Skin recovery from Halloween makeup

Halloween is quickly approaching. Applying Halloween makeup may be fun, but the days following, your skin may be the real horror.

Halloween makeup is generally heavier and thicker than regular makeup. It’s designed to adhere to the skin and contains ingredients that skin doesn’t necessarily love. Heavy makeup can cause skin problems long after Halloween.

The trick to keeping skin healthy is protecting it before and after application. Follow these tips to protect your skin.

Before Application

Read product labels. It’s best to go with water-based products rather than oil-based to minimize the chance of clogging pores.

• If you plan on using makeup you’ve never used on your skin before, it’s a good idea to apply a small amount of the product to your skin. The wrist and the inside of your elbow work the best.
  If after a few hours, you haven’t noticed any irritation it’s most likely safe to apply to your face.
• Use a gentle cleanser such as Hydrating Cleansing Cream to remove any impurities from the face before makeup application.
• Apply a good face moisturizer such as Ultimate Antioxidant Cream before makeup application to prevent chipping and cracks.
• Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly works as a protective barrier between your skin and the makeup.
• Just like any other day, it’s recommended to drink a lot of water to help skin recover quickly.

After

• No matter how tired you are, never fall asleep in your Halloween makeup. If you don’t remove your makeup, there’s a good chance your pores will become clogged, leading to breakouts.
• Before cleansing, remove makeup with regular makeup remover, baby oil, or cold cream.
• The best way to remove heavy makeup is to remove it with a warm wet towel. Gently wipe off, don’t scrub. For the delicate skin around the eyes, use a cotton ball to remove any makeup.
• A single facial cleansing wash may not remove everything, don’t be afraid to wash two or three times if needed.
• Apply an at home facial mask to pull impurities from the skin, or head to a spa for a professional facial.
• Keep skin hydrated by moisturizing and drinking plenty of water.
• If you can, stay away from regular makeup for a few days afterwards. This will allow skin to breath and recover.
• Cleanse, tone, and moisturize to balance skin.

Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Purchase high quality makeup. Cheap makeup usually contains more irritants. There are also organic and sensitive skin kits available.
• If you’re applying glitter on your face, be sure to avoid the eye area.
• Any glitter that doesn’t come off with cleansing can gently be removed with tape.
• A thin application of shaving cream can remove fake blood.
• Don’t use left over makeup from last year. It’s most likely contaminated with bacteria.
• Some doctors recommend not applying Halloween makeup on children under eight years old.