Why is it that whenever I have some party that I actually want to go to—which is rare, given my weekend hermit habits—there’s always just so much work to get done? Such is the case right now. The Halloween festivities commence tomorrow (or tonight, if you’re eager), but I still have articles to write, pictorials to sort through, and miles and miles to go before I’m free to celebrate!

Such is life, I suppose. And luckily, I have a solution.

I’ve always found that the easiest way to get dressed for a Halloween party—or a costume party, in general—is to choose a character that’s centered on the makeup. Given, the clothes matter just as much as the cosmetics—but if your costume can be taken at face value (get it?), I feel that half the battle is already won. After all, it’s much easier to improvise with hair and makeup than it is to pull a top-to-toe getup out of thin air. At least, it’s easier for me—particularly if I haven’t done quite enough preps (i.e. shopping) for the party.

So if you’re in a mad dash to dress for All Hallow’s Eve, put down that ghostly tablecloth! Take your cue from five of this year’s most identifiable music acts, whose unique images have made just as much impact on fans as their smash hits. Just think, these hair-and-makeup combos made them stand out—why shouldn’t it be the same for you?

(In-article photo of Lana del Rey from “Born to Die” courtesy of Stranger/Interscope/Polydor; in-article photo of Janelle Monáe from “We Are Young” courtesy of Fueled by Ramen/Nettwerk/Atlantic)