How to Put on Halloween Make-Up
A good application of makeup is often the key to a great Halloween costume. Scary makeup can make even a mediocre monster costume frightful, but makeup applied incorrectly can ruin your entire look for the night. These techniques will help you get the look just right and can be used regardless of the costume in mind. Halloween makeup may contain chemicals that you haven't placed on your skin before, so be mindful of the ingredients if you're concerned about potential allergic reactions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Halloween or stage makeup
- Soap and water
- Hair bands or rubber bands
- Large towel
- Mirror
- Petroleum jelly
Instructions
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Read the list of ingredients on each makeup package thoroughly. Be sure none contains ingredients which you may be allergic to; if they do, do not use that makeup. Even if you feel the ingredients will be safe, apply a small amount of each type of Halloween makeup to the underside of your arm a day ahead of your intended use. Leave the makeup on for an hour or so. This is to ensure you won't break out in a skin rash or have another allergic reaction while in full makeup. Wash off the makeup and monitor your skin over the next day to ensure there are no reactions.
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Wash your face and hands thoroughly, as well as any other areas that will be covered in makeup. Dry off and pull your hair back away from your face using hair bands or rubber bands. Make sure all hair is pulled away from your face so it doesn't get in the way during makeup application.
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Determine whether the makeup or the costume needs to be put on first. If the costume, particularly the shirt, is tight or needs to go over your head, the costume should be put on first so it doesn't mess up the makeup. If you decide to put on the costume first, put a towel around your shoulders, covering up the torso as much as possible to keep the costume clean and free of makeup.
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Apply any fake scars, bumps or extra parts to your body following the instructions on the package. This needs to be done first because those things likely will not stick to your skin once makeup is in place.
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Consider your desired look for the makeup, including all the colors you'll use, where the colors will be applied, and whether you'll be layering colors. Also think about where on your body the makeup will be applied; in most cases, it's best to save the hands for last (if you need hand makeup) since the makeup could get smudged during the process if you apply it to your hands early on.
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Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your face if you are concerned about being able to wash the makeup off easily later on. Rub it in gently, then wash and dry your hands.
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Begin applying a base coat of makeup using the color that will cover most of your face -- usually white for a vampire or clown, or green for some types of monsters and aliens. It's best to do this in front of a mirror, and ideally over the bathroom sink. If you will be using multiple makeup colors, a base coat of white makeup may be the best. Apply the makeup using your fingers or as instructed on the makeup packaging. Be careful not to get any into your eyes, nose or mouth. Apply makeup over your fake scars or bumps if they need the color; otherwise, blend the makeup into those areas so the overall look is more natural. Make sure the makeup extends below your costume's neckline and any areas where your skin is visible if you want the look to appear realistic.
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Add additional colors and layers of makeup such as blush (a dark color or black for some monsters, for instance, or loud, bright colors for other types of characters), lipstick, fake stitches, wrinkles and eyeliner.
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Repeat the makeup application process to your hands or other visible areas besides the face, if necessary. When finished, rinse out the sink and wash your hands (if they are not made up). Remove the towel that's around your shoulders and put on your costume if you haven't already. Make sure that your makeup is exactly as desired, and you're good to go.
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Tips & Warnings
A touch of baby powder in the hair can help create an aged look.
Carry some touch-up makeup with you if you think you may need to fix things up a bit during your event.
You can make your own gross, oozy blood and gore using food coloring and corn syrup or other edible, malleable items found in the kitchen. Be creative!
Always thoroughly read the instructions on Halloween makeup packages before applying.
Be aware that makeup may rub off while you eat or drink, so consider your look and what you'll be doing ahead of time. Also, be careful not to touch your face once it's made up, so the makeup stays pristine.
Before applying makeup to your lips, be sure that type of makeup is recommended for the lip area. If not, you may be able to find a lipstick or lip tint in that color instead.
Resources
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