Carnival 101: Costuming from the neck up

Carnival costume tips generally focus on fancy garb — tri-colored tutus or clever jumpsuits. But we’re thinking you can go the glittery distance with focus on decor from the neck up. Face paint, head gear and masks go a long way toward creating Mardi Gras magic. So we trolled YouTube for some head’s-up tutorials for those who want to concentrate on costume areas above the shoulders. Enjoy!

Lots of masks out there — but this easy and intricate painted one has the right price tag!

Go cool harlequin with Miss Pixie Lou.

Or, combine the two ideas — with an international flavor — with a painted-on Venetian-inspired look.

The eyes can go solo, too. But if you limit the face-paint area, go big. We like this Hunger Games Girl on Fire approach.

Not into face paint? Tackle an elaborate head-topper instead.

Finally, it’s Carnival. So why wouldn’t we include a nose twerking video?