Top Halloween Makeup Tips: How to Avoid Breakouts
As we head into October, the store shelves are lined with black and orange decorations and makeup kits so everyone can achieve their perfect Halloween look. Many makeup looks can make or break a costume’s overall believability and involve layer upon layer of makeup, which is typically heavy, thick, and not friendly to your skin. In an effort to avoid breakouts this Halloween, here are some of the top tips to minimize pore clogging and to keep your skin looking healthy this season.
Out With The Old and In With The New
It is tempting to use last year’s makeup when planning your costume. However, even if you wear the same costume, one of the biggest mistakes people make is using the previous year’s dipped-in and smudged makeup. Using old makeup is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which may lead to skin infections and irritations. A tell-tale sign of expired makeup is if it has changed texture, has an unpleasant odor, or is discolored. Since makeup kits have expiration dates, and the ones you buy at the corner store are not usually the highest quality, using the same makeup year after year increases the likelihood of irritations and breakouts. Start with new makeup to ensure your skin gets the best care, is protected from germs, and it will provide better coverage anyway.
It Is All In The Preparation
If you want to treat your skin this Halloween, there are things you can do to prepare your skin ahead of time that will help minimize the negative effects of heavy makeup. It is all in the preparation and, when done correctly, can make a significant difference.
The first step to prepare your skin for your spooky or silly look is to give it a nice, thorough wash with a non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t clog your pores. Using a cleanser ahead of time will help prevent breakouts. Follow up that wash with an astringent based toner so that the skin does not overproduce oil while wearing the heavy makeup. Always moisturize, and you can use a light moisturizer so it does not interfere with the makeup look but gives your skin extra hydration underneath because most Halloween makeup kits will be drying to your skin, so a layer of moisturizer will provide a barrier for your skin, so it does not absorb the makeup.
Patch Test Makeup Whenever Possible
Most people turn up their noses at patch tests if they do not have a history of skin irritations. However, if you do have sensitive skin, you should still be able to create a makeup look to match your costume choice. Keep in mind that highly pigmented colors may have harsh chemicals in them and can cause a reaction, which is why it is best to patch test, especially if using a new makeup kit that you are not familiar with. Some of the chemicals to avoid are parabens, diethanolamine, polyethylene glycols, and anything with a pungent smell likely has irritable chemicals.
End Your Night with A Thorough Cleansing and Moisturizing Routine
When you have wowed your friends with your impressive Halloween makeup look and finally get home and are ready to sleep from the sugar crash, do not skip cleansing and moisturizing your face! The most critical thing about preventing breakouts following Halloween makeup is getting it off your face. Leaving makeup on while sleeping is one of the worst things a person can do, and adding sweat and dirt to the mix will not do your skin any favors.
Thoroughly remove all the makeup once your evening is finished. Some Halloween makeup kits can be challenging to remove, so start with a warm water rinse for 30 seconds and then add a makeup remover while the skin is damp and use circle motions with your fingertips to loosen up the makeup. After this step, rinse with warm water and cleanse your entire face and neck. In many cases, a second cleansing is necessary to remove all the makeup completely, so use a mild cleanser, not an exfoliator. After a second cleanse, rinse and follow up with a toner and moisturizer. If using a heavier moisturizer cream at night is part of your evening routine, use your regular product and allow the skin time to heal and recover while you rest.
Halloween can be a great time to express your creativity in makeup looks, and they can be the icing on the cake when it comes to selling your overall character. Parents and grandparents would also benefit from removing face makeup from their little ones’ faces before bed, although this may involve using a remover on their face while they sleep.
Have fun and be safe this Halloween, and use these tips to avoid breakouts and skin irritations this season. If you have an adverse reaction to a makeup product, contact a licensed dermatologist who can help you manage the irritation and turn you on to the best products for your skin. If you will celebrate this Halloween in the Atlanta area, contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment.