GHOULISH GLAMOUR MAKEUP ARTISTS HELP KIDS CREATE ILLUSIONS.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

VALENCIA- In just minutes, Valencia resident Tiffany Cross was transformed from a healthy 22-year-old into a ghostly white, blood-deficient vampire Sunday - all courtesy of the Valencia Public Library.

In a free program at the library, local cosmeticians Amy Peruyera and Jessica Cotner showed dozens of adults and children how to use everyday products to make themselves up for Halloween.

Cross said she wanted to look like Lily Munster, the sultry, yet lovable matriarch from the 1960s hit show, ``The Munsters.''

``I like the Munsters. I think they're cool,'' Cross said, sporting a long black wig and gown. ``I watch the show a lot.'

Cotner told the audience simply to apply baby powder in a foundation and spread it onto the face with a powder brush to create a ghoulish glow.

The cosmeticians also emphasized novelty makeup safety tips. Do a little research on the products, such as glitter that can be bought at craft stores and even makeup bought at drugstores, they advised. They suggest checking whether additives in makeup are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Other tips include:

--Follow all directions carefully.

--Don't decorate your face with things that aren't intended for your skin.

--Even products intended for use near your eyes can sometimes irritate your skin if you use too much.

--If you plan to decorate your skin with something you've never used before, try a dab of it on your arm for a couple of days to check for an allergic reaction before you put it on your face.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color -- ran in SAC edition only) Professional makeup artists Amy Peruyera, left, and Jessica Cotner, right, give free help Sunday at the Valencia Public Library to Shaun and Courtney Plougher, learning to disguise themselves for Halloween.

(2 -- color) With help from makeup artists, some strange creatures appear Sunday. Under the makeup are, from left, Randar Forney, Tiffany Cross and Brittany Forney.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News