How to Do Face & Body Paint

Create your own face paint with cold cream and food coloring.

Face paint is often used in lieu of masks for Halloween and theatrical costumes, or just for fun. Artists use body paint, made from the same materials, to make temporary tattoos or to complement the effects of face paint. If you would like to set up a carnival face-painting stand or experiment with a new look, you can make and apply your own face and body paint with ordinary supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Small empty jars or plastic tubs, one for each color
• Cornstarch
• Cold cream
• Food coloring
• Make-up brush
• Make-up sponge
• Stipple sponge

Instructions

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of cold cream in each container. Stir until completely mixed, then add a 1/2 teaspoon of water to each container.

2. Add food coloring, one drop at a time, to your containers and stir thoroughly. Add more food coloring for a deeper color. For a lighter color, use twice as much cornstarch, cold cream and water.

3. Apply face/body paint with a make-up sponge to cover large areas (e.g. white clown face).

4. Apply paint with a stipple sponge for a dirt or stubble effect (e.g. a hobo's 5 o'clock shadow).

5. Paint smaller details with a make-up brush.

6. Place lids on your containers to store the paint for future use.

7. Remove paint with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Face paint may stain clothes, so use caution when wearing or applying.

References

• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Halloween Fun