How To Enjoy Halloween Makeup Without Wrecking Your Skin

This is the time of year when a lot of people start thinking about their Halloween costumes. It’s definitely not just for kids anymore – Halloween is a popular holiday for adults too. People of all ages can have fun creating costumes.

For those living with chronic skin conditions, what you put on your skin on Halloween can be a major consideration. Some types of Halloween makeup can be terrible for your skin. My clients sometimes tell me that they loved wearing their costume on Halloween – but then they kept paying for it for days or even weeks later, with breakouts, flares, and skin irritation.

So does this mean Halloween makeup is totally off the table?

Not necessarily. If you have a great costume idea that involves makeup, there are ways to minimize the impact on your skin. Here are a few things to consider when you’re choosing your Halloween makeup.

Choose high-quality makeup

The first step is to choose the right makeup for your skin. Halloween makeup can be very heavy, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It may also contain a lot of irritating substances that can cause inflammation and trigger flares.

In general, it’s best to look for a water-based formula. Oil-based makeup tends to clog pores, while alcohol-based makeup can be very drying and irritating. Water-based makeup may take a little longer to dry, but will generally be the most gentle on your skin.

Make sure to choose makeup that’s non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores. (This actually doesn’t mean that it won’t cause any breakouts at all, but the risk is lower.) Makeup that’s labeled “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free” is also the least likely to cause skin inflammation.

It’s worth investing in higher-quality makeup. The harsh substances found in cheap costume makeup are much more likely to cause skin issues. Professional makeup is the best (of course), but if that’s out of your budget, cosmetic-grade makeup will be much easier on your skin. If you choose the cheap makeup, you’ll pay for it later in the form of skin issues.

Patch test first

No matter how good the makeup you’ve chosen is, there’s still a chance that your skin could react to it. Allergic reactions can be unpredictable, and if you have a chronic skin condition, you may be more prone to these reactions.

To make sure that you’re not allergic to your makeup, do a patch test before you apply it to your face or hands. Choose somewhere discreet, like your inner elbow. Put a little makeup on, and then wait a little while. The usual advice is that, during the patch test, you should leave the makeup on for as long as it will be on your face on Halloween, which is usually a few hours. (However, professional patch tests involve leaving it on for 48 hours.) 

Then remove the makeup and watch the area over the next two to three days. If you develop any rashes, irritation, or breakouts, then you could expect the makeup to do the same thing to your face. You could try different makeup, or plan your costume differently. If your skin stays clear after your patch test, then the makeup is likely safe to use on Halloween.

Prep your skin before putting on makeup

Halloween makeup often contains ingredients that can irritate or inflame sensitive skin. To help prevent these substances from contacting your skin, it helps to prep before applying the makeup.

Start by cleansing with your regular gentle cleanser. Then apply a layer of moisturizer, which will help to protect your skin’s surface. You can use your regular moisturizer, which you already know works well for your skin.

Next, put on a primer. This has two purposes: it provides another layer of protection for your skin, and it also creates an even base so your makeup will look smooth. Choosing a primer that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients will further protect against irritation.

Use good hygiene when applying makeup

Bacteria can grow in makeup, and can then cause breakouts or itchy infections once it’s applied to your skin. To help avoid this, it’s important to use good makeup hygiene.

Always wash your hands before you start applying makeup. Make sure all of your makeup applicators are clean as well. Wash any brushes that you’ve previously used.

Sharing makeup with others can be risky. Everyone’s skin microbiome (the normal bacteria on your skin) is a little different, and when bacteria from someone else’s skin get onto your skin, this can potentially cause rashes and breakouts. Even if the person you’re sharing with doesn’t have any type of a rash or infection, your skin might still be harmed by their bacteria.

If you do choose to share makeup, make sure that everyone is only touching the shared makeup with clean applicators, rather than with used applicators or hands. This will prevent bacteria from entering the makeup and then spreading around to everyone.

Cleanse and soothe your skin afterwards

What you do before putting on your makeup is important, but what you do afterwards is also crucial. After you’re done with your Halloween celebrations, protect your skin by removing your makeup as soon as possible. 

If you’ve been out celebrating late, it might be tempting to just go straight to bed and remove your makeup in the morning. This is never worth it! Removing your makeup will make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels for days afterwards. It’s never a good idea to sleep in any makeup, whether it’s your regular daily cosmetics or more elaborate Halloween makeup.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove most of the makeup. Then use a water-based cleanser to finish removing the residue. Be as gentle as possible throughout this process. It may take a few rounds of cleansing to fully remove all of the makeup.

It’s a great idea to apply a soothing or hydrating mask once you’re done removing your makeup. This will help to calm any inflammation and repair any dryness caused by the makeup application and removal process.

Have a fun and skin-safe Halloween!

If you love dressing up for Halloween, you don’t have to avoid using makeup as part of your costume just because you have a chronic skin condition. By following these guidelines, you can help to keep your Halloween makeup from wrecking your skin for days afterwards. 

However you choose to celebrate, enjoy the holiday! Fun and play are very important parts of a healthy life, and Halloween can be a great opportunity to celebrate with your friends and family.