Have you already prepared your extravagant makeup and creative costumes for Halloween? Well, if you haven’t yet, is not too late; with a few basics from Walmart, you might be able to sort out an impeccable costume.
Experts working with textiles and natural fibers insist on the organisation and preparation, like sealing correctly your makeup and acting really fast if something gets stained. Louisa Warman, founder of Nomad the Label, says that “This Halloween, the importance of pre-treating stains cannot be underestimated.” She also adds,“ While it may often seem easier to just place stained fabrics straight in the wash, this will often cause stains to linger and become further embedded in your clothes.
But what does that mean for us mortals who don’t work in the textile world? Using a setting spray to seal, choosing water-based face paint, and waiting for everything to be dry before putting the costume on.
This, of course, are tips especially for fabric cleaning, and for those that prefer sustainable fashion, and want to take good care of what they already have so it lasts longer.
Fixing the color and protecting the costume
A good start is only that, a start, but it’s very important though, because it’s the base of it all. If you go to Walmart, you can find a light setting spray, non-sticky at $2.98, that will help you fix the makeup and avoid rubbing it on costumes. Once you’ve finished the look, spray it on your face and wait for one or two minutes before it’s completely settled. Then, you can use the face and body paint set that activates with water ($5.43), which has 8 vibrant colors and a brush. But why water-based instead of oil-based? This formula is more delicate on the skin, easier to take off, and when there’s less struggle, there’s usually less stains too.
Order is a big deal here: First, the makeup, then seal with the spray, and after everything is ready, that’s when you put the costume on. If it has collars, hoods, or masks that could brush the face, wait a bit after the makeup is done.
What if after all of that careful organization, a trace of paint still got its way to the fabrics? Have tissues and wipes on hand for a quick pass (without rubbing).
Acting fast but smoothly
“The quicker you start pre-treating a stain, the easier it will be to remove,” remembers Louisa Warman. For face paint, you can remove the excess with a knife (blade-less) and then rinse with cold water, or soak it with a stain remover before washing; it also helps to give gentle touches with white vinegar on strong marks before the normal cycle.
If the cause is makeup, though, first try absorbing: a hand towel or wipe can capture the excess. Then, mixing water with dish soap usually removes the rest.
The expert’s golden rule is to “tap gently, never rub.” Because rubbing just expands the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers.
Lime, baking soda, and vinegar can help with angry stains without punishing the fabric. The idea is to try to get rid of as much paint as possible before putting it in the washing machine.
Halloween without stains, and a costume we can use again
“Undeniably, Halloween is a highly anticipated time of year,” says Warman. “But it’s important not to let your festivities be ruined by any permanent stains.” With only a few essentials from Walmart and some tips from the textile experts, we can still enjoy the Halloween extravaganza and be ready to do it all again another time.