The £7.99 Cleanser That Removes Kids’ Halloween Make-Up Quickly And Gently, According To A Pro

With Halloween almost upon us it's likely you've got your children's face paint in hand, but what about the all-important removal process? Those familiar with the annual Halloween build-up, costume theatrics and trick-or-treating, will know how much of a struggle that evening face wash ends up being, particularly if your little one is less than cooperative. Face paints might look effective on the day but they're intended to last, and whipping them off with a flannel simply doesn't work. Enter then, our ultimate guide to removing Halloween make-up at home quickly, and without causing irritation.

How To Remove Kids' Halloween Make-Up At Home

Dr Anita Sturnham, GP, dermatology specialist and founder of Decree skincare, is a go-to skin expert for London's elite - appointments at her Nuriss Skin Clinic on Wimpole Street are in high demand - but her wide-ranging expertise mean that she is just as committed to sharing tips on how to remove face paint safely and gently.

1. Reach for a bottle of micellar water

Dr Sturnham's favourite cleanser for the face paint removal job is micellar water. 'Micellar water is a combination of purified water and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin,' she explains, 'they also contain low concentrations of extremely gentle cleansing ingredients, which group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles,' hence the name, 'micelles act like magnets for dirt and oil.' Wipe a cotton pad soaked with micellar water slowly and gently across your child's skin to remove their make-up, there's no need to rinse. If there are areas of face paint that don't seem to be budging with a gentle swipe, hold a fresh micellar-soaked cotton pad over the area for up to five seconds before wiping away. Sometimes the magnet-like micelles can work better if they're afforded a little more time to draw the make-up particles away from the skin.

2. Look for 'fragrance-free' and 'hypoallergenic' products

A fragrance-free, hypoallergenic micellar water is what you're after. Fragranced products can cause irritation to young, sensitive skin. 'Hypoallergenic' means that a product has been made with sensitive skin in mind. 'I like Garnier's SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water For Sensitive Skin, £7.99,' says Dr Sturnham, 'it's also safe to use around your children's eyes.'

3. Remove the final traces of face paint

'Use a non-foaming cream cleanser,' Dr Sturnham advises. Foam-free cream cleansers are kinder to irritation-prone skin than gels, 'Brands like Aveeno, CeraVe and MooGoo would be my top picks for younger skin. Use a warm flannel to gently remove the cleanser and any make-up remnants.'

4. The final step if you can still see traces of make-up

'Repeat the micellar water step and follow with a gentle moisturiser to soothe skin. I recommend brands like E45, Dermol and Aveeno,' says Dr Sturnham.

Shop: The Best Products To Remove Your Kids' Halloween Make-Up

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