23 Oct 08 Halloween – How To Use Halloween Makeup

Clown faces, skulls, vampires, kitties and a thousand other makeup designs are possible for the Halloween holiday. But makeup can be a real chore to apply. Here are some tips from the Hollywood pros to make your face-decorating safer, less work and more fun.

Use quality makeup and facial products. All contemporary department store makeup is designed to be healthy for your skin. But things like spirit gum, heavy green or black face coverings, or (yikes!) dyes can cause problems. Stick to well-made products from trusted manufacturers that are specifically meant for Halloween and you can’t go wrong.

Test for allergic reactions on small portions of the face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Each of these sections can react differently to different compounds. The skin is a different thickness in each area, has different kinds of hair and varying pore structure. Apply and allow to dry for an hour, then remove it and look for any undue reddening and bumps.

Similarly, avoid using any makeup that causes eye or lung allergies. Spirit gum is particularly noxious to some, since it sits right under the nose and around the mouth. Any eye shadow or facial cream that produces tearing should be discarded.

Pancake or base is usually the first to go on. It helps create an even ‘canvas’ for your face and permits easier makeup removal later. Theatrical pancake has been used by stage actors for generations and the quality and usefulness just keeps getting better and better. Apply lightly with a sponge then powder.

Cream-based makeup is perfect for creating an overall color for ghosts, devils and more. It feels somewhat like grease paint (a very old type of thick makeup), but is much easier to remove and better for your skin.

For those all-important highlights, a tube stick is perfect for highlights, lines and small special designs. Use them sparingly. Never substitute an ink pen, magic marker or similar device. Not only will you have to scrub forever to get the material off, but it’s unhealthy for the skin.

For overall body painting, buy makeup that is specifically labeled as body paint. Apart from the need to easily remove it later, and health issues, it will spread more evenly without permanently staining skin or clothes. Speaking of health, always leave patches around the body unpainted. Air has to pass in and moisture out for the body to regulate itself properly. Some makeup can hinder that function.

Mustaches, fake eyebrows and more are applied with adhesive. Spirit gum is traditional, but can be difficult to remove. Here again, be sure to buy a quality product and you will protect your skin from harmful compounds.

Latex is best reserved for those who have more experience. Skin tearing, ammonia used in manufacture, and more can cause problems for the novice. Latex prosthetics are another matter. They are formations made from this special rubber-like material and attach to the skin with adhesive, rather than cover it like a second skin. Different considerations apply.

Use makeup the way the pros do and you’ll have a safe and fun Halloween.

23 Oct 08 Halloween – How To Use a Halloween Prosthetic

Halloween prosthetics are fake wounds, severed body parts, false noses, etc. They can really make a costume stand out. But they can also spoil your holiday if you use ones that interfere with your freedom to party. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your creative daytime ideas without hindering your night fun.

Ever noticed how many of the SF films limit themselves to changing the shape of the alien’s forehead? That’s because they know it’s the easiest and cheapest way to alter the appearance without interfering with movement.

One way to accomplish that is to limit your prosthetic to something small on the head. That can be a fake bullet hole in the forehead or a large faux gash or just a pair of devil’s horns.

The cheek is a favorite spot of novices to apply a prosthetic and there are advantages to that. It’s easy to see and you have a soft, wide surface area to work with. But prosthetics are not makeup. They can interfere with movement. Also, the piece is much more likely to come off when you eat or drink if it’s on that area of the head.

If your costume really demands a nose prosthetic be prepared for some inconvenience. Large ones interfere with drinking and eating. Who wants that? Small ones are prone to fall off. But a securely fashioned and correctly shaped nose prosthetic can work.

An extra nostril is pretty gross, especially if there is green goo coming out of it. Yuck. A split nostril (easy to make with a little formed latex and a black marker and some stage blood) is another way to go. The idea is to keep it small and simple.

By contrast, ears are a convenient place to use prosthetics. They don’t experience too much motion though there is some when you move your jaw. They also provide a very easy-to-use shape to hang things on or to add fake parts.

Fake pointy Spock ears have now been vastly overdone. Not to mention it’s been years since a Star Trek movie or TV show was made. But classics like hanging fleshy parts, made nicely gory with stage blood, never go out of style. Huge (fake) gashes are another favorite that never gets old. It’s Halloween, after all.

It should go without saying that you want to avoid anything that could harm yourself or anyone else. It should, but some people get a little too into their costume idea and need reminding.

For example, never strap an ankle to your thigh. Yes, the ‘no leg look’ can be ghoulish. But if done for anything longer than a couple of minutes you are looking at hindered circulation and that can be dangerous. You can lose the limb permanently if the tissues start to die from lack of oxygen.

