Are you creating your first face paint palette? There are so many different formulations and types of face paint that it can be tough to figure out where to begin – liquids, powders, solid cakes? This quick guide will help you get started.
Starting Your Face Paint Collection
Collecting face paints is so much fun. There’s always something new to try. Before stocking up, it’s important to remember a few prerequisites: any paints you want to use directly on the face should be completely non-toxic and thoroughly tested. High quality supplies are always well worth the investment. If in doubt, a reputable manufacturer is always happy to answer any questions you may have.
We always recommend Jest Paint for their high quality selection of face and body paint products – use this guide in conjunction with their website for best results.
1. Solid And Base Colors
Which colors do you think you’ll use the most? Review your most requested designs. Most artists stock up on lots of white, black, green for monsters, orange for tigers, and so on. It’s helpful to purchase larger quantities of all the primary colors so you can mix and match as necessary – simply mash your cakes together with gloves and stick them into a container suitable for your sponges and brushes. Metallic bases are great for adding some sheer.
2. Rainbow Cakes And Gradients
Rainbow cakes, one-strokes, and gradient pots are just fun names for multicolored face paint tins. They are square tins with stripes of coordinated colors so that you can wipe your sponge or brush across a few times to get a nice even (and hopefully crisp) gradient.
One pot might have pinks and purples for quick one-stroke flowers; another might have warm tropical colors for easy sunsets or flames. They’re definitely the quickest way to make rainbows. You can create your own gradients at home to save time on popular designs.
3. Pens And Paint Markers
Pens and paint markers are ideal for doing quick line work on the face and tribal designs on the body. You can find models with disposable tips for big parties. High quality paint pens leave a very crisp line that does not smudge easily – but that also means that it is not very easy to remove. Pens are great for costuming and other all day applications.
4. Liquids For Airbrushing
Airbrushing is a complicated art and we will not discuss much of it here. Airbrushes are not a common choice for face painting, although many artists do use them to create stunning body works. Some face painters to use large bottles of liquid paint to create base coats on the face, though they generally use a brush or sponge to apply it. It does not behave or blend the same way that cakes do, making them an unsuitable replacement.
5. Powder For Effects And Setting
Plain powders help to set designs on hot or sweaty days. Metallic and glitter powders are extremely popular for decorative detailing use. These go on after the rest of the paint is applied. Shiny and glittery finishes are must-haves for robots, fairies, and princesses. Make sure that you are only using effects powders approved for facial cosmetic use – some of the body brands are not appropriate for use around the eyes.
Other Fun Face Paint Effects To Consider
With a few simple accessories, you can make your painting experience easier than ever. Stencils are popular for complicated yet oft-requested designs like flowers and tiny butterflies. You could get your own stencil-making kit to create a pattern in support of your local college football team or other meaningful symbols.
Glue-on jewels are also popular, along with the glitter and metallic mentioned earlier. Our favorites include little jewels that look like screw heads (ideal for robots or Frankenstein monsters) and little jewels with feathers attached to create neat false eyelashes. Wigs and hair accessories – along with animal ears – can serve as the perfect final addition for special occasions.
Get excited. Building your collection is an awful lot of fun, and as you meet other face paint artists, you’ll be sure to swap tips and recommendations. Keep trying new things; you’ll figure out your favorites in no time. .0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA’>Always keep an eye open for new tools to try, but don’t worry about delving into the specialty and luxury areas until you know exactly what you need. Take the time to try the brushes of other face paint artists whenever you can. You’ll have a list of favorites before you know it!
Author Bio
Kate is a painter and designer. Her work of art is highly appreciated on her personal blog. She also freelances for many publishers.