It used to be that vampire fans could only emulate their favorite horror movie blood suckers by dressing black leather catsuits, buying cheesy plastic fangs at the nearest dollar store, and sporting goth hair styles that make them look like they got attacked by Edward Scissorhands at the beauty salon.

Vampire Fans Use Special FX

But now, with vampire mania spawning a coven of hit movies and TV shows, die-hard fans no longer have to hang out in dark alleys waiting to get bitten by someone to get an authentic vampire look. Manufacturers are eager to capitalize on the newfound vampire popularity by providing die-hard fans with a whole new level of options for turning themselves into a vampire … without the painful blood letting. Several contact lens providers are now carrying creepy, multi-colored lenses, designed specifically to match the eerie eyes of the vampires in films such as “Underworld”, “Interview with a Vampire”, and the “Twilight series”. Most of the lenses are available in the traditional contact lense size, which covers just the iris. But larger sclera lenses, which cover the entire eye, are also available for a more dramatic effect.

According to VisionDirect.com, one online supplier of the FDA-approved, vampire-themed contact lenses, “These lenses are ideal for theatrical production, movie production, parties, Halloween, or just to make an impact.”

Prices range from $30 to $130. A prescription from an eye doctor is required for ordering, since the lenses are custom made to match the needs of the prescription.

Molding Your Canines Into Fangs

One of the most crucial elements required for turning into a vampire is having a decent set of fangs. For the ultimate in realism, several dentists nationwide now offer vampire fang veneers. For about $200, anyone can have their canines molded into pointy vampire teeth, suitable for chowing down on the nearest jugular. Fortunately, these veneers are not permanent. So, if the newly fanged “vampire” realizes the veneers have exposed her to ostracism and a bevy of de-frendings on Facebook, the fangs can be removed by a dentist and she can go back to her normal “human” smile.

Scarecrow, Inc. provides a less drastic and much cheaper solution with their completely removable and retractable fangs. These fangs were designed to appear and disappear, just like the vampire fangs in movies. When a lever on the fang device is moved up or down by the wearer’s tongue, the fangs appear to slide in and out of the gums, creating the illusion of an authentic vampire transformation. Prices range from $13 to $22.

Wannabe Vampires Drink Synthetic Blood

For those who aren’t content with just having the eyes and teeth of a vampire, Harcos Laboratories has made it possible for them to have the diet of a vampire as well, without risking exposure to harmful blood born pathogens. Their Blood Energy Potion is a 100% drinkable, synthetic blood that comes in a resealable transfusion bag-style pouch and boasts a fruit punch flavor.

According to the Harco Laboratories website, “not only does Blood Energy Potion have a similar nutritional makeup to real blood, but it has the same color, look, and consistency… and packs 4 hours of energy along with iron and electrolytes.” The product contains no real blood and is only 25 calories per serving… which should make it easier for wanna-be vampires to make sure they stay trim enough to fit into their black leather catsuits, while horrifying their friends by slupring down a goblet full of fake blood.

Blood Energy Potion sells for about $16 for a 4-pack of 3.4 oz. pouches.