What Kind of Paint do you use for Face Painting: A No-Nonsense Guide

Face painting is a timeless and beloved art form that brings joy to kids and adults alike. Whether you're gearing up for a children's party, a community event, or just some weekend fun, choosing the right paint is crucial. In this guide, we'll cut through the fluff and get straight to the point: What kind of paint do you use for face painting?

The Basics: Water-Activated vs. Oil-Based

Let's start with the basics – the two main types of face paint: water-based (activated) and oil-based.

Water activated face paints are the go-to choice for most face painters. They're easy to apply, quick to dry, and can be easily removed with soap and water. Plus, they're less likely to cause skin irritation, making them a safe bet for all ages.

On the flip side, oil-based paints have their own advantages. They tend to be more durable and can withstand sweat and water better than their water-based counterparts. However, they can be much trickier to remove.

The Kid-Friendly Factor

When it comes to face painting, especially for the little ones, safety is a top priority. Opting for paints that are specifically labeled as cosmetic grade, FDA compliant AND "non-toxic" and "safe for use on the face" is a no-brainer. Check for compliance with industry standards and regulations to ensure the well-being of the kids you are painting.

Do not go for brands only found on market places li Alibaba, Temu, Amazon, Ebay, etc as they tend to be a lot less pigmented and many are made with ingredients that are not cosmetic grade, risking the safety of the person being painted.

Choosing the Right Brand and Kind of Face Paint: Popular Face Paint Brand Reviews

Popular Brands are: Fusion Body Art, Superstar, Diamond FX, TAG Body Art Snazaroo, Wolfe FX, and Paradise by Mehron. There are many other brands out there but a lot of them, mostly the ones found on marketplaces for very cheap tend to lack the proper certifications and tend to be a lot lower quality and have no manufacturers insurance or even customer support in case of allergies.

There's no shortage of face paint brands on the market, but a few stand out in terms of quality and popularity.

1. Fusion Body Art: Known for its vibrant colors and easy application, Fusion Body Art is a favorite among both beginners and seasoned face painters. With a wide range of shades, it's easy to create everything from butterflies to superheroes.

2. Superstar: If you're looking for another professional-grade face paint, Superstar is a solid choice. It's highly pigmented, providing bold and striking colors that won't fade easily. Perfect for smooth and flexible designs that create high impact.

3. Mehron: Mehron offers a range of products, from water-based paints to professional greasepaints. Mehron's products are widely used in theater and film, attesting to their quality and durability.

For a much more in depth blog about different face paint brands and what are they good for to help you choose what kind of face paint to use for face painting, we highly suggest reading our The Ultimate Face Paint Guide - Brands Comparison blog.

On that blog we cover many things, but one of the most important ones is the difference between Glycerin Based, Wax Based, Powder Based and Alcohol Based face paints:

1 - Glycerin based face paints tend to be softer and are great for the base work of your design since they stay flexible even when dry.

2 - Wax based face paints are better for line work than glycerin based ones because they give you a crisper result, but they tend to be a bit less flexible so they can crack where the skin folds if applied to heavily. 

3 - Powder based face paints are great for base work during hot humid days as it it will withstand sweat and humidity a lot better than wax and glycerin based face paints, but they can not really be used for line work.

4 - Alcohol based face paints usually come as a liquid to be applied with an airbrush or sponge and brush and they are meant to last a lot longer, up to 3 days.

Best Kind of Face Paint Based on Different Scenarios

So, based on that information you might be wondering, what is the best kind of face paint for the following scenarios?

