How to Paint Your Face White

Paint your face white before applying clown makeup

Painting your white face provides a base for theatrical and Halloween make-up. Vampire, clown, skeleton and Geisha girl costumes, as well as masks used in Kabuki theater, typically require a white face-paint base. Preparing your face and choosing a good-quality face paint will ensure a successful costume with minimal mess.

Things You'll Need

• Dense foam wedge

Instructions

1. Choose a white paint specifically intended for use on skin. You can find white face paint at costume stores and in most supermarkets during the fall season.

2. Wash your face and dry it thoroughly. Tie your hair back and place a towel over your shoulders to prevent the paint from soiling your clothes or hair.

3. Dampen a dense foam makeup sponge with water and dab it in your face paint. If using a liquid paint in a tube, pour a small amount of paint into a dish before working with it.

4. Apply the makeup evenly to your entire face, leaving a tiny bit of space around your hairline and eyes to prevent mess or irritation. Close your eyes when applying paint above them, and roll your eyes when applying paint underneath them. To avoid mess and possible infection, do not apply the makeup to or in your ears.

5. Apply additional colored face paint over the white base.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for allergies by applying a small amount of paint to your arm, then waiting a few days to see if a rash develops.

• Throw away makeup that smells sour or rancid. Face paint should be odorless, or should have a light scent similar to foundation or acrylic paint.

References

• Beauty Schools of America; Body Art; October 2010