Halloween’s here, but it’s not all about jack-o-lanterns and ghosts. Time to dust off your costumes and don them for what is arguably the most playful holiday of the year. Like Cady, you have a chance to impress that cute guy from your calc class with your costuming finesse, as well as bond with friends at the many pachongas lighting up the Duke scene on these hallowed nights. But most of all, you deserve to take a well-deserved, mid-semester breather and have yourself some pure, unadulterated fun. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep your skin looking phantom luminescent and not zombie undead. And, collegiettes, I’d leave the wedding dresses at home.
“Why are you dressed so scary?”
“It’s Halloween.”
♥ Don’t go overboard with your makeup. Make sure your level of cosmetics is appropriate for the event. You don’t want to be that girl who missed the memo about subtle sexy and went pasty-faced, garish red-lipped instead. Your skin needs to breathe—so even if you do want that corpse look, choose water-based paints and tints instead of paste-based colors. Your pores will thank you.
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“Oh, didn’t anyone tell you? You’re supposed to wear a costume.”
♥ Do make sure your level of exposed skin is appropriate as well. It may be tempting to bare it all (we’re proud of our bodies!) but the 40% rule is generally key. It’s been proven guys respond positively to a 40% level of exposed skin.(*see Glamour Oct. edition) So skip the lingerie and invest in the catsuit instead. Any more than 40 and you risk looking like a tramp, and not the kind that begins with lady & the.
“I mean that’s just like the rules of feminism.”
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“You know who’s looking fine tonight?”
♥ Do focus the heavier makeup on and around your eyes. You can go for a more intense look in this area of the face and lighter on the rest of your face. You want people’s gazes to be drawn to your eyes, anyway. Still want bolder color effects? Opt for shimmers and glitters in lieu of layering shadows, which gives you the desired effect without the suffocating your skin.
♥ Don’t apply makeup base all over your face. Concentrate it in your T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) and let the sides of your face breathe (the most common breakout zone for makeup buildup.) This creates a more dewy look. You will look fabulous.
“Well, who can blame her? I mean, you’re gorgeous.”
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“Your face smells like peppermint.”
♥ Don’t be tempted to fall asleep with Halloween makeup on. You may be exhausted after a night of candy, parties, and socializing, but trust me on this one: your skin will feel even more tired the longer you leave your makeup on. Be sure to use a stringent (such as a toner) as well as a moisturizer
♥ Do go makeup-less the next day to give your skin some rest. #rockstarrehab anyone?
“That is so fetch.”
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“It’s a costume party. People get pretty into it.”
♥ Do remember to enjoy yourself when all’s said and done. Forget about stress, flaunt your Halloween pizzazz, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember the ultimate fun factor: you+ friends +candy (-midterms) = one heck of a good time.
“Duh.”
Photo Sources:
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2 (Karen)
3 (Karen)
4 (all girls)
5 (Regina)
6 (all girls full body)