On Halloween you can "Play it Safe with a Corn Syrup Face"

As forerunners to the topic I need want to make two comments:

Earlier this week I was at a fabric craft store and observed a family with three young children purchasing a gaudy and gauzy short dress witch costume, and what I think was witch hair,  for the girl who looked to be about five.  They also had what I'd guess  to be about two yards of a print fabric.  I know it is none of my business but I, admittedly the cheapskate,  was appalled to hear the total price ---- $42. and some change!!!  (I don't know if they used the common percentage off coupons that this store is famous for or not).

Also earlier this week, I was going through some of my files when I happened on the following page torn, literally, from a 1987 women's magazine.  If you are trying to imagine what my files, and stacks- that-haven't- made it-to-files-yet , look like and, if you are a good imagine-r you may be right.

A juxtaposition I couldn't resist!

A creative face paint I must admit I haven't tried!

And directions I am putting  in readable type so you won't have to search for the correct back issue in your stash!

Directions:
Combine 3 Tablespoons corn starch and 1 Tablespoon flour. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/4 cups water. Set aside 1/4 cup of mixture. Divide the remaining mixture into small cups adding 1/2 teaspoon food color for each desired color.

1. Apply the untinted mixture to face. Avoid eyelids and the area around eyes.
2. Cover with one-ply white tissue. Apply more untinted mixture. Let dry 15 minutes.
3. Mix red and yellow food color to make orange mixture; paint on cheeks, forehead.
4. Mix red and green to make black. Add tiger markings. Wash off with soap and water

Note: I am copying this exactly as it is printed. It is probably safe to assume that it means
to use soap and water when you are ready to wash it off!!!.

For a devil: Repeat steps 1&2 above. Then use black mixture for a moustache and eyebrows, red for devilish cheeks.

For a clown: Repeat steps 1&2 above. Then pain colorful mouth, cheeks and eyebrows.

In closing:
While this is intriguing, I am not sure even I would feel it's worth the effort. My sister (and probably others behind my back) occasionally often say there is such a thing as me being too cheap.

Still, without being too cheap, I am sure you can find many quite suitable costumes for much less money.