rhinestone sheets to decorate the collar, belt, and pants.
DIY: Cut diamond shapes out of heavy-duty aluminum foil and safety-pin them to your clothes.
Black platform boots
High-top black boots with thick platform soles, ideally decorated with silver accents or studs.
DIY: Wrap silver duct tape around the soles of old black combat boots to mimic the platform look.
Black studded choker and cuffs
Faux-leather neck choker and wristbands featuring silver metal spikes or pyramid studs.
DIY: Glue metallic painted cardboard studs onto strips of black felt and secure with velcro.
Black and white face paint
High-quality, smudge-proof white cream makeup for the base and deep black cream makeup for the iconic eye designs.
Voluminous black wig
A layered, teased black rockstar wig with bangs, styled in a wild '70s shag.
DIY: Tease and hairspray your own hair if it is long and dark.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made KISS costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black base layers, ensuring the pants and top fit snugly to capture the glam-rock silhouette.
- 2
Apply the silver studs, metallic trim, or foil accents to the collar, shoulders, and down the sides of the pants.
- 3
Put on the platform boots, tucking the pants into them if they are high-tops.
- 4
Fasten the studded choker around your neck and the matching cuffs around your wrists.
- 5
Apply a solid layer of white face paint over your entire face, leaving the eye areas clear for your chosen member's design.
- 6
Carefully paint the black design (a star over the right eye for Starchild, or bat wings over both eyes for Demon) using a fine brush and black paint.
- 7
Put on the black wig, shaking it out and teasing it gently to maximize volume.
Makeup & hair
The makeup is the centerpiece: apply a smooth, opaque white base, then use deep black paint to draw a sharp star over one eye (Starchild) or bat-like wings over both eyes (Demon). Complete the look with a voluminous, teased black shag wig.
KISS for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair The Demon (Gene Simmons) with The Starchild (Paul Stanley) for an instantly recognizable rock duo.
- group
- Gather four friends to complete the full lineup: The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman (Ace Frehley), and The Catman (Peter Criss).
- kids
- Use a black t-shirt and leggings, and focus on a simplified, skin-friendly face paint design.
- Plus size
- Opt for a stretchy black bodysuit or a matching black t-shirt and jogger set, embellished with silver fabric paint.
- pet
- A small black dog sweater adorned with silver felt studs, paired with a tiny cardboard guitar prop.
Tips
- Set your face paint with a translucent setting powder so it does not smudge or run during the night.
- If platform boots are too difficult to walk in, wear comfortable black combat boots decorated with silver tape.
- Bring a toy guitar or bass prop to strike classic rockstar poses in photos.
- Keep a straw handy for drinks to avoid ruining your lip makeup.
KISS costume FAQ
- Which KISS band member is the easiest costume to make?
- The Starchild (Paul Stanley) is generally the easiest, as the star eye makeup is simpler to paint than The Demon's intricate bat wings.
- What kind of makeup should I use for a KISS costume?
- Use water-activated or oil-based theatrical face paint. Set it with setting powder to prevent smudging throughout the night.
- How do I style the hair for a KISS costume?
- Use a heavily teased black shag wig. If using your own hair, apply volumizing mousse, blow-dry upside down, and use plenty of hairspray.
Did you know? The band members chose their stage personas based on their personalities; Gene Simmons became 'The Demon' because of his love for vintage horror films and comic books.