Elise Copps looks into all things face paint for Halloween

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With just two weeks left until Halloween, it’s time to start thinking about costumes.

Today the move is going away from masks and towards face paint and make-up.

It can be an easy way to spookify yourself on the one chance a year you can transform into whatever you please.

You can go all-out scary or try something a little sweeter.

Either way, says makeup artist Laura Kay, you should make sure you’re putting the right stuff on your skin.

“If you buy the sort of cheaper, really oily or really heavy sort of cake makeups, then they’re going to smudge off and that kind of thing.”

Poor quality face paint is hard to apply. A dozen layers may not even achieve the colour you want.

You’re better off investing a bit more or using cosmetics to achieve a spooky look.

Dermatologist Dr. Peter Vignjevic says one should be sure the products aren’t covered in cobwebs.

“Make sure you’re using fresh, new makeup. Not to recycle makeup from the year before because bacteria can develop in it. It makes you more prone to skin infection.”

If you’re budget conscious, Dollar Store items will do. Anything labelled non-toxic is safe, as long as you put it in the right place.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure you read the label. Certain alcohols and preservatives can irritate.

Try testing face paint on your inner elbow before using it.

Also avoid non-prescription contact lenses at all costs.

They may look cool, but eye doctors warn they can cause blindness.

Bottom line, be creative when it comes to character, not the contents of your makeup bag.

One last tip is to have a strategy for getting the stuff off your face.

Men especially forget about this because they’re not used to wearing makeup.

Sometimes soap and water will do, but you may need to buy a makeup remover.