• Best Face Paint for Professional face paints: any professional face paint brand bought at a professional face paint store is good. A lot depends on preference. Some like more wax based paints, others prefer glycerin based, and most have a combination.
• Best Face Paint for Little Kids: keeping in mind that in some countries they recommend not painting kids under 3 years old because their skin is still developing, we suggest using light soft colors on little kids and keeping the designs simples. The easier to remove the paint, the more enjoyable the process will be for the little ones. Choose light colors from brands like Superstar, Fusion Body Art or Snazaroo.
• Best face paint for teens, young adults and adults: as mentioned before, you can use any type of face paint with this population (keeping in mind potential allergies) as they are capable of taking good care of their designs and then doing the removal process on their own. If you are looking for a wow factor, the best face paint for adults in our opinion is one that has bold colors and strong coverage, like Fusion Body Art, Superstar, TAG Body Art, Diamond FX and others.
• Best Face Paint for the Elderly: as suggested before, try using softer more flexible brands like Superstar or Paradise by Mehron, or using powders like Starblends. This way you will be able to have a smooth coverage that won't crack. 
• Best Face Paint for Beginner Artists: beginners need something that is easy to work with and here is where quality matters the most. A low quality brand will make it much harder to obtain the results you want. Go with brands like Fusion Body Art, Superstar, Paradise, TAG Body Art, Wolfe FX and Diamond FX if you want to have an easier time starting. Cheap low quality brands tend to lack pigmentation, have weird consistencies and many are simply not safe to be used on the skin.
• Best Face Paint for Dry or Oily Skin: if the skin is too dry, paints like pressed powders will have a harder time sticking to the skin, and alcohol based ones will dry the skin even more. Go for face paints that have special ingredients to help keep the skin smoother like Superstar or Paradise by Mehron. For oily skin pressed powders are perfect as they will stick much better and help absorb some of that extra oil. You can also use alcohol based face paints as the skin won't suffer as much.
• Best Face Paint for Special Effects Artists: special effects artists needs products that last and can tolerate a lot of action usually, as they can be used on a movie set or at a play, so working with oil based products, and alcohol based products is usually the best option. Special effects artists can also use the incredible UV paints that can be used over prosthetic appliances to create amazing effects.
• Best Face Paints for Professional Makeup Artists: several face paints are produced by highly recognized makeup brands like Kryolan, Mehron and Graftobian. All of those brands produce high quality face paints to complement their makeup lines and are perfect for makeup artists as they are designed with the makeup artists in mind. All other professional face paint brands like Fusion Body Art, Superstar, Diamond FX and more also great options since although they were not designed by a beauty makeup brand, they were still designed following cosmetic standards.
• Best Face Paint for Different Skin Colors: unlike you might read in some social media posts, there is no such thing as a best face paint for darker skin tones or lighter skin tones. There is not a perfect face paint for Black people and one for white people, or one for Latinos, or Asians, or Arabs, etc. The color of your skin does not matter so long you are using the products the right away. Any good professional face paint brand should provide a good coverage to look amazing on any skin color, just make sure to load your sponge and brush well.

A Deeper Look Into The Age Factor

We have covered a little bit of this above, but we would like to go in deeper and give you some extra information regarding this important information.

Although face paint is pretty much for everyone (in some countries they usually recommend avoiding face painting kids under 3 because their skin is still developing), skin does not stay the same texture as we grow older and younger skin tends to be more sensitive.

When painting younger kids choose face paints that are easier to remove, like water activated ones and work with lighter colors if possible. This way the removal process will be less complicated. Also, staying away from their eyes will mean no risk of tears when removing the paint with soap and water.

For young adults and teens you can go all in with color since they can do their own removal and will know how much to rub to remove the face paint without causing irritation.

The elderly tend to have more wrinkles which means it will be harder to make crisp lines and that if your paint is too watery it might run down the wrinkles. Try to avoid doing line work over areas of the skin that easily wrinkle, use soft flexible paints like Superstar, and work mostly with sponges and glitter. You can also use pressed powders as an alternative.

The Type of Design you Want to Create

This might not sounds like something that affects your choice of face paint, but in reality it does. As previously discussed if you are looking to create highly intricate designs with a lot of line work involved, using a wax based face paint might be best, while if you are just looking for a very flexible soft looking design then choosing a glycerin based face paint is the base option.

If instead your main goal is a long lasting design then choosing alcohol based paints is the right path.

Application Tips: Less is More

Now, let's talk technique. Face painting is an art, but that doesn't mean you need to pile on the paint. In fact, less is often more when it comes to face painting. Thin layers dry faster and are less likely to smudge. It also allows for more intricate detailing, especially for designs that require precision. But your base still needs to look nice and solid, so just apply your paint in layers until you see a good solid coverage that is still soft and flexible.

If you're new to face painting, start with simple designs and gradually work your way up to more complex creations. Practice on your own arm before unleashing your artistic prowess on someone else's face. If you need more detailed instructions on how to face paint we suggest that you visit our How to Face Paint - A Face Painting Guide for Beginners and Parents blog post.

Removal: Soap and Water, Baby Wipes, or Makeup Remover?

The party's over, and now it's time to remove the masterpiece from your face. The method you choose will depend on the type of paint you've used.

For water-based paints, a gentle soap and water combination usually does the trick. Baby wipes are another convenient option for quick cleanup on the go, but make sure that that the wipes are alcohol and fragrance free to avoid skin irritation. Whenever possible, soap and water are always the best choice.

Oil-based paints may require a bit more effort for removal. Makeup removers or cleansing oils can effectively break down the paint without causing harm to the skin. Remember to moisturize the skin afterward to prevent dryness.

