Keep your skin looking healthy and amazing before and after wearing Halloween makeup
By Carla Snuggs
While a lot of us may take many steps to purposely look scary on Halloween, we're pretty sure no one wants to end up looking that way after the party ends. Top dermatologist including Dr. Jessica J. Krant responded to a few questions you may have heading into Halloween and its many parties, parades, etc. For instance, what type of costume makeup is best to use? What ingredients should one always avoid putting on the face or body? How long should these kind of products stay on your face?
Here is some very informative Q&A with Dr. Krant, who has all the Halloween makeup tips you need to keep your skin looking healthy and amazing! FYI, Dr. Kant is part of RealSelf, the world's largest community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dentistry and other elective treatments. The site features consumer reviews, ratings, pricing info and thousands of before and after photos, along with access to more than 6,000 board-certified doctors.
Q: When shopping for costume makeup, are there certain ingredients to look out for that can be hard on your skin/cause breakouts?
Most people run out and buy Halloween makeup only once a year, from a Halloween/costume store. This may be a mistake. Most cheap Halloween makeup is even less regulated than the everyday drugstore makeup you normally wear. When possible, especially around the eyes, try to opt for traditional makeup instead to avoid irritating or potentially dangerous ingredients. A lot of Halloween makeup, besides being potentially less well preserved, may contain heavy oils or waxes than will clog pores and increase the risk of rashes and breakouts.
Q: Are there certain products to avoid all together? Are there any particular ‘costume’ makeup/hair brands you recommend?
One suggestion is to try to find professional theater makeup, which is often heavy, but better-made and safer for skin than cheap Halloween makeup.
Q: Can certain products help you avoid a breakout-(applying a primer first? laying makeup a certain way? Specific prep steps to take leading up to Halloween or a big party?)
The key to getting through Halloween unscathed, is to drink plenty of water the day before and after, apply your own regular moisturizer under all Halloween makeup, and even consider applying a high quality makeup primer underneath the Halloween makeup itself. The fewer Halloween ingredients touching your skin, the better off you are.
Q: What are your thoughts on consumers shopping for Halloween makeup at their local dollar store?
Try to avoid buying all of the Halloween makeup at the dollar store or Halloween pop-up shop. Most of this makeup is poorly regulated and often sells only once per year, so some of it may be pretty old. Since it is not well regulated, it may not contain quality preservatives that are meant to prevent bacterial buildup, increasing the risk for infections. Look for parabens, which many people try to avoid in their everyday makeup (for no good reason, in my opinion, unless there is a true allergy). These go a long way toward ensuring a bacteria-free night of fun.
(Shown Above: Mehron Makeup Kits)
Q: Does the number of hours your wear costume makeup make a difference? ie less likely to cause a breakout if you only wear the makeup for X hours?
The fewer hours the makeup is on your face, the less likely you will have a problem, but it's definitely not worth cutting the party short if you are having a good time. Just plan properly and do what's needed to minimize risk.
Q: How do you correctly remove your makeup or bright hair color at the end of the night (and not damage your skin and hair)?
This is a toughie. The best thing to do, IF you want your hair color to be gone the next day, is to buy only temporary powder color that washes out easily. Of course, the more temporary, the more it is likely to get on your clothing or belongings, so consider trying a small area of it before the big night. To remove makeup, first, plan ahead, second, plan ahead. If you go out of the house without leaving a stash of makeup remover wipes at home or a vat of Pond's cold cream or Albolene, you may find yourself scrubbing and rubbing and still struggling. Any gentle makeup remover followed by soap and water should do the trick, if you have enough on hand and take the time to gradually, gently remove the makeup without rushing it. Before going to sleep, put another fresh layer of your own gentle moisturizer on, to allow the skin to heal and recover overnight.
Q: If someone does go out with costume makeup, what can they do the next day to help counteract any possible skin issues? (Certain products, beauty treatments, a facial?)
The key is to be gentle. Avoid anti-aging, irritating products and ingredients for a day or two after Halloween, to allow the skin surface to recover. Gentle cleansing and plain moisturizer is best. For spa addicts, I would not go immediately for a facial the next day, but possibly a week or so later, to refresh and restart after a short recovery period.
Feature image source: Popsugar.com
Do you have more questions about Halloween makeup and skincare? Leave your questions and comments below!
