Q&A for How to Face Paint

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  • Question
    I am going to be face painting a group of children at an elementary school. How can I make a good impression and ensure that they have a good time?
    Community Answer
    Talk to the child and ask them questions, such as their favorite color, animal, or super hero. If the child is young, ask him or her to focus on an object behind you; this will keep the child from squirming too much and will allow you to finish faster. The longer the child has to sit in the chair, is more impatient he or she will get.
  • Question
    Can I use oil paint?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely not. Oil paint, like the kind artists use, are dangerous to put on skin. If you must use an oil-based paint, try theatrical oil-based paint or grease paint (ie: Ben Nye). You can find them online, in costume shops, and in certain well-stocked party supply shops.
  • Question
    How do I face paint a dalmatian?
    Charlotte Gardner
    Community Answer
    Paint the base first, using white facepaint. Sponge on the approximate shape of a dalmatian's face: nose on the child's nose, muzzle on the child's upper lip, ears on the forehead, and the child's own eyes become the dog's eyes. Using a brush, add some black dalmatian spots. Do finishing work with a brush to enhance detail.
  • Question
    Can I use watercolors?
    Charlotte Gardner
    Community Answer
    No, only FDA approved cosmetic facepaint. Other paints are not designed for use on the skin and may stain, cause a reaction, look terrible or feel uncomfortable.
  • Question
    Do I need to add water to the paint? Should I put it in a tin?
    Community Answer
    On some occasions, either the type of face paint or the details you're desiring will determine whether or not to add water. Usually you don't need to though, as the paint is ready to apply. Putting it into a tin is a personal choice; if it works more easily that way for you, then go for it.
  • Question
    What kind of materials can be used for face painting?
    Community Answer
    Obtain some face paint, water, brushes (soft) or sponges and a handheld mirror to see yourself. Sometimes people get stencils and gems to enhance the final look.
  • Question
    Can you face paint Pokemon?
    Jocelynne Price
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, it just takes a little imagination and practice. To make it easier, use a reference picture of the Pokemon you are hoping to paint. Good luck!
  • Question
    Where can I find some samples of clown paintings?
    Jocelynne Price
    Community Answer
    You can Google pictures of clowns. If you want specific ideas for face painting, you might check out "clown makeup designs". You can also create your own by sketching out some different ideas.
  • Question
    How can I add a 3D effect in the face painting?
    Jocelynne Price
    Community Answer
    You can do this by contouring, which is simply using darker shades of that color to add shadows where they are needed and using lighter shades to add highlights. Mix in black to darken a color and white to lighten a color.
  • Question
    What type of design options should I practice for children?
    Charlotte Gardner
    Community Answer
    The most popular facepaints are a full face butterfly, full face tiger, rainbow eye designs, floral eye designs, and Spiderman. You can Google for examples.
  • Question
    Can I use watercolor brushes for face paint?
    Community Answer
    Yes, watercolor brushes may be used.
  • Question
    Could I charge money for this?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You could make a big business if you are good and have a lot of customers.
  • Question
    Which paint can I use on my body?
    Community Answer
    Most face paint is safe to use on the rest of your body, but colors such as red and green should be kept away from the eyes. Always be sure to test a small amount of the paint on your skin first, in case of allergies or irritation.
  • Question
    Can I use postal colors for face paint?
    Community Answer
    I would say you shouldn't, because they might be irritating to your skin. You can buy face paint from Amazon or craft stores.
  • Question
    Can I face paint by dipping my fingers in paint and painting a person's face?
    Community Answer
    No, you should only use brushes so that you do not get bacteria on the face that you are painting. The brushes will make it neater, as well.
  • Question
    How much face paint do you need for one person?
    Community Answer
    That depends on how covered your face is going to be.
  • Question
    Can I paint my own face?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Grab a mirror and paint away. It might be a little more difficult than doing so on another person, but it's like painting nails, and you'll get better with practice.
  • Question
    How do I paint a fairy?
    StormyRocker 152
    Community Answer
    Use pink tones and make sure your brush strokes are light and wispy. Fairies (depending on the style) tend to have a lot of swirls on them.
  • Question
    Where we can I purchase my baby wipes?
    Community Answer
    Any grocery store, superstore or pharmacy, as well as online. Be sure you get the fragrance-free type, as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
  • Question
    How do I paint a lion in face painting?
    Community Answer
    With any design, you should mark down your basics. A lion needs a muzzle, nose, and ears over a yellow base. There are many tutorials online to help you. Try searching for "Lion Face Paint Tutorial" for some inspiration.
  • Question
    What's the best long-lasting face paint?
    Community Answer
    Alcohol-based paint is the way to go. Water-based paint will run if you sweat or come off if you drink anything. Alcohol-based will not come off. It will only come off using alcohol.
  • Question
    Can bottled acrylic paint be used to paint faces?
    Community Answer
    No, absolutely not. Acrylic paint not only contains chemicals that are unsafe for the skin, but is plastic, dries hard, and is difficult to remove. You should only be using cosmetic grade face paint. You can find cheap stuff in craft stores, or you can order a reputable brand, like Tag, Global, or Mehron online. The difference in quality between the craft store versions and the brands listed is vast.
  • Question
    Can I use any other medium of paint if I apply a layer of foundation or some other base?
    Community Answer
    I'd say no. Most foundations are very oily and oil paint on top would result in a very shiny face. On the other hand, if you use water based face paint on foundation, the paint will separate from the foundation which will not look very good. You can buy special face paint bases though! Try Wolfe FX products.
  • Question
    What brand of face paint would be the best choice?
    Community Answer
    It depends what you are looking for. Whatever brand you choose, make sure it is water-activated, because that is the safest and easiest kind to work with.
  • Question
    How do I clean the brushes after each child?
    Community Answer
    You can just rinse them off thoroughly in a mix of hot water and dish soap.
  • Question
    Can I get my entire forehead painted?
    Community Answer
    Sure! You can paint whichever parts of the face you'd like.
  • Question
    How do I apply glitter to face paint?
    Gamer's Alive
    Community Answer
    Dip a sponge in water, then apply the glitter by a tube on the face and spread it from the soaked sponge. Try to spread different colors to make it look attractive.
  • Question
    Could I use face paint on my lips or hair?
    Community Answer
    You can use it on any place on your face, but keep it out of your eyes and mouth. It probably would not work in your hair.
  • Question
    How can I clean a brush after using face paint on it?
    Community Answer
    You can put cool tap water on top of brush, and rub the brush around to get the paint off of it.
  • Question
    Any suggestions for good face paint?
    Community Answer
    Some people like Snazaroo body paint. It comes in sticks or in a palette you can use sponges or brushes with.
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