Common Safety Concerns

Allergies and Skin Sensitivities

Face painting should be a delightful experience, not a cause for concern. If you or the person you're painting has sensitive skin or known allergies, take extra precautions.

Always check the ingredients list on the face paint packaging. Look for hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested options. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure there won't be an adverse reaction.

Choosing face paints without perfume or other common allergens is a great way to start and lucky for you there are many like that. At our store every face paint has the ingredients list based on what the manufacturer provided to us, and if they are not there, you can always ask us for an updated picture of the packaging showing the current ingredients list.

Non-toxic ingredients Claims

Although most face paint brands claim to be "non toxic", that alone means little in regards to safety. Face paints should be cosmetic grade and follow FDA and EU regulations for cosmetic formulation. Non toxic usually means that if swallowed or if in slight contact with the skin it won't cause severe reactions, but it does not mean it is actually intended to be used on the skin.

Other Craft Paints: Acrylic, Tempera and Oil paints

These paints are not designed to be used on the skin and should not be used as makeup. They can cause sever allergic reactions and even cause chemical burns. Although not everyone might react to them, risking it is not worth it. 

FDA Approved Face Paints Claims

The FDA, Food and Drug Administration, does not actually approve any makeup product, meaning a manufacturer does not send a finish product to the FDA for them to test and approve. The FDA regulates the pigments and some raw ingredients necessary to manufacture face paints. They do have a process of pigment certification and approval, but only for some. It is the obligation of face paint brands to be FDA compliant, which means, that they should follow FDA regulations and use only FDA approved ingredients for cosmetic application.

Patch testing for allergies

Doing a patch test is always recommended when trying a new product on your skin or on anyone's skin. A lot of brands suggest on their label to make a small patch test on the inside of the elbow and wait 30 minutes to one hour. If no reaction occurs then it can be considered safe to use the product, according to them. It is still best to always consult with the person being painted if they have any known allergy and read the label of your face paints to make sure that none of those allergens are present on your product (always be mindful of cross contamination as well, if a kid ate peanuts and you painted near their mouth with a poorly washed brush and then painted a kid that is allergic to peanuts afterwards, you might give me a reaction; hence why never double dip and always wash your brushes thoroughly).

Hygiene: Brushes, Sponges, and Sanitation

Maintaining a clean and sanitary kit is crucial for face painters. Brushes and sponges can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned between uses. Invest in high-quality brushes and wash them thoroughly after each session. Consider having multiple sets of brushes to avoid cross-contamination during events.

Sponges should be cleaned or replaced regularly. Washing them with soap and water after each use is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of germs.

Additionally, avoid double-dipping into paint pots to prevent contamination. 

Other Important Things to Keep In Mind When Face Painting

Tricks and Tips to Apply Face Paint Properly

In order to properly apply face paint it is important to use a slightly moist brush or sponge, rub it gently against the surface of the face paint cake until a light cream has formed and then apply to the skin. if using a sponge, then pat the sponge gently over the skin several times until you obtain the desired coverage. If using a brush, then make sure that your brush is not dripping water and use a gentle touch to create your line work.

Preparing the Skin before Face Painting

Prepping the skin before face painting someone is key to good results. You must remove any makeup, lotions, sun block, sweat and dirt that would affect the end result or prevent the paint from sticking to the skin surface properly. More importantly, some products like sun block can interact with face paint and cause an allergic reaction.

Using the Right Tools: Face Painting Brushes and Sponges

Choosing the right tools is critical to obtaining good results. A bad quality brush or the incorrect sponge can make it really difficult for you to get a good result. We suggest using brushes and sponges that you will find at face paint stores as those are specifically designed for these products. Latex sponges commonly used for makeup do not work well, and natural hair brushes commonly used for art are not good either for our face paints.

You can read more about the different face painting brushes there are on our blog.

Techniques for creating different effects

Face Painting involves many different techniques that in turn give you different results.

1 - Blending: you can blend two or more colors either together to create a new one, or next to each other to create a smooth transition.

2 - Stippling: you can create a stipple effect using a special stipple sponge or even a toothbrush to create effects like dirt stains or blood stains.

3 - Stenciling: using stencils you can create unique patterns that will give dimension to your designs.

4 - Highlights and shadows: using highlights and shadows properly you can create a 3D effect that will make your design stand out.

5 - UV: you can use black light reactive colors over prosthetic pieces or hair to make a black light reactive design.

6 - One stroke: using split cakes you can create amazing looking rainbows and other designs like flowers, leaves and more with just one stroke of your brush.

