Halloween is steadily making its way into Spanish culture, evolving from a foreign oddity into one of the most anticipated events of the autumn. In the lead-up to October 31, countless parties and events take place nationwide, calling for not just creativity from participants but also the right atmosphere. Costumes and makeup become the defining features of All Hallows’ Eve, and social media turns into an endless source of inspiration for those on the hunt for original and frightening looks.
This year, Spain’s internet exploded with a new trend—creating a realistic severed hand eerily reminiscent of the famous Thing from the iconic ‘Addams Family’. This simple yet striking DIY creation became a true hit thanks to how easy and quick it is to make. The idea was picked up by many celebrities, including popular influencers like Dulceida and actress María Castro. They shared their own takes on the creepy accessory, showing how you can achieve an impressive result using just everyday items.
The secret behind this life hack’s popularity is its simplicity. To make this spine-chilling prop, you don’t need expensive materials or special skills. Almost everything you need can be found at home: a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper, regular PVA glue, and a basic makeup kit that includes foundation, red lipstick, and a black eyeliner pencil.
The process begins with preparing the base. Take a cardboard toilet paper roll, which will serve as the fake wrist, and gently remove it. To make the “stump” look more realistic, it’s best to cut the roll in half, trimming off the excess. Next, apply glue to the lower edge of the cardboard ring and the back of your hand. Press the cardboard onto your hand, creating the illusion of a severed limb that appears to start right from your wrist.
The next step is to make the construction look more realistic. For this, you’ll need small pieces of toilet paper. Soak them in glue and carefully layer them over the joint between the cardboard tube and your skin. This simple technique helps to blend the transition and creates the effect of wrinkled, torn flesh. Once the glue is completely dry, it’s time for makeup. Cover the entire structure—your hand and the new “wrist”—with a thick layer of foundation to even out the color. For longer wear, you can set the makeup with loose powder. Final touches add a sinister look: use red lipstick to draw bruises and fresh wounds, and a black eye pencil to sketch rough scars and stitches.
Actress María Castro has suggested an even quicker and simpler option for those who don’t have time to mess with glue. In her version, the two ends of the cut cardboard tube are joined with a regular rubber band. This design slips onto the wrist easily like a bracelet and holds securely, letting you create a spooky look just minutes before heading out to a party.
