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After Halloween: How to Remove Costume Makeup Without Wrecking Your Skin (and What to Do If You Break Out)

You had a great night, you are exhausted, and your face is wearing three layers of costume makeup. Dermatologists agree on one thing above all: do not go to bed in it. Baylor College of Medicine dermatologists warn that heavy Halloween makeup can cause breakouts and allergic reactions, and that the single most important step is washing it off as soon as the night is over. Here is how to do that properly, plus how to help your skin recover over the next few days.

Tonight: the removal routine

Costume makeup tends to be heavier and longer-wearing than everyday makeup. Baylor's Dr. Rajani Katta notes that regular soap and water often will not take it all off, and that oil-based or waterproof products need something formulated to dissolve them. A double cleanse is the right tool.

  1. Lift the bulk first. For thick paint or heavy products, start with a cream or oil-based remover. Another Baylor dermatologist, Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, says very heavy or oil-based products may call for an oil-based remover or even petroleum jelly before the cleanser. Wipe gently. Do not scrub.
  2. Cleanse with an oil. A cleansing oil dissolves makeup, sunscreen and sebum without needing friction. Massage it onto dry skin, add a little water to emulsify, then rinse. Try the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (Mild).
  3. Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. This removes the leftover residue. Good options are the Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cleanser or the Torriden Balanceful Cica Cleansing Gel. Use lukewarm water, not hot.
  4. Calm. Pat on a soothing essence such as the Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence.
  5. Moisturize. A barrier cream like the Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream or the Torriden Balanceful Cica Cream helps the skin recover overnight.

Texas Tech dermatologist Dr. Michelle Tarbox adds a useful warning: even products designed for sensitive skin can irritate if they stay on too long, so do not wait until morning.

Special cases

  • Face paint. Water-based paint is much easier to remove than oil-based paint. If you used an oil-based one, use an oil or cream remover to dissolve it first, and follow the paint's own removal instructions.
  • Glitter, glue and markers. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist advises avoiding glitter, nail glue and markers on the face because they are hard to remove. If you wore them, be patient and use an oil to lift them rather than scrubbing.
  • Fake blood. Dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger has pointed to red dye in a petroleum base as a skin irritant. Remove it early and watch for staining or redness.
  • False lashes. Lash glue, especially cheap glue, is a common irritant. Remove lashes gently with an oil-based remover and do not tug.
  • Lips. Dark or long-wear lip color can leave lips dry. Use a balm or lip treatment afterwards, such as the Torriden Solid In Ceramide Lip Essence.

The next 3 days: recovery mode

Even if you removed everything perfectly, your skin has been through a lot. For the next three days:

If you break out

Heavy makeup can clog pores, and Dermatology Times quotes Dr. Kristel Polder saying thicker foundations can clog pores and contribute to acne. Breakouts may show up a few days after the event, not that night. If they do:

  • Do not pick. Cover individual spots with a patch, such as the Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Spot Patch.
  • Do not pile on new treatments. More products on irritated skin usually makes things worse.
  • If breakouts are widespread, painful or not settling after a couple of weeks, see a doctor or dermatologist. Our Acne Prone Skin Mystery Box is a way to sample products if you want to rebuild a routine afterwards, but it is not a treatment for a medical problem.

When it is a real reaction

Dermatologists note that reactions to face paint and costume makeup are not rare and that most mild ones settle on their own. A true allergic reaction can be unpredictable, though. Wash the product off immediately, use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, and contact a doctor if you notice any of these:

  • Swelling of the face, lips or eyelids
  • Blistering, weeping or crusting
  • A rash that spreads or keeps getting worse
  • Intense itching or burning that does not ease
  • Pain or irritation near the eyes

This is general information, not medical advice.

For next year

  • Patch test early. Dermatologists suggest testing a small amount on your inner arm or behind the ear 24 to 48 hours ahead, and checking it before you commit to your full face. Mount Sinai dermatologists note that face paint can contain preservatives, dyes and fragrances that irritate skin.
  • Use products made for skin. Choose makeup and paint intended for the face, not craft paint, and consider professional theatrical makeup for elaborate looks. Dermatologists also advise against buying from dollar stores or pop-up shops.
  • Prep your skin. Cleanse, then moisturize before applying makeup, so there is a barrier between your skin and the product.
  • Clean your brushes and throw out old makeup. Makeup expires, and dirty applicators can spread bacteria.
  • Do not apply anything to irritated or inflamed skin.

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