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They say Halloween is for kids. They’re probably right, but it still doesn’t stop us donning our witch’s hat and devil horns every October 31st. From pumpkin carving to horrifically good parties, we love everything about it — except what it does to our skin.
Face paints may transform us into ghouls and ghosts but they can leave our skin dry and sore. How do we combat post-Halloween skin without compromising on our costume? Dermalogica skincare retailer, Pure Beauty, explains how to minimise the effects of the spookiest time of year.
Types of Halloween makeup
If you’ve ever bought Halloween makeup before — whether it’s fake blood or face paints — you’ll know how cheap it can be. However, while the low price point may be appealing for your one-time needs, you need to consider the quality.
Usually, cheaper products aren’t kind to your skin. They often contain artificial dyes, waxes, fragrances and oils, which can dry or irritate your skin. But just how much damage can they do?
According to research by Dr Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a dermatologist and Yale University’s Associate Clinical Professor, some Halloween makeup contains toxins that have been linked to cancer. Because the makeup is manufactured with a long shelf-life, it often contains parabens to prevent mould and bacteria — toxins that are related to breast cancer tumours.
So what precautions can you take to avoid the cheaper, toxin-rich makeup that’s stocked on the Halloween aisles? As a general rule of thumb, if it has any ingredients you wouldn’t want in your everyday makeup, you should avoid it and look for an alternative.
Your preferred makeup brand will usually offer foundations, eyeshadows and lipsticks in a whole spectrum of colours. While you might spend a little more on an extra-light foundation or a dark eye shadow, it’s worth it to safeguard your skin. Where possible, choose mineral-based makeup, as this sits on top of the skin and isn’t absorbed; minimising the risk of break outs.
If you don’t want to shell out on expensive cosmetics you’ll only use once, there are more natural options you can use. For example, fake blood can be made from a mix of water, sugar, food colouring and cocoa powder, which will be kinder to your skin than harsh chemicals.
However, some Halloween looks can only be achieved with specialist makeup. If this is the case with you, look for specially formulated stage makeup. Because these are worn by theatre professionals on a near daily basis, they are of a higher quality and will have a minimal impact on your skin.
Of course, some Halloween makeup is better than others. When shopping, look out for water-based products that are both oil- and alcohol-free.
Preparing your skin
Preparing your skin is almost as important as the Halloween cosmetics you use. Before you even start with the face paints, you’ll need to prime your skin to further protect it. Start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be there. Avoid using soap, as this could dry your skin out before the face paint has even touched it. Choose a gentle cleanser that is designed to suit your skin type instead.
After washing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel and apply a hydrating moisturiser. It’s worth using a quality moisturiser, as it will act as a barrier between your skin and the makeup itself.
It’s tempting to skip this step and get straight to the face painting but doing so could result in some frightening blemishes. Take the time to prepare and reap the benefits post-party.
Removing your face paint
At the end of the night, it’s easy to throw off your wig and crawl into bed. However, this is a sure-fire way of waking up with sore skin and blemishes, as well as a dirty pillow! Just like you took the time to prepare your skin, you’ll need to spend a few careful minutes ridding your face of the makeup.
You may be desperate to hit the hay but it’s important to take your time and avoid scrubbing, as this can make your skin sore and red. You may need to wash your face more than once, depending on the amount of makeup you have applied. Use a gentle cleanser and gently wash away the paint, making sure not to pick or rub.
Once you’re sure you’ve removed all of the face paints, dry your face on a clean towel and apply a hydrating moisturiser. Throw back the covers and climb into bed. Sweet dreams — your skincare nightmares are at bay.