Face painting is a great way to complete a halloween costume that has several advantages over the wearing of masks. One advantage, particularly important to kids out trick or treating. is vision. Halloween masks leave only a couple of small holes to see out of restricting peripheral vision, which can be especially dangerous crossing streets. Masks are also hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. Most of all, though, face painting is just a lot more fun!

While halloween face painting can be a blast for both children and adults, there are some things you should know before starting a face painting project of your own.

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Use only paint designed for use on the face. Preferably water based paint which can be removed with soap and water.
• Keep your paint and supplies out of reach of small children. While painting the face of your six year old, your two year old might just be too tempted by the pretty colors.
• Avoid putting face paint on cuts, sores. or other problem areas. as this can result in irritation or rashes.
• When trying a particular paint or substance for the first time, try testing it on an arm or some other part of the body for a couple days to check for an allergic reaction. This is particularly important for very young children and people with sensitive skin.
• Be careful around the eyes. Some face paints will say they are specifically for use near the eyes, but even then, it's a good idea to go sparingly. especially with very young children.
• Wash off before going to bed. The longer the paint is left on the skin, the more chance there is of skin irritation, and clogged pores and such. Also, face paint can make a mess of your sheets, and possibly get in the eyes.
• Practice. Like anything else, you will be better at face painting your second or third time than you were your first time. So have some fun and maybe have a pre halloween party!

Face painting just seems to naturally go hand in hand with halloween. I believe there is something magical about seeing ones own face altered into an animal, a ghoul, or a fairy princess that children and adults just love. So go out there and have fun, and don't forget to take pictures!