How To Make Fake Blood For Halloween Costumes, Decorations, & Just For Fun

Whatever your Halloween costume is this year, making fake blood for the occasion is one of the most common accessories for costumes and decorations alike. But buying a tube of the stuff at the last minute isn't as easy as making it yourself, and honestly, you probably already have all of the ingredients to make lifelike blood lying around your pantry. So if you're wondering how to make fake blood for costumes, decorations, and just for fun, then you'll be happy to know that it's much easier than you'd think.

Obviously, the ingredients and methods vary depending on what kind of blood you're trying to make (ie. dripping blood vs. scabbed, dried blood). But, as luck has it, each version is very simple to concoct and looks as eerily lifelike as the real thing. Good Housekeeping had a few great fake blood tutorials that take only seconds to cook up.

Dried Blood

For dark, dripping blood — perfect for smearing on your costumes or decor — you'll just need 2/3 cup of chocolate syrup, 1/3 cup of liquid laundry detergent, and some red food coloring. Obviously this blood isn't edible and isn't recommended for skin, but it's perfect for Psycho style dried blood on the shower curtain, or for any decorations.

Scabs

For scabbed blood you'll need corn starch, water, corn syrup, dried onion flakes (for the "scabby" appearance) and red food coloring. This recipe is safe to eat (if you're into that), and will dry on your skin after a few minutes.

Dripping Blood

To look like you nearly escaped a zombie apocalypse with only a few cuts and scrapes, mix up one cup of corn syrup, a tablespoon of chocolate syrup, and red food coloring until it has a deep, crimson appearance. Your friends, zombie or otherwise, won't be able to tell the difference.