Reconsider that hard plastic (or, god forbid, metal) Captain Hook appliance. You don’t want to gash anyone and it just means one less hand for you to work with, anyway.

Let makeup complete your prosthetic look and you will have no need to create one that reduces your party fun.

23 Oct 08 Halloween – Halloween Makeup Removal Tips

You don’t necessarily have to limit yourself to Halloween makeup that can be removed solely with soap and water. But what you use and how you apply it can make the job ultra-easy or absurdly difficult. To make your after-Halloween chore closer to the former than the latter, follow some of the methods used by the Hollywood pros.

Soap and water will work for some types of makeup, but for many a real makeup remover is best. Not only does it get rid of all the makeup, but it cleanses the skin and leaves the pores open.

Removing all Halloween makeup after the evening’s festivities is a must. Leaving it on for hours is hard enough on the skin. Sleeping in it keeps it on for hours longer and grinds it into the pores, almost guaranteeing problems. The skin has to exchange air, in and out, to stimulate healthy reactions and minimize acne. Clogged pores are the major factor in creating pimples and other problems.

Also, be sure to use a remover that is appropriate to the type of makeup you’re trying to get off.

Non-oil based makeup is used for eye shadow, blush and powders. Here, soap and water may be enough. But specially formulated remover will do a more thorough job and leave pores in the best condition afterward. Naturally, you’ll want to be especially careful around the eyes, just as you would with everyday makeup.

Oil-based makeup types are used to apply lip covering, mascara and other heavy coatings. Because they contain various fat derivatives, a distinct remover is needed. This second type of makeup will also take a bit more effort to remove completely, which is even more important for this category.

Thick makeup left on for long periods clogs pores even more than non-oil based types. Nevertheless, avoid excessive scrubbing. Irritating the skin via harsh pressure with a washcloth or sponge is just as likely to produce skin problems as the makeup itself.

Mineral oil can work with eye makeup that comes off easily. A cotton ball is best whenever it is enough to do the job. Heavy eye makeup can often be removed with petroleum jelly and a damp washcloth. Use warm water and be patient. Cold cream is another option.

Stubborn eye makeup requires a solvent. Using it, even thick mascara will come off easily without scrubbing. A gentle rub, taking care to avoid the eyeball itself of course, is all that’s needed. It also rinses cleanly, where mineral oil will take quite a while to wash off.

Once you’ve removed all makeup completely, follow with a gentle soap and wash as you would at the end of a regular day. Pat dry and allow the skin to recover a while before pressing or covering any part with a pillow. A little moisturizer is a good idea, but don’t overdo it. Some people swear by toners, but pros know they can be drying. Proceed with care.

Monitor the skin closely the next couple of days for dry patches, redness or other signs of allergic reaction.

23 Oct 08 Halloween – Best Halloween Masks Ever

Which makes for the best Halloween mask may be a matter of personal taste. But the following categories keep coming back year after year.

Scary

Scary works, for sure. But gross works even better. Make it grotesque, make that mask really creepy, crawly and otherwise disgusting and you’ve got a hit.

Once-popular monsters like Frankenstein are pass. The character is just too camp to make anyone shiver today. But Grub Face or Gooey Flesh, yeah that’s still tops. Of course, you could get any of the masks of popular politicians and really frighten the horses.

Creatures

Sometimes a creature mask might be that of a cute Wookie. The ever-cool Planet of the Apes mask continues to be a favorite years after the last movie was made and forgotten. The choices here are endless.

Seventy years after the original movie was made The Mummy continues to be a Halloween perennial. Even the 1940s Mr. Hyde somehow keeps coming back generation after generation. And the book was first published in 1886! But some of the latest creatures are bound to become classics, too. Alien will never go out of style. The Green Ghost from Ghostbusters is a favorite of many. Yoda is here to stay, like it or not.

Animals

For the young kids, animals are a simple and cute option that is perpetually popular not only with parents but the kids themselves. An original idea that’s hot today is a bird’s beak. Flat masks are the norm, so having something with a little bit of depth is a way to be a little different.

Pig Masks are another way to give a mask a good 3-D effect, but with less risk of the nose bumping into something. They’re easy to make, too. But a pre-made latex option doesn’t have to be expensive, and they’re sturdy and comfortable.

Make-It Yourself

Masks are especially fun when your young one gets to make it. Plaster of Paris used to be the way to go. But that’s a lot of work. Today, you’ve got much easier methods available. A digital camera can take a snapshot of your child, the family dog, or a bird that hangs around the yard.

