UrbanUpdate

Halloween is all fun and games—that is, until the night is over and you have to go back to real life. And the dread really sets in when you realize the crazy/scary/glamorous face paint that added that extra oomph to your look has to come off. After all, the last thing you want is to roll up to the office the next morning with remnants of your Freddie Krueger skin. (Or, worse, looking like Carrie post-prom.) Halloween might be the night you can let your inner demon loose, but you should be back to your normal self the next morning.

For us guys who aren’t used to wearing makeup (or if you’re a guy who actually does partake in the occasional concealer), the realization that you actually have to take it off can be daunting, not to mention hell on your skin. Briefly: no, you cannot do this with tap water and that old bar of soap you use to wash your hands. You need the proper tools to take off makeup, because your primary goal here is doing it without completely wrecking your skin in the process.

As a Halloween enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of makeup-heavy costumes. And as GQ’s Grooming Director, I’m super protective of my skin. And I’ve tested about a gajillion products. So let me lay it out for you, whether you just put on a little Zac Efron bronzer or went full Kardashian.

1. La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water

This magical substance is basically just water that’s been charged to attract dirt and makeup. It’s “rinseless” and is great for light makeup like bronzer or powder. I would still recommend washing your face as normal afterward, but it’s great at removing grime first.

> $8, buy it now at Amazon2. Garnier Clean+ Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes

Cleansing wipes are perfect for taking off grease paint from a football costume, or removing punk rock eyeliner. They’re heavy duty enough to get the hunk off in one go, but you still may need to wash your whole face afterward.

> $5, buy it now at Amazon3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Balm

Using a gentle cleanser that’s heavy on hydration is important if you need multiple washings. It may take several tries to get all the makeup off, depending on what kind you used, so make sure you’re using one that’s not going to strip away all the moisture from your face.

> $7, buy it now at Target4. Oars + Alps Power Cleansing Face Stick

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Cleansing sticks are pretty great, especially if you want to concentrate on certain areas with heavier makeup. The tool will let you go heavy on problem spots and lighter on others.

> $18, buy it now at Oars + Alps5. Heimish All Clean Balm

If your face is beat to hell, you need to bring in the big guns. Oil cleanser goes on dry, and it's incredible at removing even the thickest layers of makeup. You still may need a few tries, and remember to use your normal cleanser afterward. But once you’re done, you’ll have no trace of last night’s debauchery.

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