Q: Congratulations on your feature in the Face of Halloween contest, Sarah! For those who might not be familiar, can you give us a quick overview of what the contest is all about and how you got involved?

A: Thank you! The Face of Halloween is this amazing contest that celebrates the spooky, creative side of Halloween—think jaw-dropping costumes, killer makeup, and horror-inspired storytelling. It’s backed by icons like Jamie Lee Curtis, with a grand prize of $13,000, a feature in Rue Morgue magazine, and a ghost hunt with Kane Hodder. I jumped in last year after a friend dared me to submit a video of my DIY vampire queen transformation. I never expected to make it to the top 20 finalists, but it’s been a wild, spooky ride!

Q: What inspired your entry? Was there a particular horror icon or theme that you drew from for your look?

A: I’m a sucker for classic gothic horror, so I went with a modern Victorian ghost bride—pale face with blood-drip makeup, a thrifted lace gown I distressed myself, and a veil with glowing LED threads for that eerie effect. It’s like Crimson Peak meets The Conjuring, but with my twist: the bride’s out for revenge. I spent weeks perfecting the prosthetics for her “wounds,” and tapping into that fierce, undead vibe was so empowering.

Q: The contest emphasizes community and charity, supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation. How does that aspect resonate with you, and did it influence your participation?

A: That’s what makes this contest so special—it’s not just about scares; it’s about heart. Starlight brings joy to kids in hospitals through costumes and games, which really hits home since I volunteer at kids’ events. Knowing my feature helps support their mission made it even more meaningful. If I can inspire a kid to embrace Halloween’s magic and face their fears, that’s the ultimate win.