Eco-friendly Halloween makeup

For the Halloween hype, parents can 'green’ the application of makeup. Masks have proven to be somewhat dangerous for vision; therefore, we have turned more to face painting. As we are becoming increasing aware of the harmful chemicals found in everyday cosmetics and personal care products, we should step back from the merriment to inquire about the ingredients in this colourful 'goop’. What’s more, when it’s time to retire the little goblins, witches, rock stars, and princesses, those chemicals get washed away and enter our water supply.
While children run down the street with their capes and fancy dresses hemmed so they don’t trip, you’ll want them to be equally safe with the makeup they choose to apply. To allow your little goblins and witches to be eco-scary, turn to homemade, non-toxic Halloween makeup. Safe alternatives can be found in your kitchen. A small bit of avocado can be used for greens and touch of ketchup for reds. For browns, cream up a little cocoa powder or use chocolate sauce. Mixing icing sugar with water would do for whites. A teaspoon of unflavoured gelatin in a cup of warm water makes a suitable hair gel.
To create warts and wounds, mix one ounce of plain, unflavored gelatin with two tablespoons of boiled water, stir and let sit for three minutes. Next, pour the mixture onto wax paper or a similar surface. Work quickly to shape the gelatin to form your wart or scar. Add a few drops of red food colouring for a wound or green for a witch’s wart. You can be creative by including a bit of corn syrup, oatmeal, coffee grounds or even some paint brush bristles. Once the mixture has dried, adhere by using corn syrup — but first let the corn syrup dry. These are best made on the same day that the costume will be worn. Children will also enjoy learning how to prepare the final touches to their costumes.
It is worth noting that neither cosmetic products nor their ingredients are re-viewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It makes one wonder what chemicals are used in the cheap Halloween cosmetics designed for children. John Bennett, the former executive director of the Sierra Club, cautions further when stating, "Companies are not required to disclose that these products may contain dangerous chemicals and parents should know what they are putting on their children’s faces. Lead, nickel and pesticides are no part of Halloween fun."
Talk to your children about the risks of chemical exposure; informed youngsters will still embrace the mystery and fun of the night.
Halloween falls shortly after Waste Reduction Week (Oct. 15-21) when recycling councils promote a lighter carbon footprint. While children are in the habit of practicing the 3Rs, Halloween with all its activities provides a great opportunity to maintain the momentum. Even placing your jack o’lantern in a corner of your yard will allow it to decompose slowly, providing an excellent example of homeschool biology.

Halloween Makeup Tips Help You Get The Look You Want

Halloween is almost here. Have you decided on a costume yet? If your costume needs a bit of spooky Halloween makeup to look just right, these tips will help you get the look you want.

Test any makeup first for possible reactions. Any time you're using a new product on your skin, especially the face, you want to be careful. There are a few guides on how you can use Halloween makeup without skin reactions.

Cleanse your face extra well after the festivities. Novelty makeup (that stuff that you can get at the Halloween Store) tends to be super thick and heavy. If you're using it, make sure you do an extra-good wash at the end of the night. You'll probably need to do a double cleanse -- soap up, wash well, rinse, then do it all again. You might also want to use a toner or astringent to make sure you get every last bit of makeup off your skin.

Consider using your regular makeup, or use just eye makeup, instead. The heavier, novelty makeup can make bumpiness on the skin look more obvious. If you're not happy with your makeup after a trial run, take a peak in your makeup case instead. Use the makeup you already have in a different way -- bright colors, glitter, super black eye makeup, blood red lipstick. Use your imagination. But do wash your face before bed, no matter how late you get in on Halloween night!

Skip the makeup altogether. If you're worried about makeup causing more breakouts, or just irritating your skin, a spooky mask is another good option. I personally can't stand having a ton of makeup on my face. It itches, my hair gets stuck to it, and I always end up smearing and smudging it everywhere. I definitely prefer masks!