Girls of all ages love dressing up. There are many girls' costumes that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Here are some favorites.

Very few costumes come with everything needed to dress up. A pirate costume, for example, may come with an eye patch and a sash, but it will still need the hat, sword, and parrot to make it complete. Wigs, jewelry, and stockings can add a lot to a costume for women. Inflatable props, such as guitars, axes, or genie bottles can be a perfect way to enhance a costume.

Using accessories to complete a costume idea shows a lot of foresight. For those who enter costume contests, the use of accessories can mean a first place trophy. A cowboy costume needs a hat and a lasso, and a ninja needs a sword and nunchucks. A clown needs brightly colored hair and a red nose. Without the extra accessories, these costumes just would not be complete.

Masks are another great accessory. They are available for almost every type of costume, from animals to horror characters, and even historical figures. Action hero masks are very popular, and they add the final touch to super hero costumes.

Makeup is another great way to improve a costume. Makeup is available both in kits for specific themes, and separately. Kits are most often sold for clowns, vampires, and witches. White, black, and colored face paint is sold by itself, as is fake blood. For those who really enjoy using makeup to complete a costume, stage makeup may be the way to go.

Stage makeup can provide professional results with only a little bit of skill. With some practice, it is possible to make realistic black eyes and cuts or scrapes, and adds facial hair or prosthetic facial features. It is possible to use costume makeup for many of these same techniques with similar results.

The best way to get great results when applying costume makeup is to use the right tools. Foam wedges work well for applying a smooth makeup base, and smaller wedges for more detailed areas. Use a stipple brush to make realistic scrapes and bruises. A fine-tipped applicator is best for oozing blood. Makeup color pencils, similar to eyeliner pencils, are good for fine lines and detailing.

A well-applied makeup job can be a costume in itself. Makeup is a great alternative to masks, which may be hard to see through. That can be dangerous when traveling in the dark on Halloween. Makeup is a much safer alternative, and can be used for multiple costume types. The green used for a witch's face also creates a sickly pallor for a zombie.

Halloween isn't the only time to use accessories and makeup when dressing in costumes. They also work for sporting events, parties, plays, and other stage performances. Most accessories can also make great pretend play toys for children.

When planning a costume for Halloween or any other event, don't forget to buy any accessories or makeup that go with it. Using makeup and accessories to complete a costume can make the difference between ordinary and amazing. These little extra touches can really make a big difference in the authenticity of a costume.