How to Do Face Painting at Birthday Parties

If you think ice cream and cake are a hit at birthday parties, try face painting. Anybody can do it with just a little bit of practice and the proper supplies. Stencils and stamps are available and can really assist you in the process. Give these steps a whirl and you'll be a star at the next birthday party.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Stencils
• Stamps
• Paint
• Brushes
• Makeup sponges
• Bowl of water

1. Make sure to buy good quality products, and bear in mind that makeup must be for use on skin. Theatrical makeup works well. You can purchase face painting kits at websites such as Paintertainment.com (see Resources).
2. Practice. The more practice you can get in the days before the party, the quicker you will be at applying the designs. Ask family and friends if you can practice on their children.
3. Put the designs you're offering on a poster board and place it where the kids can see it. They're more likely to know what they want by the time it's their turn, which will speed up the process.
4. Keep it simple. Children don't expect anything elaborate. Perhaps some small cheek designs like hearts, balloons or smiley faces will be a good start. Offer tattoos too, if you think the kids would like them. They won't take very long to apply.
5. Use makeup sponges for applying face paint in large areas. The application will go faster. Have enough sponges and brushes for each color to save, you won't waste time cleaning your brush between colors.
6. Keep a bowl of water nearby. It can be helpful for smoothing out makeup, removing a design, rinsing sponges or applying a tattoo.
7. Set up a work area table and chairs, place your supplies where you can conveniently reach them and work quickly. Kids can get squirmy if they sit still for too long. The more you can keep their wiggly ways to a minimum, the better job you will be able to do.
8. Map out the application process for each design. One color must be dry before you can add another color on top. Colors can get muddy if you mix them together too much when wet. Plan it so you can work on one area while another is drying.

Tips & Warnings

• If necessary, create a written application guide for each design that tells you the order in which you should apply the makeup and what needs to dry before applying over it.
• It's a good idea to wash brushes and sponges between children.
• The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website has information on face makeup. (See Resources.)
• Notify parents that there will be face painting at the party, and obtain approval.
• Never apply makeup to children who have open cuts, sores or rashes. You can further irritate the problem and spread it to other children.
• Be aware of head lice and know how to detect it. You certainly don't want to get the reputation of spreading head lice at a child's birthday party.
• Don't apply makeup too thick. It might crack.

Who Can Help:

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