Make Your Own HALLOWEEN MAKE-UP!

"Bubble Bubble, toil and trouble…" I'll depart from discussing birds for this Holiday Update! Here's a surefire batch of scary brews and monster mish-mashes you can stir up yourself in no time. I'm not sure who made these up, but I've had these directions around for some time. The costume cosmetics below are all made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. They are non-toxic (in other words, they are not poisonous) but NONE of the recipes are meant to be eaten.

CAUTION! Some of these WILL STAIN some clothes. All will wash off your skin with soap and water. Happy Halloween and Great Ghouling! Melani Roewe

Equipment

Measuring spoons
Bowl

Ingredients

2-1/2 Tablespoons water
60-70 drops of red food coloring
10-15 drops yellow food coloring
2-3 drops blue food coloring
5-1/2 Tablespoons white corn syrup

Directions

1. Mix all of the food colorings and water together.

2. Slowly stir in the corn syrup until the mixture is thick, but still "slides" down your arm. (This goop will stain your clothing, so don't wear the good stuff!)

3. Smear it on your skin wherever you want the "blood" to be.

Adult Supervision Required!

Equipment

Two paintbrushes
Small saucepan (if using a microwave, you will need a glass 1-cup measuring cup)

Ingredients

Cornmeal
Corn syrup
Red or brown water colors or makeup blush or rouge
One envelope
unflavored gelatin, like Knox brand.

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water. Let stand one minute. Then stir over low heat until all of the gelatin is completely dissolved. (Microwave Directions: In a 1-cup glass measuring cup, sprinkle one envelope gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water, let stand 2 minutes. Microwave on HIGH {Full power} for 40 seconds, stir well, then let stand 2 more minutes until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let it cool completely before using!)

2. Paint or smear a thin coat of corn syrup on your skin the shape you want your scabs to be.

3. Cover the syrup with a thick layer of cornmeal. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then carefully tap off the excess.

4. Use the paints or makeup to color the cornmeal patches.

5. With a paintbrush, paint the COOLED gelatin mixture over and around the scab. Do this VERY GENTLY so you don't brush off the cornmeal. (The gelatin "seals" it in place).

Equipment

None

Ingredients

Whole peppercorns white or black
Corn syrup or eyelash glue
Hair bristles from a paintbrush or out of your hair brush
(Optional) Non-toxic watercolors (the kind you use in grade school)

Directions

1. Glue peppercorns to your hands or face using the corn syrup or eyelash glue. KEEP PEPPERCORNS AWAY FROM YOUR EYES! You may have to hold them in place until the glue or syrup is dry.

2. Dip one end of the hairs in the glue or syrup and attach to the peppercorn, so they look hairy.

3. Use the paints to color them creepy!

Melani Roewe is a former news editor, Girl Scout Leader and Adult Trainer and K-12 educator who enjoys alpine wilderness hiking, birdwatching, fishing, snow- and water-skiing, swimming, and camping. She directs her church's Youth and Adult Choirs and lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two children. . She also does glass etching and owns The Glass Carver.