This Halloween, everyone is excited to show off their best costume and matching makeup look. While you should enjoy the festive day, you should also be looking out for your skin. Some face paint or stage makeup can be harmful to your skin and clog your pores. If you don’t play your cards right, you could look fantastic Halloween night, but look quite spooky the day after. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of what you should and shouldn’t do when doing your Halloween makeup.
Do: Test it Out
No matter what makeup you use, you should always do a trial run first. Before the day of, do a small patch test on a less sensitive area like the back of your hand or the inside of your wrist and see how your skin reacts. Observe your skin’s reaction for 24 hours before applying any to your face. It’s much better to have a reaction on your hand than to put the makeup all over your face and then have a terrible reaction that covers your face.
Many types of makeup contain allergens and fragrances that can spike an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. This goes especially for Halloween makeup, which can contain chemicals that your skin is not used to.
Don’t: Get Cheap Makeup
While it may be tempting to go cheap since you’ll only be using it one night, your skin will thank you for investing in higher-grade makeup. Instead of picking up “Halloween Costume Makeup”, go for something that’s labeled “Theatrical Makeup”. Theatre makeup is often used by professionals and can be gentle on your skin.
Halloween costume makeup is often thick and heavy-oil based which can clog your pores and cause breakouts. If you don’t choose to upgrade to professional makeup, be sure to look for the words “non-comedogenic” and “fragrance-free” in any makeup you do buy.
Do: Prep and Prime
Before you apply your makeup, be sure to prep your skin. Putting makeup on dirty skin is never a good idea. Be sure that your face is cleansed and hydrated before applying anything. Use your favorite gentle face cleanser followed by a hydrating moisturizer to prevent skin irritation.
Once you’re ready to apply your makeup, there is still an extra step: a primer. Using a primer is essential, as it puts a barrier between your skin and the actual makeup. This can keep the makeup from piercing your skin barrier, causing clogged pores. If your makeup is especially thick, look into purchasing a barrier cream. Barrier creams protect your skin from possible irritants and retain moisture in your skin.
Don’t: Reuse Last Year’s Makeup
Reusing things is often a great practice, but not when it comes to your makeup. Even if you’re going for the same look this year, don’t use your leftover makeup as it could be expired. If your makeup has an off smell, discoloration, or a change in texture, it’s best to toss it out.
Even if your makeup isn’t expired, bacteria can rest in old and unused products. Most Halloween makeup does not contain preservatives or parabens. Makeup with parabens in the ingredients can prevent bacterial overgrowth, but it’s best to avoid any makeup with parabens because they can also cause skin irritation in the long run, so you are better off buying new, skin-friendly makeup.
Do: Take it Off
The most important step is remembering to take your makeup off. Go back in with your cleanser, a toner, and even an exfoliator if needed. You don’t want any makeup residue staying on your skin overnight, causing you to wake up with a breakout. The more you limit the time your skin is in contact with the makeup, the better.
If you went all out and used prosthetics for a nasty scar or a fake nose, you should invest in some adhesive remover. Prosthetics require glue to secure them, and glue can damage your skin, especially if not taken off properly. An adhesive remover will dilute the glue to protect your skin while removing the product.
You can still have an extravagant Halloween look prepared, you just need to take steps to prevent breakouts. Many makeup products can clog your pores and irritate your skin, causing acne to worsen. If you struggle with acne, the experts at James K. Cardi, M.D offer services like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and more to keep you looking your best.
If you struggle with acne, let the medical aesthetic team at James K. Cardi, M.D. help. Dr. Cardi is highly experienced in helping patients achieve a variety of skincare and aesthetic goals. We provide microdermabrasion, chemical peels, body sculpting, and much more! Request an appointment online or call our office at (401)- 440-1977 to set up an appointment.
