Stay Safe When Face Painting This Halloween

Halloween is a time for dressing up, but parents need to make sure that when they turn their kids into animals, fairies, and other popular characters, they do it safely.

“There are so many products that will be on the shelf and some are labeled face paints, but when you read the label carefully, it is not to be used near the eyes or lips,” said Cindy Yee, artist and owner of Up Up and Away Face Paint in Diamond Bar. “Some parents or misinformed face painters may use acrylic paint that is not intended to be put on the face and takes much scrubbing to remove, leaving the child's face raw.”

Keep in mind allergies that might flare up with certain products as well.

“Tempera paint is a big no for those with an egg allergy,” Yee said.

Glitter adds so much to face painting, but stay away from craft or scrapbook glitter.

“They may contain harmful metal and sharp edges and when a piece enters the eye, it can scratch and cause irritation,” Yee said. “Professional face painters use cosmetic grade glitter that is polyester based and cut in an octagon shape to wash out with a child's tears if it enters the eye.”

There are plenty of safe, FDA-approved face paints that are sold throughout the year at craft stores like Michael’s. According to Yee, it makes sense to use face paints instead of plastic or rubber masks.

“Face paint is a safer alternative to wearing mask as the child's view is unobstructed,” she said. 

To see some of Yee’s work, visit her website.