Most face painting designs involve the use of more than one technique and together they allow you to create a unique design that will make you stand out.

Removing Face Paint

Removing face painting is an important part of the experience and if done properly the child is more likely to want to repeat the experience. A traumatic removal experience can cause children to want to avoid face painting in the future. There are some simples steps that everyone should follow to remove water activated face paints:
1 - First apply liquid soap to a soft sponge or rag and gently rub the face paint in  a circular motion to loosen up the makeup.

2 - Rinse with fresh water making sure the soap and paint don't fall inside the eyes.

3 - If some color remains repeat step 1 and 2.

4 - If still a faint color remains, apply some lotion or skin safe oil and let it soak in for about 30 minutes and repeat step 1 and 2. That should be it, but in the very odd case that you still see a faint stain, an overnight sleep takes care of it thanks to regular sweating and skin shedding.

Skin Care After Face Painting

Since removing face paint from your skin requires the use of soap and water, it is not a bad idea to add some facial lotion to moisturize your skin and help it re gain its natural oils.

The Big Don'ts of Face Painting

There are some things that we highly suggest everyone to stay away from because they can result in allergies, skin damaged, contamination, bacteria growth and a lot more.

DIY Face Paint Recipes

A lot of people search over the internet how to DIY face paints in order to save some money or because they think they will find a safer alternative. Truth is, you should never attempt to DIY face paint as you could end up using ingredients not meant for the skin, or that mixed together are unsafe and can cause unpredictable chemical reactions, or that are only safe in very specific proportions. Also, a DIY recipe will have no actual exact formula, no insurance from a manufacturer, no lab tests done, it will likely be done in a non sterile environment and it can start to grow bacteria and mold since it is unlikely to have needed preservatives to keep it fresh for longer than a few hours.

Making your own face paints, as discussed above, is not a good idea. Some people, with the intention of making something more natural and with less "chemicals" tend to search for options like this and there are plenty of sites offering recipes that include beet juice, carrot juice, colored clay and other natural ingredients to make your own face paints, but truth is, again, that you will be making something that can potentially harm someone with allergies, or making chemical reactions with unknown effects. The face paints sold in our market have been tested for skin safety over and over according to the manufacturers. And if you still want a more natural option, the are brands like Natural Earth Face Paint and Ruby Red that make "organic" or "natural" options that have only naturally found ingredients but that have been tested and follow strict FDA regulations.

Face Paint Trends: Beyond the Basics

While the classics like butterflies and tigers never go out of style, there's a world of face paint trends waiting to be explored. From galaxy-themed designs to intricate geometric patterns, the possibilities are endless.

Experiment with different color combinations and techniques to stay ahead of the curve. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves of inspiration. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on popular designs or create something entirely new. If you need more inspiration visit our Face Painting Ideas blog post for over 125 up to date ideas with images.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Artist

In the world of face painting, the type of paint you choose is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you let your creativity run wild. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner with a brush, the key is to have fun and embrace the joy that face painting brings.

So, what kind of paint do you use for face painting? The answer is simple: one that is safe, cosmetic grade and bought from a professional face paint store. Now, go forth, paint some faces, and let the smiles begin!

FAQs

1. What is the best face paint to use for face painting?

Based on our vast experience we suggest using water activated wax or glycerin based face paints bought from professional face paint stores. Always making sure that the paint is cosmetic grade and intended to be used on the skin. Do not trust what some marketplace sellers on Alibaba, Amazon, Temu and such might tell you because many would make unstained claims just to make a sell. Go for professional face paint stores where a professional face painter will be able to assist you.

2. What things should I keep in mind when purchasing a face painting palette?

Start with quality and brand reputation, as that is the most important part. Then you can think about how many colors you need, how much face paint you need, what your budget is, etc. But always go for high quality trusted brands from a professional face paint store.

 

3. What is the best makeup for beginners who want to try out face painting?

We highly suggest the Perfect face Painting Kit from Fusion Body Art as it comes with everything you need to get started: face paints, glitter, sponges and brushes. All you need to add is water. 

4. What can be used instead of Face Paint?

The only good substitute to face paint is regular beauty makeup, but the results will be different and the possibilities are limited with those products.

5. What is the easiest face paint?

If you are looking for easy face painting designs we suggest to visit our Face Paint Ideas blog for quick and easy ones, but one of the easiest face paint designs is a butterfly face, and also one of the most popular ones.

Disclosure: The author used GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model to aid with the writing (to get better formulated sentences, create the text structure, find synonyms, etc). Upon generating draft language with a mix of author's contributions and AI generated text, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking.