Now that lead has been found in Halloween face paint, the search is on for safer ways to decorate dimples and illuminate eyes. One thing is clear: ONLY face paint of cosmetic grade should be used. Fortunately, many options exist:

Snazaroo’s 50 colors are water-based, made with materials that meet health and safety standards set both by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union, and carry a ‘child safety” toy rating. Need sparkle, brushes, sponges or stencils so you don’t turn your princess into a pea pod? Snazaroo sells it all.

Lyra Face Paint Pencils are non-toxic and dermatologically tested to maximize safety. Manufactured according to European Standards and certified by the Art and Craft Materials Institute, they come in a set of six easy-to-apply colors (white, yellow, red, blue, green and black).

Pink Quartz Minerals (featured in photo) is a vegan mineral makeup manufacturer that also offers non-toxic, mineral-based Halloween makeup in a wide variety of colors.

If you have any doubts about a product you’re considering, check the ingredients against the data base maintained by Environmental Working Group.

Of course, you can always buy organically-based, paraben- and phthalate-free cosmetics in your grocery or department store. You can even make your own. Here’s a recipe from…

FamilyEducation.com:

Homemade Halloween Face Paint Recipe:

Materials
Bowl

1 tablespoon solid shortening
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Water (optional)
Natural-based food coloring (you can find this at your local Whole Foods that carries all-natural, non-petroleum-based food coloring items or you can make your own natural food coloring with items you may already have stored in your kitchen!

Small jar or plastic container

Directions
In a bowl, mix shortening and cornstarch until smooth.
Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color.
Use a clean sponge or fingers to apply paint to a large area or use a small clean brush to apply thin paint- with a little water first.
Remove with soap and water.
Store covered.

Want more green Halloween ideas? Start here.