Playing dress up isn't as fun if the face doesn't match the costume, and you have a few options: make up or face paint, or a mask. Some masks, however, can keep your child from seeing well, which can be an issue if you are taking your child trick or treating through a dark neighborhood. Other masks are made of plastic, which, if torn, can cut your child's face or neck. Some masks are made of rubber and can be difficult to breathe in. If applied sparingly, make up can actually be safer.



Using Halloween make up is a great chance for you to have fun with your children and play dress up. So if you are planning to put on some paint on for this season of spooks, here are a few Halloween make up tips that you might want to follow as you let your children have a bit more fun than usual.

Make sure that you hold all the make up equipment and components! Very small children will be extra curious, and you might have your toddler chewing on your lipstick if you are not careful and vigilant. Before you start putting on make up, read all your labels and see if the components are safe and non-toxic. When it doubt, keep the make up out of reach of your children.

I recommend using face paints for their Halloween make up. They are available in your local stores and art shops as well as all over the internet. All you need is a six-color palette of face paint. Don't worry, they're very cheap. They cost around 12 dollars, and you can already produce a combination of more than 70 Halloween face paint designs. Use face paints that are water based as they are extremely easy to remove with clean water and some soap.

Try to avoid the eye and mouth area when putting on make up or face paint on a younger child. You don't want them to get paint in their eyes, or end up eating face paint.

When your child gets home, wash the make up all off before they go to bed. Make up can clog pores, causing breakouts or rashes that can be unsightly, not to mention uncomfortable for your child.

As long as you plan ahead, use these Halloween make up tips and stay safe during this Halloween, you will have a great time! But remember to ask your children what they want to do, don't just assume they'll be interested, come up with these ideas together, it's also more fun that way.

If you don't know where to start with painting faces, then have a look online for more halloween make up tips, downloadable face paint designs and step-by-step photos and instructions.