Ghouls, goblins, ghosts - and glitter? It must be Halloween!

Originally a Celtic festival to ward off ghosts, Halloween has become the holiday for fun and creativity. After all, it’s the one night of the year where you can be whoever you want and go all out when it comes to costumes, makeup, and your overall vibe.

It’s a blast, to be sure - until it’s time to wash your face. Then, all your left with is the ghosts of festivities past. Some of the scariest ghouls to face? Racoon eyes, stray glitter, and face paint that just. Won’t. Come. Off.

Here’s how to cope and tone down the aftermath.

1. Wipe off the Tough Stuff First

Halloween makeup is not normal makeup. It’s (usually cheap) costume makeup that’s meant to drastically alter your appearance and stay on all night - which means that your normal cleansing routine just won’t cut it.

And trying to make it work usually leads to harsh scrubbing, redness, skin irritation, and a half-painted face. Not the ideal look.

That’s why we recommend you start with some makeup wipes and heavy-duty cleansing oil. The wipes, first, will remove any “normal” makeup you’ve used along with at least some layers of paint. Remember, though, not to rub hard! Instead, lightly pass the wipes over your skin - and keep in mind that the next steps will help with anything that’s not removed.

Next, the cleansing oil will bind to dirt and oil-based makeup to remove it without compromising your skin’s natural barrier (unlike traditional makeup removers, which can be harsher on the skin). Look for products with ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil - or just grab the stuff out of your kitchen cabinets! Both are particularly effective at removing harsh products like glitter and waterproof formulas without stripping the skin. Coconut oil, in particular, will also provide some anti-bacterial and anti-yeast protection.

Once again, though, remember that gentleness is key here. For best results, apply the oil and let it sit for a few seconds before you start to remove it. This will give it time to dissolve the makeup without any friction at all.

2. Get the Right Cleanser

A double cleanse is always a good idea - but it’ll be particularly effective on Halloween night. Again, this makeup is not designed with your skin’s health in mind. That means it’s probably full of heavy oils, preservatives, and fragrance - all of which can cause clogged pores and other concerns if it’s not properly removed.

That’s why it’s best to cleanse thoroughly even after you think the makeup is gone. Again, though, you want to baby your skin here - it’s already been through a lot over the course of the evening! Stay away from anything harsh or stripping - products with acids, exfoliants, or other strong actives.

Instead, opt for a gentle, restorative cleanser like Down to Earth. It contains natural clays that will draw out impurities without compromising skin, along with vitamin C to restore even texture and clarity. Dry skin? Try our Bright Side Cream Cleanser for dry skin.

Want to take it up a notch? You can use a tool like a makeup-removing cloth or a Clairsonic. It can help you get a deeper clean without the elbow grease.

3. Opt For a Hydrating Mask

Listen, the last thing you probably want to do after a night out is put on a face mask. You’re going to be exhausted, and it’s an extra 15 minutes that you don’t want to spend awake and waiting. But this step will really help deliver those extra deep nutrients that your skin needs, so fit it in if you can.

At the very least, do a face mask that you can fall asleep in and leave on overnight for an extra refreshed and nourished morning.

We recommend a face mask with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, hyaluronic acid, or chamomile. Or, if you want an option with less mess, try a sheet mask that will dry in a couple of hours.

Again, avoid anything drying or purifying like charcoal, clay, or AHA. You don’t need any more cleansing action, and it’ll just lead to dry, tight, or irritated skin.

4. Use a Replenishing Moisturizer

Whether it’s the same night or the following morning, you should follow the mask with a barrier-protecting, replenishing moisturizer. We recommend nourishing, non-comedogenic ingredients like:

• Vitamin E: This antioxidant neutralizes free radicals that - with smoke machines, blue lights, alcohol consumption, and more - you’ve likely been exposed to throughout the evening.
• Hyaluronic acid: This hydrating powerhouse will actually pull moisture from deep within your skin, helping to moisturize more deeply than conventional topical ingredients.
• Cocoa seed butter: Extracted during the process of making chocolate, this natural ingredient slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin's surface. This will ensure that the moisture you do get in stays in the long-term.

You can find all three in our restorative organic moisturizer.

5. Finish Off With a Protective Oil

Finally, seal everything in with nourishing and non-comedogenic face oil. This is meant to smooth, tone, and protect the skin. Look for a product with natural, plant-based oils like marula, jojoba, and neroli. These non-greasy ingredients intensely hydrate, smoothe lines, and absorb into the skin without leaving any residue or shine.

Happy Halloween!