Take the digital snapshot, transfer it to the computer. Then just use the digital photo software that came with the camera to print out a color photo on heavy card stock. Cut-out the mask, slip some string through a couple of holes and you’re ready for Halloween.

Take a photo of each of the kids, then have one wear the photo-mask of another. That should confuse everyone!

The great thing about any of these choices is the mask works all by itself, with or without a full costume. The idea is to create a recognizable character and any of these will certainly do that.

23 Oct 08 Halloween – Best Halloween Costume Ideas Ever

Which Halloween costumes are best is a matter of personal taste, certainly. But year after year, the ones below continue to be hugely popular.

Superheroes and Villains

Whether it’s the Joker thanks to a recent Batman movie or the latest TV show, superheroes and the villains they conquer are always near the top of any list.

It’s not just the associations with popular characters that does the trick, though. Just think of all the cool makeup possibilities with someone like the Joker. He’s gone through several variations from TV and films from the past 50 years. Superhero masks offer an outstanding way to avoid that trouble, though. Pop it on and you’re ready to party.

And, one of the best things about this category is it works for both genders and all ages. Whether the wearer is male or female, one or 100, a superhero or villain costume fits, in every sense of the word.

Celebrities

Celebrities like Hannah Montana are a close relative to superheroes. These days, they’re treated like ones, anyway. Lots of tweeners love the fashion options that come with picking her, but there are lots of other choices, too.

For the older crowd, celebrities from the past are often a big hit. They bring a little nostalgia to the party that can produce big laughs. Anyone remember John Travolta’s white suit in that disco movie… what was the name? Oh, yeah, Saturday Night Fever. Who could forget!

Sexy

Of course, if you happen to be an adult, sexy is always a hit. Naughty Librarian is right up there with the all-time favorites. Cool Cop works for the guys (or gals) every time.

The possibilities are endless, not least because what is sexy to one Halloweener is a big yawn to someone else. That means you have lots to choose from without worrying about whether someone else is going to show up at the party with the same outfit.

Fantasy and Fairy Tales

For kids and fans, this category continues to be a crowd pleaser. That crowd starts with the parents, but the Halloweener get just as much fun from them.

Fairy Tale Princess has been the choice of the little princess in the house forever. But add a frog to the mix for the little (or big) guy who goes with her and you have a winning combination.

An Alice in Wonderland theme opens up tons of possibilities. There’s Alice herself, of course. But Tweedledum and Tweedledee are a perfect pair. The White Rabbit is easy and comfortable on a Fall night.

Easy Choices

Things that are easy to wear, easy to move around in, easy to assemble are always big hits. Togas are the classic example, pun intended. But Doctors and Nurses are a perennial favorite because all you really need is a white lab coat or dress and a stethoscope.

The trick in this category is to not make the costume so generic that no one can tell what the character represents. Putting on a pair of glasses, holding a book, and mussing up your hair may be your idea of Einstein, but it doesn’t work for most people.

With hundreds of variations to choose from in these categories you can’t go wrong.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Witch

Ill get you, my pretty! These infamous words were spoken by the wicked witch in the beloved movie The Wizard of Oz. If your daughter wants to be the good witch, Glenda, on Halloween, or would like to portray the wicked witch, here are some ideas on how to make either homemade costume.

Lets begin with the good witch. Basically all you need is a white dress, white leotards, white shoes, a tiara, and a wand. Add some make-up and glitter and you have all you need to re-create Glenda.

To make the wand, you can use two straws and put one inside the other. Wrap it in gold paper and purchase star wire at your craft store, and push it through the straw. Add glitter to the star as well. To make the tiara, you can also use star wire. Take the measurement of your childs head and then make a circle out of the star wire to fit. Add gold ribbon to cover the base of the wire.

In addition, you may wish to add a flowing gold wrap around your daughters shoulders. Choose sheer fabric that has gold design.

If your child chooses to be the bad witch, well there is no end to the creativity you can utilize to make this costume. Depending upon whether your child wants to portray a scary witch, in which case you will have to paint some warts on her face. You can even paint your childs face green, just like the witch in the Wizard of Oz. Or if she wants to be the wicked witch with a broom, a black cape and pointy black hat will be needed. An entirely black outfit would be recommended for any bad witch to wear.

Heres another tip: If your child wants to be a witch from the Snow White movie, she can carry a basket of apples, with one a chunk of one apple cut out.

No matter which witch your child chooses to be on Halloween, making the costume will be as much fun as going out trick or treating.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Princess

If you have a young daughter, odds are she will want to dress up as a princess for Halloween. While it may be easy to just go out and purchase a costume, it can be quite expensive in the long run. Making a homemade princess costume for Halloween can be not only affordable, but fun as well.

