Face Painting

There’s no need to wear a mask for Halloween when you can paint your face in minutes. Fancy stage makeup isn't necessary because inexpensive face paint kits are good quality and very simple to use. With a little time and patience, you can achieve near professional results that will impress friends and family.

One benefit to face makeup is safety. Most masks obscure vision in some way and make it difficult to see, especially at night. Both children and adults are less likely to have an accident if their faces are painted on rather than covered with a mask, which is a hindrance. Today's paints are friendly to your skin and come off very easily. Best of all, they're fairly cheap!

Tools of the Trade

You can usually find face paint at any store which stocks Halloween supplies and costumes. Most paints are available in kits and offer a variety of colors. If you need many colors, you may need to buy more than one kit or find pots with individual colors. Some collections include brushes and sponges for application. It's a good idea to have several brushes handy so that you don't need to wash them every time you switch colors. Chances are, you'll need to go back to a color previously used.

Brushes are great for painting on intricate details around your eyes, mouth and lips. Sponges work well for painting your foundation, that is, creating your base -- which may cover your entire face. Loose powder is usually not included in the kits but is recommended for "setting" your design. If you don't have any, loose translucent powder works fine and can be found in the makeup section of any store that carries makeup. You can also add glitters and sparkle for eye-catching appeal. Dust your face with a large, quality brush that doesn't shed bristles.

Tricks of the Trade

Before you begin, you should have a plan, which is basically a map of your desired design. Whether it be a clown, an animal, or a character, you can draw the face on a regular piece of paper and paint accordingly. If this isn't your cup of tea, look for additional ideas online or in books. Using a template or stencil will give you a guide to simplify the process.

A base paint isn't always necessary. Simple designs may only require paint around the eyes, lips, and cheeks. This may be the best option for those who are prone to breaking out. Try buying your paint several days in advance so that you can read the instructions and run an allergy test, particularly on kids. This can be done on the inside of the arm, for about ten to twelve hours to ensure that the makeup can be worn with no adverse reactions. Make sure you use only paint that is made for the face and avoid any areas with cuts, sores or skin infections.

Removing Face Paint

Most face painting kits come with instructions for removal but since the paint is water-based, it should come off fairly easily with mild soap and warm water. As with application, it's important to make sure it does not get into the eyes. Baby wipes or makeup removal pads will help clean areas around the eyes, nose, mouth, and other areas that the soap missed. Keep your face clean for several hours afterwards to allow your skin to breathe.

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