KISS Band Costume
Unleash your inner rock god with iconic makeup and leather.
Dressing up as the legendary rock band KISS is a classic choice for music lovers, groups, and Halloween parties. This iconic look features dramatic black-and-white face paint, studded black leather or vinyl outfits, and towering platform boots. Whether you choose to go as The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, or The Catman, this guide will help you nail the glam metal aesthetic.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $60–250
Try it on
See yourself as KISS Band
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What you need for a KISS Band costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete KISS Band costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black studded leather vest
A sleeveless black faux-leather vest or jacket adorned with silver metal studs and spikes.
DIY: Add silver cone studs or metallic fabric paint to an old black faux-leather jacket with the sleeves cut off.
Black leather pants
Tight-fitting black faux-leather pants or shiny spandex leggings.
DIY: Use tight black jeans or heavy-duty black leggings.
Platform boots
Towering black platform boots, preferably decorated with silver accents or plates.
DIY: Attach thick foam blocks to the soles of old black boots, wrap them in duct tape, and paint them black and silver.
KISS makeup kit
High-quality white cream face paint and deep black face paint or liquid eyeliner.
DIY: Use standard white theatrical greasepaint and a black gel eyeliner pencil for precision lines.
Black rock star wig
A voluminous, heavily teased black wig styled in a classic 1980s metal shag or topknot.
DIY: Tease and heavily hairspray your own dark hair if it is long enough.
Silver spiked cuffs and collar
Black leather wristbands and a choker necklace embellished with silver metal spikes.
DIY: Cut strips of black felt, glue metallic painted cardboard cones onto them, and secure with velcro.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made KISS Band costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Apply a solid, even base of white cream face paint over your entire face, leaving the areas around your eyes bare where the black designs will go.
- 2
Use a fine brush and black face paint or liquid eyeliner to carefully outline and fill in your chosen member's design, such as The Demon's bat wings or The Starchild's star.
- 3
Set the face paint thoroughly with a generous dusting of translucent setting powder to prevent smudging.
- 4
Put on the black faux-leather pants and the studded vest over a black t-shirt or bare chest.
- 5
Secure the spiked cuffs, choker, and any additional silver shoulder armor pieces.
- 6
Put on the styled black rock star wig, securing it with a wig cap and bobby pins.
- 7
Step into the platform boots and practice walking carefully on flat surfaces before heading out.
Makeup & hair
The makeup is the most crucial element: use a high-quality white cream base set with translucent powder, then paint the iconic black designs using a fine brush. Pair this with a heavily teased, voluminous black 80s-style rock wig.
KISS Band for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair The Demon with The Starchild, or go as a rock star and a dedicated 1970s groupie.
- group
- Get four friends together to complete the full lineup: The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman.
- kids
- A black spandex jumpsuit with simplified face paint makes for a comfortable, adorable kid's rock star costume.
- Plus size
- Opt for stretchy black spandex leggings and an open, adjustable studded vest for a comfortable and flexible fit.
- pet
- A black dog sweater decorated with felt silver spikes and a tiny cardboard guitar attachment.
Tips
- Set your white face paint with plenty of translucent setting powder to prevent it from sweating off under warm lights.
- Platform boots can be difficult to walk in; practice wearing them around your house before your event to build confidence.
- If you are going as The Demon, practice your signature tongue-out pose for photos.
KISS Band costume FAQ
- Which KISS band member is the easiest to dress up as?
- The Starchild (Paul Stanley) is often the easiest, as his makeup only requires a single black star over his right eye, paired with red lipstick.
- How do I keep the white face paint from smearing?
- Apply a makeup primer beforehand, use high-quality water-activated or cream paints, and seal the final look with setting powder and setting spray.
- What can I wear instead of heavy platform boots?
- You can wear standard black combat boots or high-top sneakers decorated with silver tape or foil to mimic the metallic look without the height.
Did you know? KISS officially performed without their signature makeup for the first time in 1983 on MTV, starting an 'unmasked' era that lasted until their highly anticipated 1996 reunion tour.