Halloween is a time for makeup creativity and transformation, as we step into the shoes of spooky characters — or our favorite hot and heavy celeb couples (we’re looking at you, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) — with intricate and highly curated cosmetics.
While the process of creating these looks is undoubtedly enjoyable, skincare challenges arise when it’s time to remove the heavy makeup. Halloween makeup removal can play tricks on our skin, leaving it in dire need of some good ol’ TLC.
To help you navigate this tricky task, The Body Shop has partnered with professional makeup artists Dominique Lerma and Lauren Guzman to offer expert advice on how to remove stubborn Halloween makeup while protecting your skin in the process!
Preparing Your Skin for Highly Pigmented Makeup
Before diving into the world of special effects makeup and prosthetics, it’s crucial to prepare your skin correctly for optimal character transformation, as well as healthy skin care.
Dominique Lerma, Executive Makeup Artist at Omnia Brush, suggests steering clear of oil or heavy hydration. To maintain makeup longevity and prevent lifting, use an oil-free gel moisturizer at least an hour before makeup application. This step ensures your skin is dry, clean, and oil-free, which is essential for prosthetic adhesion.
How to Remove Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics
Lauren Guzman, a makeup artist from Local 706, shares a valuable tip for removing special effects makeup and prosthetics. She advises using a heated towel to loosen prosthetics gently.
Heat a towel in the microwave for about 30 seconds, check the temperature on the back of your wrist, and then apply it to your face. The natural steam will soften the prosthetic, making it easier to remove. Afterward, use an oil-based makeup remover to break down the products effectively.
Removing Highly Pigmented Makeup and Glitter
Highly pigmented makeup and glitter are often Halloween staples. Dominique suggests using Scotch Tape to remove excess glitter from unwanted areas around your face — without disturbing your makeup — by pressing the sticky side of the tape gently against your skin. For an eco-friendly approach, The Body Shop advises opting for biodegradable glitter to enjoy fun, glamorous looks without harming the environment.
When thoroughly cleansing the face, Dominique recommends starting with reusable bamboo pads and micellar water, followed by a cleansing balm to dissolve the makeup. Additionally, she shares four essential steps for thoroughly cleansing your skin of high-pigment makeup:
- Double or triple cleanse, depending on the makeup’s heaviness.
- Use a makeup remover cloth with a little water to break down the first layer of makeup.
- Use reusable makeup pads and micellar water to remove eye makeup and cleanse the entire face, including the neck and ear areas.
- Use a cleansing brush or your hands to apply your everyday cleanser, and finish with a gentle toner to ensure no trace of makeup is left.
Repairing Your Skin After Heavy Makeup
Once you’ve successfully removed your Halloween makeup, it’s time to pamper your skin. Dominique recommends the following steps for a rejuvenating skincare routine:
- Remove heavy makeup as soon as you get home and follow your regular nighttime skincare regimen.
- Thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all traces of makeup and products.
- Apply a toner that aids in cell turnover to remove any product caught in dead skin cells.
- Use a lightweight and hydrating eye cream.
- Apply a generous amount of a rich moisturizer.
- Finish with a nighttime oil to lock in moisture and ensure hours of hydration.
Conclusion
Halloween is a time for creativity and transformation, but it’s also crucial to consider your skin’s health. With the expert advice from Dominique Lerma and Lauren Guzman, and The Body Shop’s recommended products, you can enjoy the spookiest season of the year while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.
For more makeup removal products and skincare options, explore The Body Shop’s Chamomile range, featuring the bestselling Chamomile Cleansing Butter, a gentle solution for tackling any makeup removal task.
