Halloween Makeup and Sensitive Skin: How to Avoid a Reaction
Will Shi
Halloween should be about the fun, not the itchy face that shows up the next morning.
If your skin is sensitive or eczema-prone, a costume night can bring a little worry along with the excitement.
Maybe you've had a reaction to face paint before. Or maybe you're about to paint your child's face and aren't sure how their skin will handle it.
The good news: a bit of planning a few days ahead can make the night a lot more comfortable. Here's what to check, what to skip, and how to care for your skin afterward.
The short answer
If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, patch test any new Halloween makeup or face paint on a small area of your arm for a couple of days before the big night. Use only products made for skin, follow the label's directions and eye warnings, don't share makeup, and remove everything gently before bed.
Why Can Halloween Makeup Irritate Sensitive Skin?
Face paint and costume makeup are often thick, brightly colored and worn for hours. That's a lot to ask of skin that already reacts easily.
Some people react to an ingredient in the product itself. Others find that the long wear, rubbing and sweat of a busy night leave skin feeling irritated.
Irritation is especially likely if you, or your child, have a history of sensitive skin or eczema. When your skin barrier is already struggling, it can be quicker to react. (We explain this in Your Skin Barrier: What It Is and Why It Matters.)
That doesn't mean you have to sit Halloween out. It just means a little preparation goes a long way.
How Do You Patch Test Face Paint or Makeup?
A patch test is a simple way to find out how your skin responds before you cover your whole face.
Step 1: Try a Small Dab
Put a small amount of the new makeup or face paint on your arm, such as the inside of your forearm.
Step 2: Wait and Watch
The FDA suggests checking for a reaction over a couple of days. Some doctors suggest testing for at least a week before Halloween, so there's time to find something else if needed.
Step 3: Apply Only If Your Skin Stays Calm
If you notice redness, itching, swelling or a rash, wash it off and don't use that product on your face.
Plan ahead: testing on Halloween afternoon doesn't leave enough time. Start a few days before.
What Should You Check Before Buying Halloween Makeup?
- Choose products made for skin. The FDA advises against decorating your face with anything not intended for skin. Craft paints and markers are made for paper, not faces.
- Check the colors. Look at the ingredient list for the names of the colors, and compare them with the FDA's list of approved color additives. If a color isn't on that list, the product isn't following the law.
- Read the label for eye warnings. Some face paints say they are not for use near the eyes. Take that seriously, and only use products near your eyes if they're meant for that area.
- Follow all directions. That includes how to apply the product and how to remove it.
- Toss makeup that has changed. If last year's face paint has changed in color or smell, throw it away. Cosmetics can go bad, especially if they weren't stored well.
- Don't share. The FDA advises against sharing makeup. Give each child their own sponge or brush, too, if you can.
Painting Your Child's Face? A Few Extra Tips
Many of you will be the one holding the brush this year.
Children's skin can be sensitive, and kids with eczema may react more easily. A few things can help:
- Patch test on your child, too. Even a product that's fine on your skin may not be fine on theirs.
- Keep the design small. A painted cheek, a little nose or a few whiskers can feel just as festive as a full face.
- Skip skin that's flaring. If your child's face is red, cracked or broken, it's usually kinder to paint the back of a hand or choose a costume that doesn't need face paint at all.
- Watch during the night. If your child starts rubbing or complaining that their face itches or burns, wash the makeup off gently and remove the costume.
Can Masks and Costumes Make Eczema Worse?
Makeup isn't the only thing that can bother sensitive skin on Halloween.
Masks That Trap Heat
Masks can hold in heat and sweat for hours. Heat and sweat can be eczema triggers, and the American Academy of Dermatology suggests avoiding situations where a child with eczema may sweat and overheat.
If you wear a mask, take short breaks outdoors, and wipe away sweat gently.
Fabrics That Rub
Scratchy costume materials and tags can rub against skin all night. Wearing a soft cotton layer underneath can help keep rougher fabrics off your skin. (We'll cover fabrics in more detail in an upcoming note.)
How Should You Remove Halloween Makeup?
However tired you are when the night ends, try not to go to bed with makeup on.
- Remove it the way the label says. Some heavy face paints need a specific remover.
- Be gentle. Don't scrub. The skin around your eyes is especially delicate.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Hot water and harsh scrubbing can leave skin drier. (For more on this, see How to Shower When You Have Eczema-Prone Skin.)
- Moisturize afterward. Pat your skin dry and apply your usual moisturizer while it's still slightly damp. (See How to Build a Simple Daily Moisturizing Routine for Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin.)
If your skin feels a little irritated the next day, keep things simple. Stick to your gentle routine and give it time to settle. (If it turns into a bigger flare, Why Did My Eczema Suddenly Flare Up? may help.)
When to Talk to a Professional
If a patch test or Halloween night leaves skin very itchy, swollen, cracked, painful, bleeding, oozing or looking infected, or if it isn't improving with gentle care, stop using the product and talk with a dermatologist or another qualified healthcare professional.
If a reaction involves your eyes, or causes swelling on the face, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
You can also report a bad reaction to face paint or other cosmetics to the FDA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear Halloween makeup if I have eczema?
Many people with eczema can, with some care. Patch test new products a few days ahead, use only makeup made for skin, and avoid putting makeup on skin that's currently flaring, cracked or broken.
How long before Halloween should I patch test face paint?
The FDA suggests testing a dab on your arm for a couple of days. Some doctors suggest starting about a week ahead so you have time to find another product if needed.
Is face paint safe for kids with sensitive skin?
It can be, if you choose products made for skin, check the colors, follow the label and patch test on your child first. If their skin is flaring, consider a costume that doesn't need face paint.
Can I use craft paint or markers for face paint?
No. The FDA advises against putting anything on your face that isn't intended for skin.
🌿 One Note to Remember
A few days of planning can protect a whole night of fun.
Test first, keep it gentle, and take it all off before bed.
Understanding your skin, one note at a time.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Novelty Makeup
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Using Cosmetics Safely
- Mount Sinai: Ditch the Itch: Avoiding Skin Reactions to Halloween Costumes and Make Up
- American Academy of Dermatology: Atopic dermatitis: Self-care
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor.