From the Broadway stage to trick-or-treating, costume and theatrical makeup has always been popular with children and adults alike. But sometimes these forms of makeup can contain ingredients that aren’t that great for your complexion. A little know-how and proper application can ensure your skin won’t suffer.

Don’t be fooled: costume and theatrical makeup isn’t formulated the same way regular makeup is. There are various types of ingredients that would never be found in your favorite moisturizer, foundation or powder. Costume makeup often contains many artificial and harsh ingredients for the purpose of creating cool colors or special textures. With that being said, be sure to read the label and note all of the ingredients on the makeup before you purchase it. Patch tests are also important to ensure that your skin doesn’t have a bad reaction. If a reaction does occur, wash the makeup off immediately and return the product or throw it away.

Costume makeup in particular, such as the ones that are found in just about every store when Halloween comes around, can be especially harmful on the skin. Parents of younger children should be very cautious when choosing these types of products for use on their child’s skin. Hours of wear while out trick-or-treating can affect their complexion badly, causing rashes and other types of irritation. Acne prone and oily skin types should also be wary of the types of costume makeup to buy. Many of these products, such as face paint, are grease-based and when combined with problematic skin types, the results can be disastrous. To keep your complexion safe, look for costume makeup that is water-based, oil-free, and alcohol-free. There are even homemade recipes that can be found online that show you how to create your own costume makeup without putting your skin at risk.

For the actors out there, theatrical makeup has come a long way but that doesn’t mean your complexion is 100% safe, either. Most actors - on and off Broadway - wear layers of theatrical makeup to create a flawless finish. Heavy foundations and powders also work to combat shine under the intense lights. All these factors can contribute to breakouts. For those who spend a lot of time onstage and in makeup, it is important to thoroughly wash your face after every performance. Try not to wear your theatrical makeup longer than you have to or else you are putting yourself at risk for pimples and irritation. Because some theatrical makeup contains ingredients that can be hard to remove, use special cleansing products that are designed specifically for removing theatrical makeup. These special types of skin care products are tough enough to break down the layers of foundation, eye makeup, lipstick, and powder without causing harm to your complexion. If you start to sweat under your makeup, dab at your face with a moist towelette or dry towel once you step offstage. Always pat your face dry - rubbing will only irritate the skin and push makeup down into your pores, clogging them.

Making the right choices when it comes to the type of costume or theatrical makeup you purchase can allow you to create any fabulous look you want, while keeping your skin safe and in perfect shape once the makeup comes off. And while it is common sense, it is always best to mention to never sleep in costume or theatrical makeup.

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