Keep your skin safe with your Halloween makeup selections.
Halloween is probably one of the most popular holidays in the United States because it is a day to transform yourself. It is the one day when it is perfectly justified to become a character and just have fun. The dress ups aren’t just for children; everyone of all ages gets involved in the fun. This is the reason we have to be extra careful about the makeup we use to get the perfect look.
I remember a few years ago, hearing about a recall for Halloween makeup marketed for children. You wouldn’t believe it, but cheap costume makeup has been found to have traces of lead over the years, and things like hair-color spray to contain butane, dyes, and other chemicals deemed not safe for cosmetics by the FDA. So, the moral of the story is that we need to be extra careful and picky about what we are willing to put on our skin and in our hair and that of our children as well.
- DO read makeup labels and ingredients and research the makeup before you use it.
- DO apply a good, thick layer of your normal daily moisturizer before you apply any costume makeup to provide a layer of protection.
- DO consider making your own homemade makeup. Here are some good recipes at The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
- DO first look through your own makeup stash and see what can be repurposed for the evening. For example, eyeliner pencils are great for tiger strips, cat whiskers, Frankenstein stitches, etc.
- DO find products that are made for daily wear that can work for costume makeup as well. If you are looking for a white face (for a clown or skeleton perhaps), find the lightest shade of foundation you can and add many layers until you get the pigment you like.
- DON’T forget to wash your face as soon as the party is over. And do a thorough job so nothing is left to irritate your skin all night while you sleep.
- DON’T skimp when it comes to taking good care of your skin. Going for the cheap option will likely result in breakouts and possible skin irritation.
- DON’T procrastinate if you do buy costume makeup. You will want to test it out on your skin a few days before Halloween to make sure you do not have any reaction.
- DON’T hesitate to contact the FDA if you have concerns about a product or if you have a severe reaction and suspect a product is not safe for use.
- DON’T forget to use a makeup setting spray if you use everyday makeup so it doesn’t fade or wipe off with sweat as the night goes on.
I hope this was helpful. I know there is a lot of time and thought that goes into the perfect Halloween costume, and rightly so. Just make sure that you keep your skin safe and that you are a smart consumer when you go shopping to complete your look.
Happy Halloween everyone! Feel free to share pictures of your awesome Halloween costumes on our Facebook page!
