Body Painting: Practical Tips

Butterflies, cats, dogs, fairies, ghosts, witches, wizards ... kids of all ages love having their faces painted. Here are a few tips to help.

Tip 1: Make Your Own Paint

Professional face paint and stage makeup can be expensive, particularly if you're painting a whole kids party's worth of faces. Use this simple face paint recipe to make your own. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and will wash off with warm water (though it will never be as good as professional makeup!).

Tip 2: Sponge Don't Brush

If you're wanting to cover a large area or put on a base colour, use a sponge to apply the paint rather than a brush, it'll be quicker. Having a different sponge for different colours eliminates the necessity of washing out the sponge during a painting session (the same applies to brushes).

Tip 3: Be Patient and Think Thin

Let the first colour dry before applying a second. If you don't, they'll mix and you'll probably have to wipe it off and start again. Also, rather than applying one thick layer of paint, which may crack, apply a thin layer, let it dry, then apply another.

Tip 4: Visualise the Finished Face

Know what you're going to paint before you start, don't make it up as you go along. Kids aren't known for their patience and won't be able to sit still why you ponder what to do next. Have a basic face design fixed in your mind; you can always add special touches to this once you're finished (if your model is still sitting still).

Tip 5: Special Effects

The paint you're using will work as a basic glue. To create bumpy noses or big eyebrows, soak a bit of cotton wool in the paint, place on face, cover with a piece of tissue, and paint. Puffed rice or wheat make ideal warts; simply cover with a bit of tissue and paint. For an extra-ghostly effect, apply a light dusting of flour once you've finished painting the face (be sure to get your subject to close their eyes tightly).

Tip 6: Use Stencils

If you're not confident painting freehand, or are short of time, why not use a stencil? Stars, hearts, flowers will all stencil onto a cheek. Have stencils in a few sizes to hand, to allow for small and larger faces.

Tip 7: Temporary Tattoos

Even faster than stencils are temporary tattoos. But some people's skin reacts badly to them and they take longer to remove. Glitter is also great for a quick, dramatic effect, but it gets everywhere and is very hard to get rid of!

Tip 8: Getting a Decision

If you've got a row of kids lined up to have their faces painted, ask the next kid in line what they'd like a few minutes before you've finished the face you're currently painting. This way they've a little time to try to decide and you don't lose painting time. You may suggest a few faces, to try to limit the choice to one you're confident painting.

Tip 9: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Most Beautiful of All?

Remember to take a mirror so the person who's face you've just painted can see the result.

Tip 10: Stock Up on Tissues

You'll probably use more tissues or wipes than you think for wiping your hands, brushes, etc. Face painting can be messy, but it's fun!