Use Halloween face paint safely

INDIANA – With Halloween approaching, face paints and other makeup are an exciting way to celebrate. But it is important to make sure that your painted-on designs are used safely.

Here are tips to help keep your fun from leaving you with a rash, swollen eyelids, or other common reactions.

  • Follow all directions for use on the product label carefully.
  • Do not decorate your face with products that are not intended for use on skin.
  • Be aware of contamination – If your makeup has a bad odor or looks cloudy, discard it because it may be contaminated.
  • Do not use old makeup or face paint from last year because products expire and go bad.
  • When removing makeup, remember that some products which are suitable for your skin, may not be safe around your eyes.
  • Always test the makeup you intend to use – For example, try a small amount on your arm a couple of days prior to using it on your face to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction.

Do not go to bed with your makeup on. Following the label instructions is as important when removing makeup as when applying it.

Experts recommend staying away from ingredients like talc and mineral oil because they’re comedogenic, which is a fancy way of saying that they clog your pores. Although you may be going for an after-death look this Halloween, formaldehyde (often used to preserve dead bodies for funerals) is an ingredient you’ll also want to avoid.

Normal skin can usually handle these ingredients for a night with the right prep, but those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should definitely be wary. A spot test can be used as well to see how skin reacts to products.

Prep your skin by double cleansing, a method of washing your face first with an oil-based cleanser preceded by a water-based cleanser, which will ensure you’re not applying the product on dirty skin. Follow with moisturizer and add a barrier cream or quality primer that contains silicone. Experts say the barrier cream is essential because it acts as a protective layer, so Halloween makeup can sit on top of the skin instead of seeping into pores.

Taking the makeup off with a makeup wipe isn’t enough. Experts say to again do a double-cleansing.

For more information about ways to safely use makeup, including color additives, check out FDA’s fact sheet on Novelty Makeup