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You’ve had a great night out, and now you’re ready to collapse into bed and head off to the land of nod. But wait: your face is covered in waterproof make-up, rhinestone gems, glitter, paint and adhesive – you name it, it’s on there. And this stuff is hard to take off; a quick wipe just isn’t going to cut it. Rather than spend hours scrubbing at your skin, and looking like a rather angry devil at the end of it, here are some top tips on Halloween make-up removal and protection from the skincare professionals at Clarins.
1. Tackle any embellishments
Before addressing your full face, you’ll want to remove anything you’ve stuck on to your skin, such as glitter, gems and sequins. The first rule here is not to pick at them, otherwise you could scratch and scar your skin. Instead, rub some baby oil around the embellishment and let it sit for a few seconds; this will help to loosen up the adhesive.
2. Remove make-up with an oil-based cleanser
Halloween make-up is designed to last longer, which means when it comes to removing it, it’s pretty stubborn! An oil-based cleanser will help to break down any heavy make-up without stripping the skin, and is ideal for removing hard-to-budge waterproof mascara and face paint.
Use a cotton bud dipped in an oil-based cleanser to remove any eyelash glue residue. For an even deeper cleanse, opt for a double cleanse. A salicylic acid-based cleanser is ideal for the second round because it helps to unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
3. Exfoliate to remove any final traces
Now you’ve got rid of the majority of make-up, it’s time to exfoliate (though if your skin is feeling too sensitive by this stage then come back to it in a day or two). Using clean fingers, take a pea-sized amount of gentle exfoliator and apply it to the face in small circular motions.
Once you have softly rubbed it around the skin for 30 seconds or so, use warm water to rinse it off. This is an important step in the routine because it helps to remove any final traces of make-up that could be sitting deep within the pores.
Exfoliating also helps to effectively remove old skin cells and restore a healthy, vibrant glow – which is exactly what you need after a night of trying to look like the living dead!
4. Nourish and restore
Everything starts and ends with moisturiser! Moisturiser helps to prime the skin before make-up, and nourishes it afterwards.
After hours in heavy, drying make-up, your skin will be in need of a drink. Although optional, a spritz of face mist can do wonders to help calm and soothe the skin. Next, take a small amount of your favourite moisturiser and give your face a slow and gentle massage.
This will help to stimulate circulation and give you a dewy look. Alternatively, you can pat your moisturiser in using light pressure. Don’t forget your neck too – it’s one of the first places to show signs of ageing!
5. Cocoon your skin
In the days that follow, you may wish to give your skin the ultimate treat by opting for an overnight sleep mask that’ll encourage a plumped, revived and glowing complexion and help address any skincare concerns you may have. A face mask is another option for those who enjoy a pamper session and have a bit more time – simply pop it on and relax while it works its magic.