MANILA, Philippines - With Halloween just around the corner, more and more people are starting to prepare their trick-or-treat costumes.

One of the ways to establish a Halloween look -- whether spooky, cute or sexy -- is through face paint or makeup. Aside from being unique to each person, this allows one to see better, unlike bulky masks.

If not used properly, however, face paint and makeup can ruin one's Halloween celebration.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that some of these materials may lead to rashes, itching, swollen eyelids and other forms of allergies.

So before heading out the door with face paint and makeup, heed these tips from the FDA:

1. Follow all directions carefully.

2. Don't decorate your face with things that aren't intended for your skin.

3. If your face paint has a very bad smell, that could be a sign that it is contaminated. Throw it away and use another one.

4. Like soap, some things are OK on your skin, but not in your eyes. Some face paint or other makeup may say on the label that it is not for use near the eyes. Believe this, even if the label has a picture of wearing it near their eyes. Be careful to keep makeup from getting into your eyes.

5. Even products intended for use near your eyes can sometimes irritate your skin if you use too much.

6. If you're decorating your skin with something you've never used before, you might try a dab of it on your arm for a couple of days to check for an allergic reaction before you put it on your face. This is an especially smart thing to do if you tend to have allergies.

7. Don't go to bed with your makeup on. Wearing it too long might irritate your skin, and bits of makeup can flake off or smear and get into your eyes, not to mention mess up your pillow and annoy your parents.

8. How you take the stuff out is as important as how you put it on. Remove it the way the label says. Use cold cream, soap and water, or eye makeup remover, as directed. The same goes for removing glue, like the stuff that holds on fake beards. And remember, the skin around your eyes is delicate. Remove makeup gently.

9. If you have a reaction that seems to be caused by face paint, call a doctor.

Others, meanwhile, prefer to wear contact lenses to temporarily change their eye color or to make their eyes look weird for their trick-or-treating.

And like face paint and makeup, this can be dangerous if not worn properly.

To avoid this, the FDA recommended people to buy lenses only from eye care professionals or from vendors who require prescription information on the lenses.

Directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses should also be followed, the group added.

By keeping these tips in mind, one is sure to have a safe and fun-filled Halloween celebration.

Source:
FDA