How to face paint and best brands to use

Learn how to face paint! Here is some information about what paint to use, where to get it, and how to use it. Advice from a professional face painter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• face paint
• 2 brushes (1 small and 1 medium)
• 1 high-density sponge
• cup of water
• paper towels

1. 
    
   Find face paint products at www.wolfefx.com

   Finding the right face paint:
   The best brand of face paint is Wolfe Bros., a.k.a. Wolfe Face Art and FX. Other good brands are Snazaroo and Ben Nye. These are all professional grade, easy to use, and they are FDA approved for use on the skin. They are also water-based, so it is easy to wash off.

2. 
    
   credit: WolfeFaceArt&FX

   Setup:
   Arrange your face paints, cup of water, paper towels, brushes, and sponges on a table next to your painting hand. Fold up a paper towel and lay your brushes on top of it. Now set up 2 chairs facing each other: one for you and the other for the person you will be painting. As you paint, rest your free hand on top of his/her head to keep his/her head steady.

3. 
    
   Size 6 brush (medium), credit: www.wolfefx.com

   Using the paint:
   Dip your brush in the water, then bring your brush to the paint. Mix the water from your brush with the paint, working the paint into a creamy consistency. (Don't try to mix the entire amount of paint with water--only work up enough for what you need from the surface of the paint.)

4. 
    
   High-density sponge

   Loading the sponge:
   You may use the sponge in its original round form, or you may cut it in half with scissors. Dip one end of the sponge in water, then dab it on the paper towel to remove excess moisture. Rub the sponge with firm pressure in the paint, loading a lot of paint on one end.

5. 
    
   Girl Pirate, credit: fantasticmagicshop.com

   Putting the paint on the face:
   For a full-face design, use the sponge to cover large areas of the face, then use the brush to add smaller details. After loading the paint onto your sponge, use a dabbing/swiping motion to apply the paint. If the paint comes out too streaky, go back over it with the sponge with a light dabbing motion (you may also be using too much water). Allow the paint to dry, then add more details with the brush.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also use a spray bottle filled with water to add water to the paint, then work it with your brush. Just be careful not to use too much water.
• A common mistake is to use too much water in your paint. If your paint is coming out too thin and watery, use less water. Start with just a couple drops of water and add more if you feel you need more.
• Remember, you want the paint to be the consistency of heavy cream. Just work with it a while and you will become familiar with the amount of water you need.
• You can find brushes and sponges wherever quality face paint is sold, or at a craft store. Recommended brush size is #6 round.
• For best results, apply lighter colors first and darker colors last.
• NEVER use acrylic or craft paint for face painting. It is not meant for the skin and can be very harmful if used on the skin.

Resources

• Face paint and magic supplies
• Face paint supplies
• Hire a face painter

[AriasArt]

on 1/16/2009 We serve the Southern California area, mainly Orange and Los Angeles counties. If you are located in the area, then we would love to come to your event! My specialty is in face painting for kids, but I can do some masks and other designs that the ladies might enjoy as well (like the spider webs mask).

You may contact us, Fiesta Fantastic, at [phone]. Thanks for the interest!

[sneedc]

on 1/16/2009 Just like your avatar depicts, you have it GOIN' ON with the face painting; I'd say you're an expert; thanks for sharing your tips with us, can you come do my cinco de mayo party for middle-aged-women? 5*

[jrself99]

on 1/16/2009 Looks really great.

[showpup]

on 9/25/2008 Great article and adore the photos. 5 stars