Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Ellen Christian
Dressing up for Halloween can be so much fun. I love pretending to be someone or something that I’m not. Dressing up, face paint. It’s all part of the Halloween fun for many people.
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How to Remove Halloween Makeup
While it’s fun to wear Halloween face makeup, it needs to be removed before bedtime. If you sleep with it on, not only will you destroy your sheets and pillowcase, the paint can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. Once you know how to remove Halloween makeup, it’s just a matter of time and preparation.
Easiest type of makeup to remove
The easiest type of Halloween makeup to remove is water based. To remove water based Halloween makeup, all you need is warm soapy water even with Halloween eye makeup.
Look on the package when you buy it to see what type of makeup you’re using. If you are using grease or cream based paints, the removal process is not as smooth. Keep in mind that some of the darker pigments may stain your skin even after you’ve removed the makeup.
What do I need to remove Halloween makeup
You’ll want to have cotton balls, Q-tips, gauze pads, cold cream, facial cleanser, baby oil, and baby wipes at the minimum. Cream based Halloween makeup is best removed with cold cream. Good old Noxema like your mother used to use works wonderfully. Just put some on your hands and massage it into your skin. Then wipe it away with a warm, wet washcloth.
How to remove adhesive from your skin
If you stuck on fake eyebrows or a beard, any residue that’s left behind can be removed with olive oil or baby oil. Gently work the oil between your skin and the fake eyebrow or beard until the adhesive is loosened, and it can be pulled off. Follow up with a facial cleanser to remove any residue or oil left on your skin.
Removing grease based makeup
You can try Noxema on your grease-based Halloween makeup as well, but I find that it’s easiest to remove grease based makeup with an oil based cleanser. Oil adheres to oil, so it removes quite well. You can follow up with makeup removing wipes or baby wipes to remove any leftover makeup.
Removing glittery makeup
After a fun night of Halloween festivities, removing heavy or glittery eye makeup can be tricky — but doing it gently is key to keeping your skin and lashes healthy. Start by soaking a cotton pad or reusable makeup cloth with a gentle, oil-based makeup remover or micellar water.
Press it lightly against your closed eyelid for about 15 to 20 seconds to break down stubborn pigments, eyeliner, or waterproof mascara. Avoid rubbing or tugging the delicate skin around your eyes, as this can cause irritation or premature fine lines. Instead, use soft, downward strokes until most of the makeup dissolves.
Once the majority of the product is gone, follow up with a mild facial cleanser to remove any remaining residue. This two-step cleansing process ensures your pores stay clear and your skin feels refreshed. If you used glitter or costume adhesives, try using a bit of coconut or jojoba oil on a cotton swab to lift the particles safely.
Finish by patting your skin dry with a clean towel and applying a hydrating eye cream or serum to restore moisture. Your skin will thank you — and it’ll be ready for another round of glam the next time you get creative with your makeup.
Never forget, after you remove your Halloween makeup you need to moisturize your skin well to prevent breakouts.
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.