We've written about how the ingredients in Halloween makeup packages could very well be expired, but there's a bigger issue to consider. "The problem with Halloween makeup is twofold," said Herrmann. "For one, many products are cheap and use ingredients not meant for the skin and are not FDA-approved. This translates into increased likeliness of skin irritation, allergic or irritant reactions, or excess damaging skin oxidation." Faller echoed that sentiment. "Bargain-brand imported makeup can often be a cause for irritation to sensitive skin," she said. "These products are typically manufactured with excess chemicals, inferior ingredients, synthetic dyes, and cheap perfumes."
So how do you know what to avoid? According to Faller, the price is usually the first red flag. "Typically, these cosmetics are found in mass-market pop-up Halloween stores and local party stores; they may be a store or unknown brand name. You get what you pay for. Bargain cosmetics will be made with bargain ingredients and minimal pigmentation that will not perform due to peeling, cracking, and fading and, even more importantly, can cause irritation to sensitive skin."
