How to Remove Halloween Makeup & Face Paint Easily
*Updated October 2026*
Halloween is the perfect excuse to go all out with your makeup. From dramatic face paint and fake blood to glitter, bold colours and special-effects makeup, there are plenty of ways to create a seriously spooky look.
But once the party is over, there’s one thing nobody wants to think about: how to remove Halloween makeup.
Heavy Halloween makeup can be much more difficult to remove than your everyday makeup, particularly when you’ve layered on face paint, long-wear products, glitter or special-effects makeup.
The good news? You don't need to scrub your skin to get rid of it.
Here’s how to remove Halloween makeup and face paint gently, plus what to do afterwards to help your skin feel clean, fresh and hydrated.
How to Remove Halloween Makeup
The key to removing Halloween makeup is to break down the makeup first rather than repeatedly scrubbing your skin.
Follow these simple steps for an easier makeup removal routine.
1. Start with a makeup remover
1. Start with a makeup remover
Begin by using a gentle makeup remover to help break down layers of foundation, face paint, eye makeup and other stubborn products.
Apply your Makeup Remover to an Eco Makeup Pad and gently sweep it over your skin.
Our Makeup Remover contains Grapeseed and Olive Oils to help break down makeup while leaving skin feeling refreshed.
For particularly heavy Halloween makeup, don't worry if you can't remove everything in one go. It's better to repeat the process gently than scrub your skin.
2. Use a cleansing balm for stubborn makeup
If you're wearing particularly heavy or long-lasting Halloween makeup, a cleansing balm can help dissolve the remaining product.
Massage a small amount of Cleansing Balm over dry skin, paying particular attention to areas where makeup tends to build up, such as around the nose, hairline and jaw.
Our Cleansing Balm is formulated with Green Tea and Vitamin E to help cleanse the skin while maintaining a moisturised feel.
Once you've gently massaged the balm into your skin, remove it with a soft, damp makeup pad or cloth.
3. Double cleanse your skin
After removing the bulk of your Halloween makeup, follow with a second cleanse.
For the double cleanse, use a water based, or foaming, cleanser to remove any leftover impurities and deep clean your skin, rather than just removing make up.
A double cleanse can be particularly useful after wearing heavier makeup because the first step helps remove makeup, oils and other products, while the second cleanse gives your skin a fresh finish.
Our range of cleansers are suitable for lots of skin types and powered with key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin c.
4. Take extra care around your eyes
Halloween makeup can include highly pigmented eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, glitter and false lashes.
When removing eye makeup, avoid rubbing aggressively. Instead, gently press your makeup remover onto the area for a few seconds before wiping away the product.
Take your time around the delicate eye area and repeat the process if necessary.
How to Remove Halloween Face Paint
Face paint can be particularly stubborn, especially when you've used several layers to create an opaque Halloween look.
Rather than scrubbing harder, apply your makeup remover and allow it to start breaking down the product before gently wiping it away.
For persistent face paint:
- Apply makeup remover to a soft makeup pad.
- Gently sweep away the surface layer.
- Apply cleansing balm to any remaining makeup.
- Massage gently rather than scrubbing.
- Rinse or remove the balm.
- Follow with a second cleanse.
- Finish with your usual skincare routine.
Don't worry if a small amount of colour remains after the first cleanse. Repeat the process gently rather than trying to remove everything through vigorous rubbing.
How to Remove Halloween Glitter
Glitter can be one of the trickiest parts of a Halloween makeup look to remove.
Avoid aggressively rubbing glitter across your skin, particularly around the eyes.
Instead, carefully lift away as much loose glitter as possible before using your makeup remover. Then gently cleanse the area to remove any remaining product.
Be particularly careful around the eyes and avoid getting loose glitter or makeup remover directly into them.
How to Remove Fake Blood From Skin
Fake blood can contain strong pigments that may leave temporary colour behind on the skin.
Start with your makeup remover and gently work over the affected area. If the colour doesn't disappear immediately, repeat the process rather than scrubbing.
Once you've removed the fake blood, cleanse your skin and follow with moisturiser.
What To Do After Removing Halloween Makeup
Once you've finally removed your Halloween makeup, don't stop at cleansing.
Your skin has spent several hours underneath heavier-than-usual makeup, so it's a good time to give it some extra care.
Cleanse
Make sure you've removed all traces of makeup before moving onto the rest of your skincare routine.
Hydrate
Follow your cleanse with hydrating skincare to help leave your skin feeling comfortable and moisturised.
Moisturise
Finish with a moisturiser to help lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
Don't over-exfoliate
If your skin feels sensitive after wearing Halloween makeup, avoid aggressively scrubbing or over-exfoliating it. Gentle cleansing and moisturising are usually a better approach.
Give Your Skin Some TLC After Halloween
If your skin needs a little extra attention after a night of heavy makeup, our Skincare Range brings together some of our everyday skincare essentials.
From cleansing and toning to serums, eye care and moisturising, it's an easy way to build a complete skincare routine.
For a little extra glow, our AHA Glycolic Glow & Hydrate Skin Tonic contains Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide and can be incorporated into your routine when appropriate for your skin.
How Often Should You Double Cleanse After Halloween?
You don't need to repeatedly cleanse your skin throughout the night to remove every last trace of makeup.
Instead, aim for a thorough but gentle cleanse when you're ready to take your makeup off. If there is still makeup remaining, repeat the cleansing balm process gently rather than scrubbing.
The goal is simple: remove the makeup without unnecessarily irritating your skin.
Halloween Makeup Removal FAQs
What is the best way to remove Halloween makeup?
The best approach is to use a makeup remover or cleansing balm to break down the makeup before gently cleansing your skin. For particularly heavy makeup, a double cleanse can help remove remaining product.
How do you remove Halloween face paint?
Use a makeup remover to break down the face paint, followed by a cleansing balm if needed. Gently remove the product rather than scrubbing your skin.
How do you remove Halloween makeup without irritating your skin?
Avoid excessive rubbing and use gentle makeup removal products. Allow stubborn makeup to break down before wiping it away, and follow with moisturiser after cleansing.
Can you use cleansing balm to remove Halloween makeup?
Yes. Cleansing balms can be useful for breaking down stubborn makeup before cleansing, making them particularly useful after wearing heavier Halloween looks.
How do you remove fake blood from your face?
Use a makeup remover and gently cleanse the affected area. If some colour remains, repeat the process rather than scrubbing aggressively.
Should you moisturise after removing Halloween makeup?
Yes. After thoroughly removing your makeup, follow with your normal skincare routine and moisturiser to leave your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.
Ready to Take Off Your Halloween Look?
Getting ready for Halloween might take hours, but removing your makeup doesn't have to.
With the right makeup remover, cleansing balm and a gentle approach, you can get rid of even your most dramatic Halloween look without spending ages scrubbing your skin.
Now it's time to take off the costume, remove the makeup and get back to your normal skincare routine. 🎃
As shown by @Anousshkaa above, our cleansing balm is formulated with Green Tea and Vitamin E, working to gently purify pores while maintaining a fresh, moisturised complexion.
Pairing this with our eco makeup pad ensures a soft, gentle removal, cleaning the skin with no stinging or irritation.
“This stuff gets off everything!” - @giselasophiamua
Helping to effectively melt off makeup, our makeup remover is infused with ingredients like Grapeseed and Olive Oil, breaking down makeup whilst leaving your skin refreshed and revitalised.
In one of our favourite looks so far this year, @bigfatjenna uses our makeup remover to de-Chucky herself, breaking down this spooky but fabulous look.