Did you order a Halloween costume online, only for it to turn up looking somewhat less inspiring than the photo on the website suggested? Or do you just need that little bit extra to push you over the edge in your favourite bar's costume competition? Here's how to make your costume look way better in no time at all.

As a cosplayer, I'm always hearing people complain that they were called a creep, simply for complimenting a cosplayer they liked, or talking to a fellow convention-goer. But regardless of intent, if you're being called creepy it's likely you did something that the other person found creepy.

Cosplay is a pretty intense pursuit these days, with individual crafters making costumes to the same standards as entire Hollywood costume departments. Unsurprisingly, that wasn't always the case. In fact, one notorious costume back in the day was made from nothing more than pantyhose and two tubs of peanut butter - and the stench that resulted caused some heavy soul-searching for the early costuming community.

What could be more intimately a part of you than a work of body art permanently inked into your skin? You probably assume that the tattoo on your body belongs to you. But, in actuality, somebody else might own your tattoo.

Recent lawsuits and events have shown that tattoo artists and companies can have intellectual property rights in tattoos worn by others, including both copyright and trademark rights.

Have you ever wanted to break into the world of cosplay? Or maybe you just want a kickass costume for your next themed party? Even if you've never touched a sewing machine before (let alone power tools or thermoplastics) there's still hope! The first step to getting into cosplay is to remind yourself that everyone has to start somewhere. Eight years ago, I didn't even know how to backstitch on my Elna Elina 40 -- if you're wondering what the hell a 'backstitch' is right now, you're in the right place.

Taking the skills you have in your hobbies and turning them into a profession is no easy task. Some may be happy simply to express themselves for fun and earn a little spare cash, but if you want to take your skills to the next level, the world of cosplay has some helpful tips.

Studio Ghibli films have been a touchstone in my life for years. They're artistic masterpieces, featuring a stunning attention to detail. The films defy stereotypes -- they feature female protagonists with great depth, male leads with striking vulnerability, and unforgettable background characters.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: Bitcoin tipped to hit $US40,000 by the end of 2018, cosplayer Christine Sprankle quits Reddit over harassment, is the OnePlus 5T smartphone worth the money?

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: Cosplayer turns into Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth, Australians want to work for Amazon, all the 1980s movie homages in Stranger Things 2.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: The best cosplay from Sydney Oz Comic Con, man sells everything he owns to buy Bitcoin, Tony Abbott reckons climate change is doing "more good than harm."

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: Hands on with the Essential smartphone, millennials are killing countless industries, scary Silence Of The Lambs toy is too realistic.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: best cosplay from Adelaide's AVCon, scientists's create map of the distribution of dark matter, watch humpback whales 'mug' spectator boats off Sydney.

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: the best cosplay from Oz Comic Con Melbourne, Senator John McCain gets brain cancer, why Kermit the Frog's voice artist was fired.

This week we're sharing some spooky stories, a trick-or-treat safety video from the '70s, endangered dog breeds and the market forces behind them and why those preview ads before movies are called "trailers".

Brief news items of note for Lifehacker readers, including: Watch the trailer to the new MacGyver reboot, Tracer vs Widowmaker Overwatch cosplay, the best restaurants in Australia for 2017.

In May of 2014, I wore my first costume to a convention. It was a simple Doctor Krieger from Archer. Stepping into the shoes of a character I liked just seemed like a fun way to spend the weekend. Instead, it turned into an exploration of what it means to be confident.