If you have a pretty pink or white dress, this can be the basis for the outfit. White leotards and a white body suit to wear under the dress are suggested. Adding glitter to the sleeves of the body suit would also be a great idea, not to mention the body suit and leotards would keep your child warm on Halloween. Once you have these basic items, the next thing which has to be addressed is whether your daughter will wear slippers or shoes. White shoes would be appropriate, or if you can find a pair of white slippers and garnish them with glitter; this would be awesome.

Depending on which princess your daughter has chosen, that is, one of the Disney characters such as Cinderella or Snow White, or perhaps a princess she read about in a book, the right accessories will accent the entire wardrobe to create the most enchanting princess of all.

While some princesses wear capes, others wear fur wraps. Whatever is chosen, it can easily be made with fabric. For example, a white cape can be adorned with gold lace around the edges, and a gold jeweled clasp can be utilized to close the front at the neck. A wrap made of fur can be purchased at a fabric store and cut to fit your daughters shoulders. You can attach both ends together with either a beautiful piece of jewelry, preferably one with a clasp.

Whats a princess without a tiara? This can easily be made with wire and ribbons. There are star wires available in different colors. Simply measure the childs head and cut a piece of star wire and form it into a circle. Use the ribbon to wrap around the base of the wire utilizing one or several color ribbons. You can add additional wire to form a three-dimensional tiara as well.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Mummy

Making a mummy costume for Halloween can be hilarious. However, if you want it to truly be a unique and authentic mummy costume, here are some ideas you can try.

There are several ways you can make the costume. Using strips from a white sheet and wrapping the mummy with them is one idea. You can adhere them using white medical tape. Leave the eyes, nose, and mouth uncovered, but use a light brown powder to cover the areas of skin exposed. You can use eyeliner to add under the eyes, like the Egyptians.

Another method you can use is to have your child wear a white body suit and leotards. Then add the strips of a white sheet and hold them in place with the medical tape. But if you want to add authenticity, you can cut the strips from the sheet the night before and soak them in brewed tea. This will give the entire mummy look an aged appearance. In addition, you may want to fray some of the strips so that the mummy will look quite old as well.

In addition, if you have ever seen any of the Discovery Channel programs on recent mummy finds in Egypt, you will notice that while most of the mummies are covered, there are portions of their bodies which are exposed. Well, you can take some brown magic marker and outline a few ribs, or the upper and bottom row of teeth. In addition, you can use black magic marker to give the appearance that certain body parts are missing, giving the illusion there are holes in the body.

Mummies have been around for thousands of years, and making a homemade mummy costume can be as unique and authentic to the real mummies found today. The main thing is to have a great time creating it.

23 Oct 08 Halloween Costume: Ghost

Nothing exemplifies Halloween more than a ghost costume. It is probably the easiest to make and can be as simple or complex as you wish. Lets take a look at two ideas for a ghost costume for Halloween.

Traditionally, one would cut out two holes in a white sheet, for the eyes, color the outer circle of the eyes black, and just wear it as is. However, this Casper the Friendly Ghost type costume would be a bit of a problem if the sheet fell off and the child couldnt see where he or she was going. So, here is a suggestion.

Take a white sheet and cut a large enough hole so it can fit over the childs head. Ensure that the bottom of the sheet is short enough so the child doesnt trip over it. Since October is a cool month, wearing white pants and a white turtleneck top would be recommended. Oh, dont forget white shoes or sneakers. Now that the costume itself is ready to go, here comes the fun part.

Use a non-chemical white powder makeup to paint the face. Use black make up and make a complete circle carefully around the eyes. The hair is next. There are two ways you can go with this. You can either purchase a white wig, or you can spray the hair with white spray. Voila! This ghost is a winner!

The second ghost costume can be made directly from the movie A Christmas Carol.
How about dressing up as Marley? Using the same items as the first costume, the only difference is you will need a ball and chain to wrap around the costume.

You make a chain one using different colored pieces of construction paper. Cut the paper into strips, then take each strip and staple the ends together. Take another strip and put one end through the first and staple. If you decided to make the ball to go with the chain, you can take lots of newspaper and scrunch it up into a ball and spray paint it black. You can attach it to the chain with a piece of wire.

One more thing, instead of making the childs hair completely white, you can use a shower cap with holes it in, and spray it white. This way, it will look a bit more authentic. Remember, Marleys hair wasnt all white. Also, Marley wasnt too well kept, so you can make some holes in the white sheet and add a little black spray on the bottom as well.