25 Halloween Costumes — For Your Nails

Halloween costumes...we're torn. On one hand, we're dying to come up with the perfectly witty ensemble that will somehow make us look awesome and demonstrate our extensive knowledge of pop culture. But, on the other hand, the idea of embarking on this quest for originality has us feeling downright tapped out. The only solution? Nail polish, of course!

We explored the peaks and valleys of Halloween nail art on Instagram to bring you the cutest, spookiest, and most glam nail looks of the season — most of which can be created with only a thin brush and a couple of shades that you probably already own. The best part? Halloween is the one time of year that you don't have to worry about whether or not your nail art is over-the-top — whether it's bold glitter or gross blood splatters, anything goes. Click through, get crafty, and don't worry about Thursday — your nails will already be ready for trick-or-treating (or, you know, that fabulous party on your iCal).

Who says that we need to try to make fake nails look real? If you're going for the faux, embrace it by leaving a portion of the nail sans color for a cool see-through effect.

Forget picking just one Halloween theme — instead, choose a palette (like white, red, and black here), and go nuts with crosses, flames, and even a rockin' Misfits skull.

An oval shape and a glittering topcoat adds a Gaga-esque edge to a classic ghosts-skulls combo.

This is a beyond fabulous iteration of the most famous vampire we've ever seen — bonus for The Rocky Horror Picture Show reference.

This is so adorable, so sad, and totally weird — meaning, it's perfect for Halloween.

Make a statement by adorning only the center strip of your nails with a dark hue — add studs or rhinestones for even more punch.

A mean gold skull — plus a make-'em-look ring — is scary cool.

These museum-worthy nails were inspired by Rick Baker's insane looks for MAC.

Totally genius: blood splatters, courtesy of Jason and his machete.

Iconic cobwebs go disco-glam when created with gold polish on a pitch-black background.

It's a happy coincidence that nails just happen to be shaped like tombstones. Paint on just a few as accents so you don't go too far into Cheeseville.

Make a graphic statement with bold black and white — with a few added jewels for a Deco gleam.

A few fangs here, a creeping spider there — it all adds up to a super-cute (and only slightly creepy) nail look.

Not feeling the pumpkins-and-witches hoopla? You can still show your Hallows-Eve enthusiasm with this festive glitter look.

We kind of live for that tiny tuxedo.

Bonus points for that kooky smiling skeleton face.

On a creamy nude background, tiny black bats actually manage to look minimalist-chic.

Another glam way for Hallo-haters to get in the mood — this time with glittery gold tips.

Moody, shiny black looks even better with a contrasting accent nail.

Black-and-white ghosts and goblins are gettin' their party on with this disco-ball-esque background.

Check out that totally rad nail shape. Mini pointed ovals, next big thing?

We love ourselves some blinding shine — even moreso when it includes a shout-out to Prabal Gurung's blood-drip nails.

No, not the eyeliner — the kind that glow in the dark (ooh, spooky).

A mix of glossy and matte talons that could do some serious damage.

Winona! Excuse us, we need to go watch this movie this second (while painting our nails, of course).