How to Make No Corn Starch Face Paints

Face paint can either add to a costume or stand on its own.

Face paints thickened with cornstarch pose a hazard for kids who have adverse reactions to corn products. Though corn allergies are rare, asthma often causes a sensitivity to substances containing corn. However, a corn sensitivity shouldn't make a kid miss out on face painting fun altogether when a recipe mixed with an alternative thickener, in this case flour, will work just as well.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Muffin tin, or small containers
• Solid vegetable shortening
• Flour
• Food coloring (several colors)

1. Get out a muffin tin, or set out small containers, for each color of face paint you plan to make.

2. In each small container, mix 1 tbs. shortening and 1 tsp. flour.

3. Add food coloring to each container, one drop at a time. The addition of only one drop will create a lighter color, whereas more drops will intensify the color. You may also wish to create new colors by mixing different shades of food coloring.

4. Apply paint to faces with brushes or with a finger.

5. Remove the face paint with warm water and soap. Dry clean faces with a soft towel.

Tips & Warnings

• For a simple white base or pale-faced look good for costumes like vampires, cover a child's face in cold cream and powder the face with baby powder. Make sure he doesn't breathe it in.

• If a child begins to experience an allergic reaction, stop painting and help wash her face immediately.

References

• "The Big Messy Art Book"; MaryAnn F. Kohl; 2000
• "On the Nature of Food Allergy"; Paul J. Hannaway and Albert L. Sheffer; 2007
• "The Yale Guide to Children's Nutrition"; William V. Tamborlane and Janet Z. Weiswasser; 1997
• Parenting Squad Safe and Easy Homemade Face Paint for Kids

Resources

• Kids With Food Allergies: Celebrating Halloween with Food Allergies